HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WILL HOST A RECEPTION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE TO RECOGNISE THOSE WHO SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND TO MARK THE RELAUNCH OF THE WASH BAGS PROJECT
Wednesday 1st May 2024
Her Majesty The Queen will host a reception to recognise those who support survivors of sexual assault and to mark the relaunch of the Wash Bags project, in partnership with In Kind Direct and Boots, at Buckingham Palace.
The Wash Bags Project was initiated by the Queen as Duchess of Cornwall in 2013 after hearing the stories of rape and sexual abuse survivors during her visits to the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). The scheme provides a wash bag of toiletries, donated by Boots, to people who have been affected by rape and sexual abuse. The bags are offered at SARCs after a forensic examination, as a small gesture of comfort during a difficult time.
The relaunch of the Wash Bags Project sees In Kind Direct come on board as the distribution partner for this initiative, alongside Boots, which continues to provide the wash bags and contents. In Kind Direct is a charity founded in 1996, by the King as Prince of Wales.
The Queen will host approximately 300 guests including staff from SARCs, service users and representatives from key organisations, including charities, police forces and health services, as well as many of the places Her Majesty has visited, including Rape Crisis South London, The Women’s Centre Cornwall, The Havens, Croydon RASASC and the Mirabel Centre, Nigeria, of which Her Majesty is patron.
During the event, the Queen will meet high-profile women who have highlighted this cause, including Emma Barnett, Zara McDermott and Cherie Blair. Her Majesty will also deliver a speech, thanking the assembled guests for their work in support of survivors of sexual violence.
