Baroness Bertin visits The Haven Camberwell

29 October 2026 - "Raising awareness of sexual assault referral centres and the safe spaces we provide is a key part of what we do."

On Thursday 15 October, The Haven Camberwell team welcomed Baroness Bertin (pictured third from the left) to learn about the important work they do, supporting people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

The Baroness, who came to find out more about The Havens to support her work in Parliament, met with a range of staff members during a tour of the service. She heard how they work together as a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional care and support, tailored to each person that is referred to them or who self-refers. Further discussions covered psychology services and how adult and children and young people’s services continue evolving to support specific needs. The team also shared insights into their ongoing partnership work, training and awareness raising initiatives.

Three Havens sites currently operate across London, run by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and jointly funded by NHS England and The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Combined, the service is the largest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) in the country.

Martin Slack, Service Manager for The Havens, said: “Having Baroness Bertin come to visit was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the work that we do to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse and related harm.

“Our service is and continues to be shaped by the experience of the people we support both immediately after a referral and longer term. This is what allows us to be so responsive to their needs. Our work spans forensic medical examinations, non-acute examinations for children and young people, trauma-informed support, advocacy, advice, and training for key partner agencies, including the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, Children Social Care, and healthcare settings. We provide truly holistic care, supporting individuals throughout their journey while helping strengthen the wider response to sexual violence.

“Raising awareness of sexual assault referral centres and the safe spaces we provide is also a key part of what we do. It is important to us that people know our service is here for them 24/7.”