Queen praises 'brilliant' sex assault centre staff

Queen Camilla has praised the "brilliant" efforts of health workers and staff at a newly opened Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Exeter.

After touring the purpose-built facility and meeting privately with a survivor, she expressed her admiration for the staff's dedication.

"You do a brilliant job, and you shouldn't go unrecognised," the Queen said during a plaque unveiling ceremony.

While in the city she also toured CoLab - a multi-agency health and wellbeing hub that brings together organisations providing learning, mental health, housing and homelessness services.

Devon & Cornwall SARCs are part of the NHS and the service manages SARCs in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro, offering support throughout the region.

"Talking to one of the survivors, the difference it made to her life, I don't think you realise just quite how needed you are," she said.

The Queen was shown various parts of the centre, including forensic medical examination suites and clinical rooms.

She also met Dr Hannah Law, who showed her the children's room filled with toys.

The Queen remarked on the unfortunate necessity of such facilities, noting the high number of children who require their services.

The Queen has long been an advocate for sexual assault victims.

She recently revived the Wash Bags Project, an initiative she championed years ago that provides essential items to those attacked.

The project is now supported by charity In Kind Direct and pharmacist Boots.

CoLab service user, Afnan Tellesy, 37, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the staff and the Queen's recognition of their work.

"I'm proud of all the ladies that are in this room and also how far I've come," she said.

"I've got my forever home and I'm still on my journey, but I know they're here and without that I think I would literally not be here."

Fiona Carden, CEO of CoLab, said: "It's wonderful that someone with so much power is able to raise the profile of CoLab and challenge the stigma around domestic violence.

"Her passion and genuine interest in the stories of the women she met were truly validating."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].