STARS Dorset

STARS Dorset Our services include a Telephone Helpline, face to face counselling, and support and advocacy from our team of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors.

STARS is a pan-Dorset charity that offers 1:1 support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at anytime in their life. Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services - Dorset R**e Crisis (STARS Dorset) is a charity that operates in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole, offering practical and emotional support to the sur

vivors of r**e, sexual violence, abuse or exploitation. The objective of the charity is to relieve the needs and distress of women, men, children and young people who have had traumatic sexual experiences, no matter when the incident occurred.

Social media vs realityThis summer, try not to compare your life to what someone else is choosing to share online.What y...
26/08/2026

Social media vs reality

This summer, try not to compare your life to what someone else is choosing to share online.

What you see on social media is often just a highlight reel, a single good moment from a day that may not have looked as perfect as it seems.

It's okay if your summer looks different from someone else's, or even different from summers you've had in the past. Be gentle with yourself, move at your own pace, and remember that there is no "right" way to spend your summer.

Take things one day at a time and focus on making the most of your own journey ⭐

What is an active bystander?A person who chooses to take action when they see harmful behaviour, instead of staying sile...
24/08/2026

What is an active bystander?

A person who chooses to take action when they see harmful behaviour, instead of staying silent or doing nothing.

As part of the campaign we are sharing information around why the campaign was created and how we can all do a part to step in and tell our mates to just don't.

For more information about the campaign please follow the link in our bio

🎉STARS Dorset and CEO shortlisted for national Charity Times Awards 🎉STARS Dorset has been shortlisted in two categories...
21/08/2026

🎉STARS Dorset and CEO shortlisted for national Charity Times Awards 🎉

STARS Dorset has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Charity Times Awards 2026, with the charity recognised for its organisational impact and its Chief Executive Officer, Helen Stevens, shortlisted individually for her leadership.

The Dorset-based charity has been named a finalist in the Charity of the Year (£1 million–£10 million income) category, which celebrates organisations demonstrating exceptional impact, innovation and resilience. STARS Dorset is shortlisted alongside seven other charities from across the UK, including Calan DVS, Day One Trauma Support and Toynbee Hall.

Helen Stevens has also been shortlisted for Charity Leader of the Year, an award recognising outstanding leadership within the charity sector. She joins a shortlist of five leaders nationally, including finalists from National Energy Foundation, Fulham Reach Boat Club and The Care Workers' Charity.

Commenting on the double shortlisting, Helen Stevens, CEO of STARS Dorset, said:

“To be shortlisted in two categories at the Charity Times Awards is a huge honour, and one that reflects the dedication of everyone who makes STARS Dorset what it is: our staff, our volunteers, our supporters and, most importantly, the people we work with every day. This recognition isn’t about one person or one team; it’s a reflection of the collective effort that goes into everything we do here in Dorset. Whatever happens on the night, I couldn’t be prouder of what this organisation has achieved.”

Winners will be announced at the Charity Times Awards ceremony on Wednesday 23 September 2026, held at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP. The evening brings together charity leaders, corporate partners and sector figures from across the UK for a gala dinner and awards presentation.

What is Problematic Behaviour?Problematic attitudes and behaviours, including sexist humour, foster an environment in wh...
17/08/2026

What is Problematic Behaviour?

Problematic attitudes and behaviours, including sexist humour, foster an environment in which the mistreatment of women and girls becomes normalised. Such an atmosphere can reinforce the beliefs of individuals who may later engage in violent acts. You can effect change by advocating for women, identifying harmful behaviours, and reporting those who inflict harm.

As part of the campaign we are sharing information around why the campaign was created and how we can all do a part to step in and tell our mates to just don't.

For more information about the campaign please follow the link in our bio

Back in June this year our Engagement Team Leader alongside Bournemouth Taxi Association, Dorset Police, and BCP Council...
14/08/2026

Back in June this year our Engagement Team Leader alongside Bournemouth Taxi Association, Dorset Police, and BCP Council, were recognised at this year's Dorset Police Citizens in Policing Awards, receiving the Watch Group Award!

Established in 2024, Taxi Watch was developed to strengthen partnership working between Bournemouth Taxi Association, Dorset Police and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).

The scheme was created to enable licensed operators to report suspected unlicensed activity, improve safeguarding for drivers and passengers with a specific focus on violence against women and girls, increase awareness of county lines activity and the use of taxis in the movement of drugs across Dorset.

Our Engagement Team Leader at STARS Dorset, said: "This award is a real testament to what can be achieved when professional partners genuinely work together with a shared purpose."
"For our team at STARS Dorset, being part of Taxi Watch has been about making sure that taxi drivers, who are often first to spot the signs of exploitation or harm, feel equipped and confident to act."

We're incredibly proud to be part of this amazing initiative and honoured to have our hard work recognised!

Read the article here: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26230128.taxi-watch-initiative-recognised-dorset-police-awards/

This summer STARS Dorset and BCP Council Community Safety Team are on Bournemouth Beach talking to the public about the ...
12/08/2026

This summer STARS Dorset and BCP Council Community Safety Team are on Bournemouth Beach talking to the public about the campaign.

One of the topics we are talking about whilst on the beach is the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention, direct, distract, delegate, delay and document. As well as talking to the public we are also giving away resources with the 5Ds on.

If you would like to find out more about the 5Ds follow the link below to Brook Learning:
www.brook.org.uk/blog/how-to-be-an-active-bystander

👀Watch the   video here!This video tells the story of five men who make excuses for their inappropriate behaviour and ha...
10/08/2026

👀Watch the video here!

This video tells the story of five men who make excuses for their inappropriate behaviour and harassment in everyday situations.

This escalates to a chilling finale.

Sensitive content: viewer discretion advised

What is the manosphere?The manosphere is an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow ...
07/08/2026

What is the manosphere?

The manosphere is an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow and aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man - and the false narrative that feminism and gender equality have come at the cost of men's rights.

The manosphere targets male audiences of social media, podcasts, gamer communities, dating apps and just about all digital spaces.

While this content may appear focused on men's self-improvement, many of these groups promote unhealthy behaviours, like instructing boys and men to build themselves up by putting others down.

The content posted on these platforms appeals to the young men who feel isolated. Helping them find a sense of identity, new interests and find like-minded people online.

Many professionals are working towards making digital spaces safer and more equal for everyone. Through research, policy advocacy, survivor support, programming and campaigns pushing back against toxic masculinity, healthy masculinity is becoming the focus of conversations.

For more information and support follow the link below:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zb67cxs

This summer STARS Dorset will be on Bournemouth Beach talking to the public about the   campaign.This campaign aims to e...
05/08/2026

This summer STARS Dorset will be on Bournemouth Beach talking to the public about the campaign.

This campaign aims to empower men and boys to change society for the better.

The campaign aims to bring about a change in some of the everyday inappropriate behaviours women and girls sadly face.

Watch the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN6fHDQ6IZQ

Inflatable 5K fun run today!Good luck to everyone taking part in the fun Inflatable 5K Obstacle course 👟Thank you to eve...
01/08/2026

Inflatable 5K fun run today!

Good luck to everyone taking part in the fun Inflatable 5K Obstacle course 👟

Thank you to everyone that is running todays course raising money for STARS Dorset!

Keep an eye out for the STARS Dorset stand and come and say hello 👋

Address

Poole
BH159GN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441202308848

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when STARS Dorset posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share