Jenni Minto

The Sycamore Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) for adults in NHS Lothian was officially opened by women’s health minister Jenni Minto, alongside two Bairns’ Hoose children’s houses offering safe, child-friendly spaces for children and young people following trauma.

Supported by nearly £3 million of Scottish government funding, the Sycamore, which has been accepting patients since 2023, and Bairns’ Hoose services, which became operational in April this year, have been developed in partnership with NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and local authorities. They provide a coordinated response to people who have experienced trauma, offering them access to the care they need in a comfortable and welcoming setting.

Ms Minto said: “The opening of these vital services is a significant step in supporting victims of sexual assault, as well as ensuring that young people and children have access to the specialised support and care they need following trauma and abuse.

“The Sycamore and Bairns Hoose embodies the Scottish government vision to create safe, person centred environments in which people can have their needs met under one roof.”