Counselling Service

STARS counselling service provides one to one, trauma-informed counselling, 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.

We operate a person-centred approach, combined with a trauma model. We create a safe and confidential space, allowing the client to explore and address thoughts and behaviours that are overwhelming. Through psycho-education, our counsellors help clients understand the impact of their trauma on their brain and their body, giving them control and choice.

Our counselling service is a confidential service and all information remains within the organisation. However if the counsellor feels that someone is at risk of serious harm or abuse, or that a client is in danger, we will pass information onto other agencies in line with the Dorset-wide Safeguarding Protocols.

Survivors wishing to access our counselling service can make a self-referral or ask a professional they already receive support from to refer on their behalf. They will be offered an initial assessment appointment, once the referral has been received by our team. Counselling will usually commence within three to four months of referral.

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place in our office in Poole, though we are able to offer appointments in Weymouth and Dorchester.

To make a referral or to find out more, please call 01202 308858 or email [email protected]

Latest

Skydive for STARS Dorset

Have you always wanted to do a Sky Dive but never quite had the opportunity or perhaps the reason to do? Now might be your chance! We are looking for some brave fundraisers to join us on the Friday 17th July 2020 at Go Sky Dive near Salisbury and take on an ultimate challenge, a 10,000ft or 15,000ft sky dive and help raise vital funds for the charity. If you want any further information or to book your place please email [email protected]
The Rise in Domestic Abuse Across the South - BBC Spotlight Programme

A BBC Spotlight report on the rise of domestic abuse across the south. This report mentions STARS Dorset and the work we do with those who have suffered from sexual violence. Some of the content you may find distressing, so please only watch if you feel strong enough to do so.
STARS Brand wins Creative Impact Award at Dorset Business Awards

Global Brand Communications won the Creative Impact Award at the Dorset Business Awards for creating the STARS brand. We could not be more thrilled, so deserved for all the hard work they put in and for really taking the time to understand our work, our team and our clients and creating an amazing brand.
Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard

STARS Dorset have achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard, recognising the excellent work they do with volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and for organisations to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by volunteers.

Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Support STARS

At STARS Dorset all our services are provided free of charge, one of the only ways this is possible is through donations. Every donation however small can help make a huge difference.
What we do

STARS Dorset is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one 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 any time in their lives.
Clare’s Sky Dive for STARS

STARS Dorset is an incredible charity which offers support to survivors of sexual violence. Over 80 volunteers help provide this free service to anyone who needs individualised support to work through their trauma and rebuild their lives.
Helpline number
Jobs

We are growing and expanding across all of our services. To help sustain this growth in the long term we are seeking to appoint a Part-Time Administrator to help support our work in a new centre in West Dorset This is a newly created role which forms part of the overall development of the team at STARS Dorset Rape Crisis. The post is for 21hrs worked Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Why volunteer

Our volunteers are essential to our work. We are always looking for men and women aged 18 or over to join our team and support us to deliver a quality service to our clients. We offer induction training and on-going support for all our volunteering roles.
Training

STARS Dorset offers a comprehensive range of training courses for those working with or supporting survivors of sexual violence. Our training has been developed from our knowledge and experience of providing a range of specialist support services for over thirty years. We offer both Employer Awareness Training and Professionals Training.
Our patron

From our work advising on the final series of ITV's Broadchurch, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Trish Winterman, kindly agreed to be our first patron and we are delighted to have her support.
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