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Volunteer With Us

Join our board of trustees!

Are you passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence? Do you have skills and expertise you're eager to contribute to this meaningful cause? If so, join our Board of Trustees!

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. We especially encourage applications from those with a financial and/or HR background, as well as people from less represented groups, or individuals who have previously benefitted from our services. Your unique perspective and experiences will enrich our discussions and decision-making process.

Benefits of volunteering for a trustee position at The STAR Centre:

  • Only a commitment of 4hrs a month
  • Be a part of the fight against sexual violence

  • Get experience in the feminist Third Sector

  • Have your say in how The STAR Centre is run

Interested? Call 01563 544 686 or email admin@starcentreayrshire.org

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Our centre is always growing, and this always brings new opportunities for volunteer work. Keep an eye on our social media for announcements of any new volunteering opportunities.Β Β 

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

Donate here

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🧠 Test Your Knowledge on Gender-Based Violence 🧠
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ends today, but the fight continues. Are you aware of the issues surrounding gender-based violence? 🧐
Take Global Citizen's quiz to see how much you really know and raise your awareness! 
πŸ’¬The more we learn, the more we can do to help create a world world where everyone feels safe. 
Click the link to take the quiz: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/actions-to-take-end-gender-based-violence-16-days/
#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivism #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: The Need for Trauma-Informed Support πŸ”Έ

Our promise from The STAR Centre is to provide trauma-informed, ethical support rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to survivors. Guided by feminist principles, we put survivors first, creating a safe and respectful space for every person impacted by sexual violence. 

Whether in-person, over the phone, or online, we are here for you with support that is flexible, empowering, and survivor-focused - because recovery should happen on your terms, at your pace. πŸ’œ

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Has your school signed up to @rapecrisisscot 's ESAS programme? Swipe to find out more about what it is and how you can get involved !
In 2023-24 over 800 people received specialised support for an experience of sexual violence from ourselves, @breakthesilence2004, and @nhsayrshirearran 

It is important that when survivors speak out, someone is there to listen. Specialist services that support survivors of sexual violence need robust, long-term commitment and investment in order to ensure that when #ItHappensHere survivors can get the support they need, when they need it.
Rape Crisis services need long-term, sustainable funding to ensure a secure future for both staff and survivors. This #16DaysOfActivism you can be part of positive change by emailing your local MSP to encourage a greater commitment to rape crisis services in the long term.
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Sexual Violence in Rural Areas πŸ”Έ

There is a common misconception that sexual violence doesn't happen in rural communities - or not as often as it does  in urban areas. But the truth is, survivors of sexual violence live everywhere, including Ayrshire's rural and island communities. 

Survivors in rural areas face unique challenges, from isolation to limited access to services, to concerns about privacy in small communities. At The STAR Centre, we're committed to making support accessible across all of Ayrshire, including the Isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae. Whether it's face-to-face at our centre, over the phone, or Teams, in a a third safe space, we'll meet you where its easiest and most comfortable for you. πŸ’œ

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
#16DaysOfActivism can be a tough time for survivors of sexual violence. If you, or someone you care about is finding this time of year particularly difficult, please get in touch with our centre. This can be done by calling The STAR Centre on 01563 544686, or email us at admin@starcentreayrshire.org. Our lines are monitored between 9am and 4.30pm
Rape Crisis services are emergency support that need long-term, sustainable funding to ensure a secure future for both staff and survivors. Governments must prioritise proper resourcing to effectively tackle Gender-Based Violence #SupportSurvivors #EndGBV #SurvivorsStillCantWait
Every woman, regardless of her background, deserves support and safety. However, women from minority ethnic communities often face discrimination, shame, and a lack of understanding from services meant to help. 

- Cultural misunderstandings in mainstream services make it harder for women to access the support they need.
- Lack of trauma-informed language and adequate translation services are significant barriers for minority ethnic women seeking help with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
- Women fleeing crisis from their home countries are at high risk of trafficking and further violence. 

It’s time to change the system. We need services that are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and accessible to ALL women. 

#EndVAWG #SupportMinorityEthnicWomen #TraumaInformedCare #SafeAndEqual #EmpowerWomen
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism: Protecting Young People from Sexual Violence πŸ”Έ

In 2023 - 24, 37% of recorded sexual crimes happened to young people under the age of 18. This stark statistic highlights the vulnerability of children and young people. Unfortunately many young survivors face barriers - such as fear, shame, and lack of support - that prevent them from coming forward and seeking help. 

The STAR Centre is here to offer a safe space to survivors of sexual violence. We are committed to listening, believing, and empowering all survivors aged 13+. If you've experienced sexual violence, you don't have to carry that burden alone. We are here to provide the support and care you deserve. 

With consistent, adequate funding we can continue to offer support and a safe space for all survivors. 

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysofActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Imagine a Scotland where women have equal power and representation β€” where every voice is heard, every decision is fair, and gender-based violence is no longer a reality. #ImagineEquality #16DaysOfActivism #WomenInPower #EndGenderBasedViolence
During #16DaysOfActivism it is important that we pay attention to all aspects of gender-based violence, including sexual violence.  Over 800 reports were made to the police in the last year alone, but we know that 5 in 6 women and 4 in 5 men don’t report it. It is our job to make sure that everyone impacted by sexual violence in Ayrshire gets the support they need, when they need it #ItHappensHere
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism: the Intersection of Dis/ability and Sexual Violence πŸ”Έ

Did you know that 1 in 3 people with learning disabilities have experienced sexual abuse? This heartbreaking statistic highlights the urgent need for tailored support, education, and preventative action. 

In response, The STAR Centre is piloting No More! - an innovative prevention programme designed by @rapecrisisscot specifically for young people with additional support needs (ASN) across Ayrshire. Through accessible resources and open conversations, No More! aims to equip young people with the tools they need to recognise, and prevent sexual harm. 

The STAR Centre is working towards a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered. Join us in supporting 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, as we say No More! to sexual violence and Yes to safety and inclusion. πŸ’œ

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #NoMore #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
When we speak to people about the prevention of gender-based and sexual violence we often get asked: what about men?

The truth is, gender inequality harms everyone - including men.  Assumptions like 'men always want sex,' 'they can fight off an unwanted advance,' or 'they’re less affected by sexual violence' are rooted in outdated ideas of masculinity and sexism. These harmful beliefs not only silence men-survivors but also stigmatise their experiences. It’s time to recognise that sexual violence affects people of all genders, and create space for healing, understanding, and support for every survivor.
This year, East Ayrshire came together for an incredible Reclaim the Night March πŸŒ™ ✨ Marching through Howard Park - a space many of us wouldn't feel safe to go through alone - we proved that together, we are empowered, and unbreakable πŸ’ͺ πŸ’œ

A huge thank you to STARBeats, The STAR Centre's survivor-led drumming group, for leading us with powerful beats and chants, and to the inspiring speakers who reminded us of the ongoing fight against male violence and the vital importance of events like this. 

We marched. We empowered. We Reclaimed the Night. 

@eastayshirecouncil @eastayrshirewa @ayrshirecollsa 

#ReclaimTheNight #16DaysOfActivism #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Sexual Violence Online πŸ”Έ

In Scotland, 1 in 6 women have faced sexual violence online - unwanted sexual messages, pressure for nudes, or threats to share intimate images.πŸ“± These ARE forms of sexual violence and The STAR Centre are here to support you πŸ’œ Visit our website for free resources and more information πŸ”—

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
πŸ”Έ16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Education πŸ”Έ
Education should be a a safe and empowering experience for all young people. Yet, our Sexual Violence Prevention Workers hear too often about the harsh reality; young people sharing stories of gender-based violence they've faced or witnessed within schools, colleges, and youth groups. 

To help tackle this head on, The STAR Centre facilitates Rape Crisis Scotland's Sexual Violence Prevention Programme for young people aged 11-25 across Ayrshire. We provide workshops diving into important topics like consent, and understanding sexual violence, to give young people the knowledge and language to identify and talk about sexual violence confidently. πŸ’œ

Interested in our workshops? Want us to come to your school, youth group, college, or university? Check out our website; link in bio πŸ”— 

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysofActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #SexualViolencePreventionProgramme #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
FREE training THIS FRIDAY on spiking awareness hosted by Prevention & Service Support Team - @nhsayrshirearran with input from a STAR Centre Sexual Violence Prevention Worker! 

For anyone living or working in Ayrshire, email psst@aapct.scot.nhs.uk to secure your spot! #SpikingAwareness #16DaysOfActivism #FestivalOfLearning  #ReclaimTheNight
πŸ”Έ16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence πŸ”Έ 

Gender-based violence is a reality no one should have to face - yet women and girls disproportionately endure forms of violence, often at the hands of those they know and trust. In Scotland and beyond, we all have a role in changing this. 
We need to work together to create a future where every women and girl lives free from fear. πŸ’œ 

#ImagineAScotlandWithoutGBV #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
As part of #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence, East Ayrshire's Violence Against Women Partnership brought the Red Shoe event to Kilmarnock Railway Station - a space at the heart of our local community, where commuters couldn't overlook the stark reality of violence against women happening right here in East Ayrshire. 

Each pair of red shoes told a powerful story: 
πŸ‘ The number of domestic abuse incidents reported to Police Scotland in our area.
πŸ‘ The women who have tragically lost their lives to intimate partner homicide. 
πŸ‘ The women and girls referred to VAWG specialists services. 
πŸ‘ The women and children supported in refuge. 

Inspired by the Zaptos Rojos art movement from Mexico during the #Metoo, this display reminds us all that violence against women is not a distant issue - it's happening in our community.

To everyone who paused and reflected, thank you for acknowledging these stories. If you're interested in participating in the fight against gender-based violence or want to learn more about #16DaysOfActivism events happening in East Ayrshire, please visit The STAR Centre's website - link in bio πŸ”—

@eastayrshirecouncil @eastayrshirewa @whiteribbonscot 

#ZaptosRojos #EastAyrshiresViolenceAgainstWomensPartnership #ItHappensHere #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
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