SARSAS and UWE Bristol launch survivor-led Health Research Partnership
SARSAS is proud to announce a new survivor-led health research partnership with UWE Bristol, supported through a Researcher in Residence award from BNSSG ICB.
This collaboration strengthens survivor-centred research and support around sexual and reproductive health, formalising a longstanding relationship between the two organisations and reinforcing a shared commitment to improving access to trauma-informed healthcare for survivors of sexual violence.
Survivor voice at the heart of healthcare research
The partnership brings together the expertise of Dr Jane Meyrick, Associate Professor of Health Psychology at UWE Bristol and SARSAS, alongside the NHS, The Bridge SARC and survivor voice groups.
It builds on previous UWE research showing that many survivors of sexual violence avoid healthcare for much of their lives, particularly sexual and reproductive healthcare, due to the lasting impact of trauma. The work highlights how trauma can continue to affect access to care long after the experience of harm, creating significant health inequalities for survivors.
What is a Researcher in Residence?
The Researcher in Residence role formalises collaborative working between SARSAS and UWE Bristol, providing continuity, dedicated research capacity, and strategic support for:
- embedding trauma-informed practice in healthcare systems
- ensuring survivor leadership shapes research, policy and service design
- strengthening links between the NHS, voluntary sector and academic partners.
This research approach is grounded in lived experience and directly informs real-world improvements in healthcare for survivors.
Strengthening trauma-informed, survivor-centred healthcare
SARSAS and UWE Bristol have a well-established history of working together to influence policy and practice. This new partnership builds on that foundation, ensuring survivor voices continue to shape system-wide understanding and responses to sexual violence.
The project will also support future research programmes and funding opportunities across the NHS, voluntary sector and academia, contributing to long-term improvements in equitable access to healthcare and survivor wellbeing.
“This partnership supports us to continue shaping services that genuinely reflect survivor needs and experiences. Working closely with UWE Bristol helps us champion trauma-informed, empowering approaches to healthcare and ensure survivors’ voices remain at the heart of everything we do.“
Lorri Weaving, SARSAS CEO
“Survivor-led research is essential for improving access, safety, and equity in healthcare. Formalising this collaboration ensures that survivors are put at the heart of their own care.”
Dr Jane Meyrick, UWE Bristol
This partnership is funded through Research Capability Funding (RCF) 2025/26 from BNSSG ICB, supporting collaborative research that directly benefits local communities and promotes continuous improvement in healthcare services.
About SARSAS
SARSAS provides specialist support for people affected by rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse at any time in their life, across Somerset and Avon
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