Representatives of The Rowan attend Buckingham Palace reception

Representatives of The Rowan travelled to Buckingham Palace this month for a special reception hosted by The Queen.

The event was organised to recognise the collective work of individuals and organisations who support survivors of sexual violence and assault, and to celebrate the relaunch of The Washbag Project. First initiated by Her Majesty in 2013, it provides people with a wash bag filled with practical items when they attend Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

The Northern Trust’s Joanna Brown, Head of Service at The Rowan, said: “It was a real honour for us to be invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of the work we do to support survivors of sexual violence.

“The Washbag Project, which runs in partnership with InKind Direct and Boots, makes a real difference to victims of sexual assault during their time of crisis, and is a demonstrable symbol that their health and wellbeing really matters to others.

“All of us at The Rowan are very pleased to be a part of the project, and being at Buckingham Palace was a great reminder about the importance of the work we do.”

During the event, Her Majesty read a letter from a survivor who had appreciated ‘the kindness of strangers at a very dark time’ when given a washbag, and she spoke to all of those in the room who have helped survivors in so many different  ways, including volunteering, donations and professional support.

The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre, located in Antrim, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to children, young people, women and men who have been sexually assaulted or raped, whether this happened in the past or more recently.

If you need support or advice please contact 0800 389 4424.

21st May 2024