Skip to menu Skip to content

The STAR Centre | Rape Crisis Ayrshire Donate

Blog

Understanding Flashbacks

Posted on June 26 2024 at 09:50

Our support worker, Rhiannon, has pulled together this blog post on flashbacks. Flashbacks are a common occurrence for survivors of trauma, and survivors of sexual trauma are no different. In this post she explains what flashbacks are, how to manage them, and how they can fit within your own healing.

[Read time: 3-4 mins]

Tags: Flashbacks tips
Read more …

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]

« Later entries Earlier entries »

Support us

Every pound donated goes directly to supporting people who have experienced sexual violence.

Threads BlueSky LinkedIn

Instagram @thestarcentre

🫨 Panic attacks can be really scary.
Your heart races, your chest tightens, and it can feel like everything is spinning out of control.

If you're in the middle of one, here are a few things that might help:
🌿 Try slow, deep breathing using the 4-7-8 technique:
• Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath gently for 7 seconds
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds
🌿 Try the 5-5-5 grounding technique:
• Name 5 things you can see
• Name 5 things you can hear
• Move 5 parts of your body
🌿 Remind yourself: This will pass. I’m going to be okay.

If panic attacks happen regularly, consider reaching out to your GP for support.

You can also come to us — The STAR Centre is here to listen, believe, and support you. 💜

#PanicAttackSupport #GroundingTools #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🍄 You are…Loved. Strong. Pretty. Brave. Enough. 🍄
You don’t have to feel these things every day for them to be true.
They live in you, even on the hard days.
If you need a reminder, let this little mushroom hold it for you.
You are all of these things. And more. 💜
#Affirmations #YouAreEnough #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🎨 Calling young creatives aged 11–25!
We’re partnering with East Ayrshire's Violence Against Women Partnership for a badge design competition ahead of this year’s Reclaim the Night March on the 25th of November!

💜 Theme: Resilience, solidarity, and standing against gender-based violence.
📏 Size: 38mm circle
🎨 Materials: Use paint, pens, pencils or go digital with Canva or Procreate!

🏆 Winner gets a £50 voucher!
🧷 200 badges will be handed out at the march
📚 Sample badges archived at Glasgow Women’s Library!

🗓️ Deadline: 1 Nov
🔗 Link in bio to submit your design or learn more!

Let your creativity be part of the movement. ✊
#ReclaimTheNight #EndGengerBasedViolence #DesignForChane #ArtWithImpact #YouthActivism #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

We’d really love to hear from you 💜
If you’ve worked with us, referred someone to us, or received support yourself, we’d love to know what difference it made.
Your feedback helps us stay accountable, responsive, and focused on survivors needs.
📝 You can fill in the short survey through the link in our bio.
#ShapingSupport #ServiceFeedback #TraumaInformedCare #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌿 Self-Care Jar 🌿
When everything feels overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start. A self-care jar is a gentle reminder that support can come in small, meaningful ways.

Fill it with ideas that comfort and ground you. Then, when you’re feeling drained, pull one out and take a moment just for you.

You deserve care, rest, and moments of peace. Always. 💜
#SelfCare #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Coping after sexual violence isn’t easy, but support is here. 💜
Download free info booklets from Rape Crisis Scotland on our website.
Find tools and guidance to help you through each step. Link in bio. 🔗
#CopingAfterSexualViolence #RapeCrisisScotland #SupportSurvivors #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

💡It’s okay to feel, every emotion is valid and part of your healing journey. Embrace what’s inside you with kindness and patience. You are seen, heard, & supported. 💜 #ItsOkayToFeel #EmotionalHealing #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

The documentary

Last Friday we hosted our final summer walking group (for now!) at Ayr Beach 🌊🐚 thank you to all the survivors that took part, we hope you found them beneficial ❤️

Getting out into nature can be grounding for some, but going outside can be difficult for others. However you feel, the STAR centre can help you navigate your experience of sexual violence and pathway to healing

Absolutely MASSIVE thank you to those at Ayrshire Tree Surgeons who took part in the Edinburgh @kiltwalk last weekend, raising an astounding £1,270 for our centre. This money will be used to continue our fight to end sexual violence and support survivors in Ayrshire

#JustGiving #Fundraiser #CommunityHeroes #Ayrshire #SupportSurvivors

We’d really love to hear from you 💜
If you’ve worked with us, referred someone to us, or received support yourself, we’d love to know what difference it made.
Your feedback helps us stay accountable, responsive, and focused on survivors needs.
📝 You can fill in the short survey through the link in our bio.
#ShapingSupport #ServiceFeedback #TraumaInformedCare #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Feminism helps everyone. 💜
It’s a common misconception that feminism is only for women. In truth, feminism works to dismantle harmful gender norms that affect us all.
It challenges violence, inequality, and rigid expectations, making space for men to express emotion, seek support, and reject pressure to

Head over to our website to read our most recent blog post on shame 💗

#shame #ShameMustChangeSides #Survivors #BelieveSurvivors #SupportSurvivors

I am kind. 💖 I am strong. 💪 I am enough. 🌿 I am special. ✨ I am confident. 🌟 I am courageous. 🦋
These words are more than just affirmations, they’re truths, even on the days they’re hard to believe. Whether you whisper them, shout them, or simply hold them in your heart, let them remind you of your worth. Always. 💜
#AffirmationsForSurvivors #SupportSurvivors #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

📢 IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER 📢

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system TODAY at 3PM (Sunday 7 Sept 2025).
If you have a secret phone for your safety, please turn it off BEFORE 3PM to avoid it making a loud noise.

Your safety matters. 💜

Please share to help keep others safe.

#EmergencyAlert #SafetyReminder #StaySafe #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Huge thanks to Annandale Roofing for generously repairing our roof free of charge! As a small charity, this act of kindness means the world, it helps ensure survivors of sexual violence can continue to receive support in a welcoming space 🏠 💜
#AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime #Grateful #CharitableDonation #LeakyRoof #Fixed

It’s okay to have a bad day. 🌧️
You don’t have to hold yourself to the impossible standard of feeling okay every day. Healing, grief, and coping all come with ups and downs, and none of it means you’re failing. However you're feeling today, you're not alone. We're here, on the good days and the hard ones.🌥️
#ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #SupportSurvivors #OneDayAtATime #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

So excited to announce that we are now on @JustGiving ! Here you can make donations directly to The STAR Centre, and set up your own fundraisers.

Every donation we receive is used to support survivors of sexual violence in Ayrshire. Donate via the link in our bio 💗

Resources like fidget toys, sensory tools, essential oils, and sweets are often used within sessions to help survivors use grounding strategies in moments of distress, as they can help to ease feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety. One of these being our fidget rings!

We call some of these resources grounding objects because they are also a helpful reminder that you are safe within the present moment, which also makes them useful if you are struggling with triggers. We always acknowledge that accessing support can be triggering, and we want everyone to feel safe in the support space.

We encourage survivors to look after themselves during and after their time with us, so we also provide things like face masks, candles, bath bombs and shower steamers, tea and hot chocolate and journals for some self-care – and if your form of self-care involves listening to music, going for a run, walking the dog, or watching your favourite Netflix show, that’s okay too! Self-care looks different for everyone, do what works best for you.

Whether you’d benefit from a fidget toy, a cup of tea, a face mask, or just want a space to talk, we will always work with you at The Star Centre to ensure you feel supported in a way that is comfortable for you, from your first session to your last.

#FidgetRing #Grounding #Wearables #Focus

📢 Important Alert – Please Read & Share 📢

The UK Government will be running a National Emergency Alert test on Sunday 7th September 2025 at 3PM. This alert will cause phones to make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and display a message, even if they are on silent.

If you have a secret or hidden phone for your safety, please make sure it is turned off before 3PM to prevent it from revealing your location.

Your safety is what matters most. 💜
Please share this to help keep survivors safe.

#EmergencyAlert #SurvivorSafety #SafetyFirst #SurvivorsofSexualViolence #SurvivorsOfGenderBasedViolence #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime