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Welcome To Our New Trustees

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.

Support us

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

Donate here

Instagram @thestarcentre

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
📣 We’re Hiring! | Service Manager @ The STAR Centre 💜

Join our feminist organisation supporting survivors of sexual violence and leading prevention work with young people.
✨ Service Manager
🕐  28/week
💷 £28,800 pro rata (£36k FTE)
🎁 8 weeks leave + 6% pension
📍  Ayrshire
If you're passionate about making change and leading with purpose, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Apply by 16 May 2025
💜 Full details in on our website under get involved > vacancies! 

\#JobAlert #FeministJobs #VAWG #CharityJobs #Leadership #SupportSurvivors #AyrshireJobs #NowHiring
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
🌟 Passionate about change? The Star Centre is seeking women to join our Board of Trustees and support survivors of sexual violence. Bring your skills in HR, finance, strategy or evaluation and help shape our future. Apply now: www.starcentreayrshire.org/vacancies #Trustees #SupportSurvivors
WE ARE HIRING! 

The STAR Centre is seeking a Service Manager to lead and develop our team who provide survivors of sexual violence with support and advocacy, as well as providing prevention support to young people helping them to challenge inappropriate attitudes. 

The successful candidate will have an understanding and appreciation of the feminist analysis of violence against women and girls. Along with a proven track record of working at senior management level. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual who has the passion, skills, and vision to help the organisation grow and plan. 

If you’re committed to challenging inequality and working to eradicate violence against women and girls within a feminist organisation then we would welcome your application. 

You can request an application pack (link in bio) or by e-mailing admin@starcentreayrshire.org 

To apply please complete the application form, self-declaration form and our equalities monitoring form and return via email to admin@starcentreayrshire.org by 12 noon on 16th May 2025. Interviews will take place w/c 2nd June 2025. 

**Please note only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975
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
🟡 Stalking is serious—and it’s more common than you think.
It’s a pattern of behaviour that can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars.
This #StalkingAwarenessWeek Swipe through to learn:
🔍 What stalking looks like
💥 Its real-life impact
🧭 Where to find support
Visit @actionagainststalkingaas and @live_life_safe for more information 

If you have experienced any type of sexual violence The STAR Centre is here to give you support, advice and advocacy. Call us on 01563 544686 or visit our website (link in bio)

#StalkingAwareness #RecogniseRespondRefer #SpotTheSigns #NSAW2025
📢 We're looking for women passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence. Join The Star Centre as a trustee and help shape our future. Skills in strategy, finance, HR, or evaluation welcome. 🌟 Apply now: www.starcentreayrshire.org/vacancies #TrusteesWanted #MakeADifference
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