First Light Swindon & Wiltshire

01/04/2026

**Please note, some of our service will be closed or providing limited services during the Easter Bank Holiday.

Swindon and Wiltshire SARC will continue to operate 24/7 as usual over the Bank Holiday.
If you need support, reach out to them at 01793 781917.

Your safety and well-being are our top priority, and we want to ensure that you have the support you need at all times.

If you require urgent assistance during this Bank Holiday weekend, please reach out to the following 24/7 helplines:
📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
📞 National R**e Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999

Remember, if you are in immediate danger, please do not hesitate to call 999.

All services will return to regular operating hours from Tuesday 7th April.

30/03/2026

We are pleased to share that today, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has issued a clear national position warning against the use of self swab r**e kits. This is a significant moment for survivors, for justice, and for everyone working in the sexual violence sector.

This announcement follows sustained campaigning by R**eCrisis England & Wales and First Light to ensure that victims/survivors receive accurate advice about the support available to them, and are aware of the risks posed by unregulated home r**e kits.

We are pleased to share that today, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has issued a clear national position warning against the use of self swab r**e kits. This is a significant moment for survivors, for justice, and for everyone working in the sexual violence sector.

This announcement follows sustained campaigning by R**eCrisis England & Wales and First Light to ensure that victims/survivors receive accurate advice about the support available to them, and are aware of the risks posed by unregulated home r**e kits.

Working with Chief Constable Sarah Crew (NPCC Lead for Adult S*xual Offences) and the National Centre for Violence Against Women & Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP), the NPCC has concluded that forensic evidence gathered in uncontrolled, non clinical environments, without proper continuity or oversight, is at high risk of being challenged in court and may ultimately be unusable.

As CC Crew states, self swabbing “places an unfair burden on victims at a moment of crisis and risks both their wellbeing and the integrity of any investigation.”

This national position now aligns with the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine, NHS England, the Association of Forensic Science Providers, and R**e Crisis England & Wales, a united stance across medicine, forensics, policing, and specialist support services.

Since we first raised concerns last November, the situation has only become more serious. We are aware of a survivor’s kit going missing in the post, and most distressingly, a case involving a child being dropped following the use of such a kit.

The safest and most effective route for anyone who has been r**ed or sexually assaulted remains their local S*xual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

SARCs provide specialist forensic care, medical support, counselling and safeguarding, available with or without police involvement.

Find your nearest SARC:
England: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-r**e-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre
Scotland: https://www.nhsinform.scot/turn-to-sarcs (or call free: 0800 148 88 88)
Wales: https://performanceandimprovement.nhs.wales/functions/networks-and-planning/wsas/access-a-sarc/
Northern Ireland: https://therowan.hscni.net/

Read the full NPCC statement:
https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/statement-on-use-of-self-swabbing-after-r**e-and-serious-sexual-assault
Read the First Light response:
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/news_and_stories/first-light-supports-r**e-crisis-england-and-wales-on-self-swab-r**e-kits/
Read the R**e Crisis England & Wales response:
https://r**ecrisis.org.uk/news/rcews-updated-statement-on-self-swab-r**e-kits/

24/03/2026

We’re so proud to share this powerful reflection from someone who completed our Trauma Stabilisation sessions:

“After completing the Trauma Stabilisation sessions, I feel I now have the tools I need to move forward with my life.

I’m feeling genuinely hopeful about the future.”

Moments like this remind us why our work matters, healing is possible, hope can return, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, we’re here.

You’re not alone.
www.FirstLight.org.uk

17/03/2026

We are proud to share our Impact Report for 2024 - 2025

Last year, we supported 24,088 people affected by sexual violence, domestic abuse, and church-related abuse.

From launching a crisis fund for women and girls, to creating resources for parents through HappyHealthyLove, and tackling abuse in sports with They Think It’s All Over, your support made this possible.

None of this could happen without YOU, our volunteers, donors, fundraisers, partners, and staff. Thank you for standing with us and helping ensure every voice is heard, believed, and supported.

👉 Read the full report here:
https://www.firstlight.org.uk/news_and_stories/first-light-impact-report-2024-2025/

12/03/2026

Every year, thousands of family members, friends, colleagues, and children are impacted by sexual violence, domestic abuse and church-related abuse.

That’s why we provide a wide range of specialist support services across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and throughout England & Wales.

Wherever you are, and whatever you’re facing
you will be believed, you will be heard, and you will be supported.

You’ll find regional contact information in the visual below, making it easier for you or someone you know to reach out for help in your local area.

For more information about our services, please visit our website via the link in our bio.

We’re here for you, every step of the way.

*xualViolenceAwareness

02/03/2026

It’s easy to believe that abuse is something that happens to other people, that you’d recognise it if it were affecting someone close to you.

The truth is that many people rarely share their experiences of abuse.
For some, it can take years before they feel able to speak out.

Domestic Abuse and S*xual Violence affect us all.

Every year, thousands of family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and children are impacted.

That’s why we provide a wide range of supportive services across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and throughout England & Wales.

We support people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, because everyone deserves to be believed, heard, and supported.

For more information about our services, visit www.Firstlight.org.uk or visit the link in our bio.

We’re here for you, every step of the way.

26/02/2026

Relationships can be amazing, but one of the hardest situations is feeling pressured into something you’re not OK with, especially when it comes to intimacy or boundaries.

If that’s ever happened to you,
first off: you’re not alone.
And second: you have every right to stand your ground.

Here’s what you can do if you ever feel pressured:

Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, that feeling matters.

Say “no” clearly and confidently.
You don’t need to explain yourself or justify your boundaries.

Remove yourself from the situation if you can.
Your safety comes first, always.

Reach out to someone you trust.
Talking can help you feel supported and less alone.

Remember: real respect means no pressure, ever.

Healthy relationships are built on understanding, patience, and mutual consent.

If you’re struggling or want support, reaching out to a trusted friend, professional, or support organisation can make a huge difference.

You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to feel heard.

And your boundaries always matter.

23/02/2026

20/02/2026

Bluestar are currently developing a new programme for the Bluestar Project.

The aim is to support children, young people and families to have their voices heard, helping to shape better services for others who have experienced trauma. By sharing experiences, participants can help services, funders and policy‑makers create more informed and effective support.

If you live in Swindon or Wiltshire, are aged 14+, and have experienced sexual trauma, or are a parent/carer of a young person who has,

Bluestar would welcome your involvement in a 1‑to‑1 anonymous interview. If you feel comfortable, please reach out to them.

We are currently working on a programme for the Bluestar Project. It's all about supporting children, young people and families to have their voices heard - ...

19/02/2026

First Light Stands with Harriet as She Shares Her Story

This includes references to child sexual abuse and may be difficult for some readers.

First Light stands in full support of Harriet, who has shared her story and encouraged others affected by sexual abuse to seek help.

In January, Wi******er Crown Court convicted her sister of inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity after Harriet detailed years of abuse she experienced as a young teenager. The judge issued a 15 month suspended sentence and placed the offender on the S*x Offenders Register for ten years.

Harriet, who was just 13 when the abuse began, spoke powerfully in court about the long term impact of the trauma she endured and her determination to reclaim her future. Addressing her abuser directly, she said:

“This is no longer mine to carry.
This is your shame now.
This is your guilt now.

You must sit with what you did to your baby sister. I will leave here and rebuild my life. I will heal, and I will keep going for myself and for my son.

You, however, will live with this for the rest of your life. And the world will know the truth.”

First Light supported Harriet throughout her journey, along with Horizon Victim Support.

Rach Barr, First Light Independent S*xual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service Manager, said:

“Harriet’s story is an important reminder that an abuser can be anyone, including people who are meant to protect us, people we trust and people we love.

Harriet’s bravery in sharing her experience, and her powerful words, remind us that we may not always recognise abuse when it is happening, or we may be carrying the impact of abuse and not know where to turn.

We want you to know that you are not alone. Support is available, and you will be believed and supported.”

Harriet also shared that reporting the abuse marked a turning point in her life, giving her the strength and safety to begin healing after years of trauma.

She said:
“I want to give hope to others who have suffered similar abuse that you will be believed and listened to, and supported.

You are not alone.”

At First Light Swindon and Wiltshire, we provide:
• Trauma informed support for anyone affected by sexual violence or sexual abuse
• Specialist Independent S*xual Violence Advisors (ISVA)
• Emotional and practical guidance throughout police and court processes
• A safe, confidential space to talk at your own pace
• S*xual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) support
You will be believed.
You will be listened to.

You are not alone.

If you need support

If you have been affected by sexual violence, whether recently or in the past, our specialist teams are here for you.

We are here to help you take the next step whenever you feel ready.

Read the full story at: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/news_and_stories/first-light-stands-with-harriet-as-she-shares-her-story/

First Light Stands with Harriet as She Shares Her Story

This includes references to child sexual abuse and may be difficult for some readers.

First Light stands in full support of Harriet, who has shared her story and encouraged others affected by sexual abuse to seek help.

In January, Wi******er Crown Court convicted her sister of inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity after Harriet detailed years of abuse she experienced as a young teenager. The judge issued a 15 month suspended sentence and placed the offender on the S*x Offenders Register for ten years.

Harriet, who was just 13 when the abuse began, spoke powerfully in court about the long term impact of the trauma she endured and her determination to reclaim her future. Addressing her abuser directly, she said:

“This is no longer mine to carry.
This is your shame now.
This is your guilt now.

You must sit with what you did to your baby sister. I will leave here and rebuild my life. I will heal, and I will keep going for myself and for my son.

You, however, will live with this for the rest of your life. And the world will know the truth.”

First Light supported Harriet throughout her journey, along with Horizon Victim Support.

Rach Barr, First Light Independent S*xual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service Manager, said:

“Harriet’s story is an important reminder that an abuser can be anyone, including people who are meant to protect us, people we trust and people we love.

Harriet’s bravery in sharing her experience, and her powerful words, remind us that we may not always recognise abuse when it is happening, or we may be carrying the impact of abuse and not know where to turn.

We want you to know that you are not alone. Support is available, and you will be believed and supported.”

Harriet also shared that reporting the abuse marked a turning point in her life, giving her the strength and safety to begin healing after years of trauma.

She said:
“I want to give hope to others who have suffered similar abuse that you will be believed and listened to, and supported.

You are not alone.”

Read the full story at: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/news_and_stories/first-light-stands-with-harriet-as-she-shares-her-story/

12/02/2026

AI is changing EVERYTHING the way we live, learn, and have relationships and we want to hear how it’s affecting you.

FearFree and First Light have teamed up to run a survey to find out what young people think about AI and how you use it.

Your answers will help us make sure that the support we provide fits the world we're living in today.

It's quick, easy, and totally confidential.

Click the link below or in our bio.
https://forms.office.com/e/RPZKKnSKEG