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Why #SmallCharityWeek Matters to The STAR Centre

Posted on June 25 2024 at 15:51

This year #SmallCharityWeek is highlighting how important small charities are to communities throughout the UK, and calling for greater investment in smaller, grassroots organisations. This movement means so much to us at The STAR Centre. As a small charity ourselves, we greatly appreciate all the events and opportunities for learning provided by Small Charity Week, and welcome the call to support smaller organisations like ourselves. Read on to find out more about the issues facing small charities across the UK and what you can do to help.

[Read time: 4 mins]

Welcome To Our New Trustees

Posted on June 18 2024 at 15:49

The STAR Centre are delighted to welcome our new Trustees: Holli Walker, Anna Hawkins, Vicky Paterson, and Lainey McKinlay. Below, Lainey shares her reason for joining us.

[Read Time: 2 mins]

Decoding Legal Terms – A Glossary

Posted on June 13 2024 at 08:30

In Scotland, the journey through the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual assault is a real concern. Despite efforts to make things better, many survivors still feel let down by the system, which can be really tough.

One big issue is that lots of survivors hear about others’ bad experiences with the legal system and decide not to come forward. It’s not right that the system is putting people off from seeking justice. Read our blog on legal terms to help demystify the journey through the legal process.

[Reading Time: 5-6 mins]

3 Things The STAR Centre Want Men To Know

Posted on June 11 2024 at 14:13

The STAR Centre’s services are available to everyone, of any sexuality, ethnicity, and gender. Read on to discover the 3 things we want male survivors of sexual violence to know.

[TW: Mentions of Sexual Violence]

[Read Time: 1-2 mins]

#MythBustingMonday: LGBTQIA+ Survivors of Sexual Violence

Posted on June 3 2024 at 09:22

For this month’s #MythBustingMonday we are focusing on some of the myths and misconceptions around sexual violence for members of LGBTQIA+ communities.

[TW: Discussion of Rape Myths, Sexual Violence, Homophobia, & Transphobia]

[Read time: 3-4 mins]

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🌍 Want to see how our prevention team is making an impact in the community?
📍 Follow their work in real time on our interactive map:
👉 www.starcentreayrshire.org/prevention-tracker

#CommunitySupport #PreventionMatters #MakingADifference #STARCentre #Ayrshire #PreventionInAction

Pride is powerful & political. 🌈 At The STAR Centre, we believe every survivor deserves safety & support, no matter their sex, gender or sexuality. We’re here. We believe you. We stand with you. 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈
#AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Yesterday was #MHDay2025! At The STAR Centre, we recognise that everyone's menstrual cycle affects them in unique ways. 🌺 From physical symptoms like cramps and bloating to emotional shifts that can impact your mood, it's essential to listen to your body and give yourself the care you deserve during this time. Don’t hesitate to take time for self-care during your period. Whether it's a warm bath, indulging in your favourite snacks, or simply taking a break from your routine, prioritise your well-being. 💖

Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's necessary! Share your favourite self-care tips below! ⬇️ #MenstrualHealth #SelfCareMatters #ListenToYourBody

Today is also Menstrual Hygiene Day!
At the STAR Centre we are helping to create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld by ensuring our bathroom is stocked with a range of period products. We have a selection of pads, tampons, liners and were donated some free period pants by @wukawear in a range of sizes. We encourage anyone using our space to take what you need, whenever you may need it.

#MHDay2025

How is the STAR centre part of the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights and justice (#SRHRJ)?

🟣 We support survivors of sexual violence
🟣 We advocate for survivors of sexual violence
🟣 We deliver preventative education on sex, healthy relationships and sexual violence to young people

This #May28 – International Day of Action for Women’s Health, organisations and activists take action and amplify demands for sexual and reproductive health and rights and justice (#SRHRJ)!

Find out more: may28.org

🌈 💚Agender Pride is a celebration of those who exist outside the traditional bounds of gender. It’s a reminder that identity is personal and unique, and everyone deserves the freedom to be their true self.

At The STAR Centre, we are committed to providing support and healing for all survivors, no matter how they identify. We want to help create a world where every person’s story is seen, heard, and respected.

#AgenderPride #InclusiveSupport #GenderInclusivity #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌈 The STAR Centre stands against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for all survivors of sexual violence in Ayrshire (aged 13+), regardless of sex, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, age, disability, or religion.

Standing against discrimination is key to standing with survivors. 💜 #IDAHOBIT2025 #SupportSurvivors #InclusiveSupport #STARCentre

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health 💙 is reach out to people who understand. The STAR Centre supports survivors of sexual violence & their loved ones. You're not alone.
📞 01563 544686
🌐 starcentreayrshire.org
#MentalHealthMatters #SupportSurvivors #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaSupport

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're highlighting the power of community.
Survivors of sexual violence often face isolation, guilt, and shame—feelings that can deeply affect mental health.
By believing survivors and supporting them, we build communities where healing is possible. 💚 #SupportSurvivors #MentalHealthMatters

📉 It starts small.
A joke. A look. A comment.
But gender-based violence doesn’t come out of nowhere.
Allport’s Scale shows how everyday “harmless” bias builds the road to real harm.
📝 New blog post—link in bio.

#GenderBasedViolence #EverydaySexism #AllportsScale #EndGBV #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

⏰ 7 Days Left to Apply!
Join the STAR Centre as our new Service Manager 💜

We're looking for a passionate, experienced leader to help drive change for survivors of sexual violence and support prevention work with young people.

✨ The Role:
🔹 Title: Service Manager
🔹 Hours: 28/week
🔹 Salary: £28,800 (pro rata from £36,000)
🔹 Holidays: 8 weeks incl. public holidays
🔹 Deadline: 12 noon, 16 May 2025
🔹 Interviews: Week of 2 June 2025

We’re a feminist organisation working to end violence against women and girls — if that’s your passion, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Apply at: www.starcentreayrshire.org/vacancies
📧 Or email: admin@starcentreayrshire.org

#7DaysToApply #FeministJobs #VAWG #ServiceManager #AyrshireJobs #SupportSurvivors

It’s Deaf Awareness Week - a time to raise awareness and promote understanding of the Deaf community, their cultures, experiences, and contributions.

It’s also a time to take meaningful action, breaking down barriers and improving accessibility for Deaf people.

At Rape Crisis Scotland, we believe that support must be available to everyone. That’s why we work with Contact Scotland BSL, a free online interpreting service, making it easier for Deaf survivors of sexual violence to access our helpline, and to contact NHS 24, Police 101, GPs, and other vital services in British Sign Language.

💬 Accessibility matters.
💙 You deserve to be heard - in your own language.

#DeafAwarenessWeek #BSLAccess #RapeCrisisScotland #ContactScotlandBSL #SupportForAll #AccessibilityMatters #DeafCommunity #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌟 Important Information for Survivors of Sexual Violence: Understanding Panic Attacks 🌟

If you or someone you know is experiencing panic attacks, it is crucial to recognize the challenges they present, particularly for survivors of sexual violence. We are pleased to provide a complimentary resource that thoroughly explores the nature of panic attacks, enhancing your understanding of their symptoms and potential impact on your recovery process.

This resource from Rape Crisis Scotland not only clarifies the sensations associated with panic attacks but also offers a range of self-care strategies aimed at effectively managing these distressing episodes. 🧘‍♀️✨

Download your free resource today!

📥 https://www.starcentreayrshire.org/survivor-resources/

#AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

This International Day of the Midwife, we’re celebrating the incredible midwives who deliver not just babies, but dignity, safety, and compassion. 💜

Pregnancy and giving birth is an intimate, deeply personal experience. For survivors of sexual violence, it can also be a time of flashbacks, trauma triggers, and heightened vulnerability. With 1 in 5 women experiencing sexual violence, the need for specialist, trauma-informed maternity care is urgent.

That’s why the My Body Back Project is so vital. Their midwives are specially trained to support survivors, helping them feel safe, empowered, and in control of their pregnancy experience .

We’re proud to shine a light on this essential service. Survivors deserve obstetric care who truly listen and empathise with their experiences.

🔗 Learn more or refer someone at: https://mybodybackproject.com/

#InternationalDayOfTheMidwife #MyBodyBackProject #TraumaInformedCare #SurvivorSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌍 Want to see how our prevention team is making an impact in the community?
📍 Follow their work in real time on our interactive map:
👉 www.starcentreayrshire.org/prevention-tracker

#CommunitySupport #PreventionMatters #MakingADifference #STARCentre #Ayrshire #PreventionInAction

April is #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth 🗯️

Raising awareness around different types of sexual violence is a vital first step in prevention. Knowing what sexual violence is can also help survivors come forward and get support if they need it. For this reason we have broken down what the difference is between sexual violence and sexual assault.

If you have experienced any type of sexual violence or know someone who has, the STAR Centre is here to help. Call us on 01563 544686 or visit our website: https://www.starcentreayrshire.org/

💜 Today is #LesbianVisibilityDay

Sexual violence against lesbian women is too often minimised or ignored. Gender stereotypes and internalised homophobia can make it hard to name, report, or process that harm.

To every lesbian survivor:
✨ We believe you
✨ We hear you
✨ We are here for you

You are not alone. 💜

#LesbianVisibility #LGBTQIA #SurvivorSupport #EndSexualViolence #WeBelieveYou

📱 There’s an app for people being stalked.
This #StalkingAwarenessWeek, we're raising awareness of the @followitappscot, developed by @rapecrisisscot and the Scottish Women's Rights Centre.

🔐 It helps victim-survivors log stalking behaviours securely and privately
⚖️ Tailored to Scots law
📲 Use it whether or not you want to report to police

#StalkingAwareness #SupportSurvivors #FollowItApp #NSAW2025 #YouAreNotAlone

Over the past few years, a disturbing hoax has circulated on TikTok and other platforms claiming that April 24th is a day when rape and sexual assault are “legal.”

Let’s be absolutely clear:

❌ Rape and sexual assault are serious crimes — and they are never acceptable.

This false narrative isn’t a joke. It spreads fear, retraumatises survivors, and contributes to a culture that minimises sexual violence.

If you’ve seen posts about this online:
🔹 Don’t share them
🔹 Report harmful content
🔹 Take care of yourself & your mental health

Survivors deserve safety, truth, and support — not fear-mongering or misinformation.

We’re here. 365 days a year. 💜

#April24 #RapeCulture #SupportSurvivors #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime