Rape Crisis Scotland helpline 08088 010302 Daily 5pm-midnight Click here or press Escape to leave this site now
Donate
HomeBlogWelcome To Our New Trustees

Blog

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]

I am thrilled to announce that I have recently joined the board of The STAR Centre - Ayrshire’s Rape Crisis. This decision is deeply personal and rooted in my unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence and advocating for their rights.

The STAR Centre holds a special place in my heart because of its fundamental mission: to provide free and confidential support to individuals aged 13 and above, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, or when the violence occurred. This inclusive approach resonates with me profoundly because it acknowledges the diverse experiences and backgrounds of survivors. Everyone deserves a safe space to heal, and The STAR Centre is dedicated to providing exactly that.

My journey to joining the board stems from a combination of professional experience and personal conviction. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the profound impact of trauma and the importance of accessible, compassionate support systems. The STAR Centre exemplifies these values through its comprehensive services, which include prevention, advocacy, and support tailored to individual needs.

But beyond professional insights, my passion for this cause is deeply personal. I believe firmly in the power of community and solidarity in overcoming adversity. Sexual violence affects individuals in profound ways, often challenging their sense of safety and self-worth. By joining the board of The STAR Centre, I am privileged to contribute to an organisation that not only supports survivors but also works tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and promote a culture of consent and respect.

Every person’s journey toward healing is unique, and The STAR Centre recognises and respects this diversity. As a board member, I am committed to ensuring that these essential services remain accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of our community. Together with my fellow board members and dedicated staff, I look forward to advancing the STAR Centre’s mission and making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence.

I invite you to join me in supporting The STAR Centre. Whether through donations, or spreading awareness, your contribution can help create a community where survivors feel empowered, validated, and supported on their path to healing. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and foster a society where sexual violence is not tolerated and survivors are given the resources and respect they deserve.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of advocacy, compassion, and hope. Together, we can create a future where survivors are not just heard but truly supported.

RSS Comments

Support us

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

Donate here

Threads BlueSky LinkedIn

Instagram @thestarcentre

This summer we have set up a number of walking groups for survivors of sexual violence using our service to encourage healing and to strengthen their connection with each other and with nature 🍃 Here are some pictures from the first one in Dean Park! 🦆 🦌
Navigating news about gender-based and sexual violence can be really difficult, especially when victim-blaming narratives flood the conversation. It’s okay to recognise when it’s too much and give yourself permission to step back. Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t just okay, it’s necessary. You’re not alone in this, and The STAR Centre is here to support you. Always. #StopVictimBlaming #GenderBasedViolence #SexualViolence #SelfCare #SocialMediaBreak #SupportSurvivors #WereHere #YoureNotAlone #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
A few weeks ago we did a post on the impacts that sexual violence can have on someone's sexual and romantic #relationships. Here are 4 self-care tips for survivors of sexual violence when it comes to managing relationships For more information on the impact of sexual violence on relationships, visit our blog: https://buff.ly/SjYJTqz #Relationships #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #Love #Trauma #Intimacy #Sexual Violence
🌍 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
Festival season is here! The glitter’s on, the music’s loud, and the fields are filling up. But while we celebrate the freedom and fun, there’s a hard truth we need to face 🎪 1 in 5 women will experience sexual assault or harassment at a music festival 🎶 43% of women under 40 say they’ve faced unwanted sexual behaviour at festivals This is not the vibe No one should have to trade safety for a good time. Harassment and assault have no place in festival culture, on or off the dancefloor Respect the crowd. Respect the space. Respect each other 💛 The STAR Centre is always here for you, to support and help whenever you need it #GlitterAndConsent #SafeFestivals #FestivalSafety #EndHarassment #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Each person's reaction to sexual violence is unique, with no correct way to handle trauma. Such experiences can lead to immediate and long-term physical, emotional, and sexual health issues, affecting trust and intimacy even years later. For more on how sexual violence impacts relationships, visit our blog (link in bio). #Relationships #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #Love #Trauma #Intimacy #SexualViolence
🚨Propaganda We Won’t Fall For 🚨 At The STAR Centre, we hear the same harmful myths repeated again and again, not just by individuals, but reinforced through media, institutions, and systems of power. It’s time to call them what they are: propaganda that protects perpetrators and silences survivors. We will never buy into lies like: 🔻 “False accusations are common” 🔻 “If it really happened, they would want to report it” 🔻 “Men can't be victims” 🔻 “They're making it up for attention” 🔻 “Only strangers commit sexual assault” These statements are not just untrue; they’re dangerous. They prevent survivors from coming forward. They allow abusers to walk free. And they create a culture where shame, doubt, and stigma thrive. At The STAR Centre, we believe survivors. We know that sexual violence is complex, underreported, and deeply personal, and that survivors of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences deserve support, not suspicion. We won’t stay silent. And we won’t fall for the propaganda. 💜 #PropagandaIWontFallFor #RapeMyths #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Chris Brown has recently made headlines in the UK for continuing his European Stadium Tour whilst due in court for allegations of grievous bodily harm. Over the years Brown has been accused of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, assault, and fraud. Yet he still has thousands of fans that support him. There are longstanding debates over whether we can ever truly separate the art from the artist. However, there are somethings that are certain: ⚫ Everyone (whether they’re aware of it or not) knows someone that has experienced sexual or gender-based violence; ⚫ Saying that allegations of sexual violence, assault and domestic abuse are “just one of those things” normalises these behaviours; ⚫ Saying that people make up allegations of abuse just for money or because they’re jealous harms those that do come forward; ⚫ Saying “he hasn’t killed anyone” minimises the things he has been accused of doing; ⚫ Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence will hear these things. Gender-based violence should never be normalised, excused or minimised. If you care about issues like sexual violence, domestic abuse, or violence against women its time to hold abusers accountable, even if it is someone you like. #ChrisBrown #ChristBrownTour ##ChrisBrown #BreezyBowl #Hampden #music #ArtVsArtist #ChrisBrownTour #MeToo #SupportSurvivors #Accountability
🌈✨ As Pride month draws to a close we want to remind everyone that at The Star Centre, we proudly support survivors of every gender & sexuality all year round. Love is love, and everyone deserves to feel believed, safe, & supported. 💜 #AnybodyAnyTypeAnyTime
What counts as sexual violence? Any sexual activity that happens without consent, which means that it includes things that happen in person and online. If it happened without your consent, it counts. There’s no such thing as “too small” or “not serious enough.” Your experience matters - and so do you. The Star Centre is here to support you. Always. #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Say something kind to yourself today 💗
The numbers are clear: sexual violence greatly affects LGBT+ communities. • 88% of LGBT+ people report experiencing sexual harassment and 77% have been sexually assaulted since age 18 (Galop, 2023) • 85% say it harmed their mental health, and 64% have self-harmed after (Galop, 2023) • 37% of gay & bisexual men feel unable to speak about their experience to anyone (Survivors UK, 2022) • Roughly, 50% of transgender people have experienced sexual violence at some point (Trans Mental Health Survey, 2012) At The STAR Centre, we’re committed to providing a safe, welcoming space for all survivors. We know LGBT+ survivors face unique barriers; and we’re here to listen, believe, and support you with respect and care. You are not alone. 💜 #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
📢 Learning Disabilities Week Scotland 2025 Young disabled people are significantly more likely to experience sexual violence; and far less likely to be believed or supported when they speak out. Why? 🔇 They’re often not given the language to explain what happened 🙄 They’re treated like children 🚫 They’re seen as “unreliable” witnesses 💬 They may be isolated, or lack proper sex education And those with more complex needs are too often left out of the conversation entirely. If someone with a learning disability opens up to you: 🕰️ Be patient – let them go at their own pace 👂 Listen – without interrupting or looking distracted 🤝 Believe – show them you trust what they’re saying 🌱 Support – help them explore what they want to do next #LearningDisabilitiesWeek #DisabilityRights #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
This #LearningDisabilityWeekScotland2025, we want to talk about the myth that people with learning disabilities are vulnerable to abuse. A learning disability may give a person vulnerabilities, but we all have vulnerabilities; that does not make them open to abuse. The responsibility for abuse lies with the abuser, always. It’s crucial to shift the narrative and understand that everyone has the right to safety and respect 💜 #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
🌈At the STAR Centre, we are dedicated to supporting all survivors, regardless of sex, gender or sexuality. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen, believe, & support you. 💜 #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
Not every person with learning disabilities struggles to understand “complicated” topics like power dynamics and consent. That idea just isn’t true & it shortchanges their intelligence & skills. The truth is, many people with learning disabilities can, & do, understand complex ideas when they’re explained in an accessible way. Everyone deserves good, accessible education about consent and power dynamics, so they can have safe, healthy, pleasurable sex & relationships. #LearningDisabilityWeekScotland2025 #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
This #LearningDisabilityWeek2025, we will break down some myths about sexuality for individuals with learning disabilities. One common myth is that they cannot have fulfilling romantic or sexual relationships. With social support and accessible education on sex and relationships, individuals with learning disabilities can and do enjoy safe, healthy, and happy sexual & romantic relationships. At the STAR Centre, we believe everyone has the right to learn about sex and explore their sexuality free from exploitation, judgement or violence. Everyone deserves love, respect, and dignity when it comes to sex and relationships 💜
🌔Sleep is essential for healing. After trauma, nightmares and sleep problems can make it even harder to rest and recover — but you’re not alone in this. We’re sharing free-to-download resources created by Rape Crisis Scotland to support survivors of sexual violence. The first guide focuses on nightmares and sleep difficulties, offering practical advice and compassionate guidance. ✨ You deserve rest. You deserve peace. 🔗Check out our website for more info: starcentreayrshire.org #FreeResource #NightmaresandSleepProblems #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
The path to healing after sexual violence isn't linear. Some days feel like a leap forward, others like a step backwards, both are part of the process. Healing doesn’t follow a perfect map, but every twist and turn still brings you closer to yourself. 💜 Wherever you are on your path, The STAR Centre is here for you. #AnyBoyAnyTypeAnyTime
Men’s Health Week is a reminder that taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, know that you’re not alone — and you deserve support. The STAR Centre is here for you, no matter when it happened or where you're at in your healing journey. Reaching out is an act of strength — and part of self-care. When you're ready, we're here to listen. #MensHealthWeek #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #STARCentreSupport #SelfCareIsHealthCare
Loading