A DEDICATED service for Cumbrian victims of rape and sexual assault has opened in the county.

Specialist services will be delivered from the new sexual assault referral centre, called The Bridgeway, based on the Penrith Hospital site.

The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service, which will have yearly running costs of £650,000, is the first centre of its kind in the country.

The centre brings together a number of newly-commissioned services including forensic-medical services, counselling, independent sexual violence advisors with referral pathways to existing services, to provide co-ordinated support for victims.

Speaking of the launch, Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I am delighted to launch The Bridgeway sexual assault support service. The services provided will offer a vital lifeline to those who have been victims of rape and sexual assault in the county."

Dr Neela Shabde Clinical Director for Children’s Commissioning at NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Cumbria can be very proud of what is happening here. The opening of The Bridgeway Centre means Cumbria can offer a comprehensive, responsive and sensitive service to the victims of sexual assault and abuse.

"The victims will be given access to the same facilities, care and expertise as those elsewhere in the UK. It also means victims will be seen and supported by specialists much closer to home. It has taken real commitment and drive from many organisations to make this happen.”

Julie Dhuny, head of health and justice for NHS England, Cumbria and the North East said: “It is fantastic that through effective partnership, the new sexual assault referral centre in Cumbria has been launched.

“This first-class facility has been designed specifically with the needs of users in mind and will provide a safe, comfortable environment during a distressing time.

Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Cath Thundercloud said: “The Bridgeway will be a vital resource to the people of Cumbria and will see the police working with partners to support victims during what can be a very distressing time.

“We take any report of sexual assault seriously and all reports are dealt with sensitively and professionally by our dedicated specialists and investigators, but it is important that victims recognise that there other avenues, such as The Bridgeway, to offer support when they need it.”

The Bridgeway is supported by a 24-hour telephone helpline (0808 118 6432), staffed by crisis workers, who can advise victims of sexual assault/abuse, conduct a risk assessment and make referrals onto appropriate services.

It has been co-funded by Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, NHS England, Cumbria NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, Eden District Council, South Lakeland District Council and the Home Office.