Nottingham based Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service recognised at Buckingham Palace
The East Midlands Children and Young People's Sexual Assault Service (EMCYPSAS) based at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has been formally recognised at Buckingham Palace.
The team was acknowledged for their support for survivors of rape and sexual assault in the region.
Consultant Community Paediatricians, Fiona Straw and James Fildes, have been the EMCYPSAS service leads for the past six years, and this week visited Buckingham Palace to discuss their work.
The service is one of two hubs which provides help to children and young people who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the East Midlands. The service provides comprehensive support, from initial medical examination through to follow-up care and therapeutic support.
The Queen has worked to highlight organisations supporting victims of rape and sexual assault for over ten years and in 2017 developed a scheme to provide wash bags to victims, which are given out at EMCYPSAS. The wash bags were originally launched at the Boots headquarters in Nottingham.
Fiona Straw said: “Visiting the palace and meeting the Queen was a fantastic experience! It was amazing to discuss all the other incredible work that is taking place around the country.
“The wash bags provided through The Queen’s initiative are loved by the children and young people; it gives them something of their own and makes them feel cared for. It was lovely talking to her majesty about them in more detail.”
James Fildes said: “Visiting Buckingham Palace, was an amazing experience and hearing how other organisations help children and young people who have been affected by rape or sexual assault was truly inspiring.
“We help over 500 children per year and although this can be a tough job at times, it is also very rewarding. Giving these children a safe space to process what has happened, away from official police settings, is what this service is all about.”
The EMCYPSA service amongst other organisations, survivors and dignitaries were at the Buckingham Palace reception. The Queen made a speech thanking those who attended and highlighting the amazing work that is taking place. She then personally thanked everyone in attendance, finding out more about the work that is taking place.
The EMCYPSAS service is contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. You get it contact with them for advice or to make a referral on 0800 183 0023, or you can find more information via their website or via Instagram.