The STAR Centre

14/10/2026

🩵 Not sure what support you need? You can still talk to us.

You don't have to have the right words, know exactly what has happened, or be ready to talk about everything.

At The STAR Centre, we understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult- especially when you're unsure where to start. You can talk to us to ask questions, or simply to find out more about the support available.

You don't have to be sure. You can still reach out 💜

10/10/2026

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day

This year's theme, 'Lived experiences: real voices, real change', reminds us that listening is only the beginning.

People with lived experience have valuable expertise. Their voices should not only be heard - they should help shape the services, policies, and decisions that affect their lives, with the goal of mental health systems becoming person-centred, and more responsive to people's needs.

At The STAR Centre, we recognise that experiences of s*xual violence can have a significant and lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing. For survivors, being listened to, believed, and supported can be an important part of recovery.

**eCrisisAyrshireAndArran

07/10/2026

🚨 Strangulation isn’t harmless. And it’s important we talk about why.

You might hear the word “choking” used when people are actually talking about strangulation. But there’s an important difference, and knowing what strangulation can do to the body matters.

Strangulation can cause:
• Neck pain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Seeing stars, blurred vision or loss of vision
• Ringing in the ears or loss of hearing
• Passing out
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• And, in the most serious cases, death

There’s also another part of this conversation that we need to talk about: consent.

Even when someone has said they are happy to engage in strangulation, there are still important questions around whether consent can be fully informed and ongoing.

Why?

🔹 The risks of strangulation are still there, even when someone agrees to it.
🔹 The full extent of the risks isn’t always understood or predictable.
🔹 Strangulation can affect someone’s ability to think clearly and make decisions.
🔹 It can also affect their ability to communicate or show that they want it to stop.

Consent isn’t just about saying “yes” at the start. It needs to be informed, ongoing and something you can withdraw at any time.

If this content brings up difficult feelings or experiences, we're here for you 💜

**eCrisisAyrshireAndArran

06/10/2026

R**e culture starts in everyday attitudes.

R**e culture is shaped by the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that normalise, excuse, or minimise s*xual violence.

It can show up in everyday comments, s*xist jokes, victim-blaming, s*xual harassment, and harmful stereotypes. These things can seem small or be dismissed as "just a joke", but they contribute to a culture where s*xual violence is not taken seriously and survivors are blamed.

We all have a part to play to ensure s*xual violence is never excused, normalised, or tolerated. Change doesn't always start with big actions. Sometimes it's challenging a comment, questioning a harmful assumption, refusing to laugh at a s*xist joke, or speaking up when someone is being blamed for the harm that was done to them.

These moments might seem small, but in doing so we can help create a society where respect, rather than harm, becomes normalised.

**eCulture

30/09/2026

Podcasts have power - and with that power comes responsibility.

When misogyny, harmful gender stereotypes, and the normalisation of s*xual violence are repeatedly amplified online, we cannot treat it as 'just and opinion'.

Currently, misogynists with a podcast can say whatever they want with minimal regulation, allowing harmful views to spread unchecked.

We need greater accountability and stronger regulation for online content that promotes misogyny, hatred, and the normalisation of s*xual violence.

If we are serious about preventing s*xual violence and creating a society where women and girls are safe and respected, we need to challenge misogyny and harmful attitudes wherever they appear - including online.

There is currently a petition calling for greater regulation of podcasts. If you want to learn more, or support the call for greater accountability, you can find the petition through the following link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765241

28/09/2026

🌎️ International Safe Abortion Day 💜

Today, The STAR Centre stands in solidarity with survivors, and supports every person's right to safe, legal, and compassionate abortion care. We believe everyone deserves access to healthcare that is free from stigma, judgement, and unnecessary barriers.

For survivors of s*xual violence, accessing abortion services can be particularly challenging. Alongside the impact of trauma, survivors may face barriers in accessing the care they need, as well as fear of stigma or judgement. Everyone deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect throughout their healthcare journey.

We must continue working towards a future where every person can access stigma-free care. No one should face additional barriers when making decisions about their own body.

26/09/2026

Happy ! 💜

World Contraception Day is a campaign observed annually, and aims to raise awareness about safe s*x and improve education on reproductive health.

Openly talking about contraception is one of many ways we can practice consent - it is a way of checking in with each other, respecting boundaries, and making informed decisions together. While discussing condoms, the pill, implants, or other methods, can feel awkward, these conversations show that everyone's safety, comfort, and feelings matter.

When it comes to contraception, decisions should be:
✅️ Made without pressure
✅️ Informed
✅️ Specific to time, place, and method
✅️ Part of an open and honest conversation

This World Contraception Day, let's continue to encourage healthy relationships built on communication, respect, and choice.

22/09/2026

Nothing changes this fact.

If you or anyone you know needs help, we're here for you💜

**eCrisisAyrshireAndArran

21/09/2026

17/09/2026

We're often encouraged to keep going - even when we're running on empty.

Remember: you don't have to earn rest, you don't have to wait until you're completely overwhelmed before asking for help, and you don't have to carry everything on you're own.

Sometimes looking after yourself means putting something down, taking a break, or seeking support.

You deserve the same care and compassion you give to others 🩵