Sexual assault support

The Bridge

The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

Their specialist team will be there for you  if you are:

They also offer information and support to friends and family if someone you care about has been affected by rape or serious sexual assault.

Call them for free and confidential advice on 0117 342 6999. They’re there 24/7, 365 days a year. Click here to visit their website.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Rape Crisis England & Wales is a feminist organisation that exists to promote the needs and rights of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, to improve services to them and to work towards the elimination of sexual violence.

Rape Crisis Centres are women-led and offer a range of support, advocacy, counselling and information in women-only safe space. Some also provide separate space and services for male sexual violence survivors and/or for men who are supporting a survivor.

Click here to visit their website.

SARSAS

SARSAS are a specialist support service for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, or South Gloucestershire, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.

You can view and download the SARSAS Poster and SARSAS Leaflet for more information.

They offer a confidential helpline, regular support sessions, counselling, and email support to individuals.  They can also offer training and advice to professionals.

SARSAS also supports the friends and family of people affected by sexual violence.

SARSAS currently offers a helpline service 5 times a week, structured support, email support, and can also provide advocacy services.

Click here to visit their website.

Improved Access

We are working together with other local practices to offer patients access to more appointments in the early mornings, evenings and at weekends. To find out more about these services, please contact the practice.

Group A Streptococcus - Information for families and carers of children

You may have seen reports about a higher-than-usual level of Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections in children this year, and we understand if you are concerned.

GAS is a common bacteria – lots of people carry it without being unwell.

It can cause many common mild infections, including sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. 

The information below explains how it is spread, and what to look for when your child is unwell.

How is it spread?

GAS spreads by close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Which infections does GAS cause?

The bacteria usually causes a mild infection, producing sore throats or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics.

What is invasive group A strep?

This is when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). These cases are very rare.

Symptoms of mild GAS infections

Symptoms of mild infections include: sore throat; fever; chills; muscle aches; and in cases of scarlet fever, a rash and a white coating on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps

When to contact us:

– If your child is not recovering after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection, and you are concerned they are becoming more unwell

– If your child is drinking much less (50% less) than normal

– If your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration

– If your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is three to six months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher

– If your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

– Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs

– There are pauses when your child breathes

– Your child’s tongue or lips are blue, or their skin is mottled/pale

– Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

– Your child has a weak, continuous, or high-pitched cry