Our patron

We are very proud to have been advisors to the third series of the popular ITV drama Broadchurch which screened in Spring 2017. Our staff liaised with Chris Chibnall, the writer, and the production company. From this, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Trish Winterman, kindly agreed to be our first patron and we are delighted to have her support.

'I am very proud to be Patron of STARS Dorset, having seen at close quarters the important work they do in incredibly challenging circumstances. The help they gave me whilst researching my role as Trish in the third series of Broadchurch was priceless, I couldn't have done it without them, and what I learned had a profound effect on me.

The overwhelming numbers of women coming forward to report serious sexual assaults and rapes is staggering, and this stretched and underfunded vital service is working miracles in terms of providing immediate and long term support of survivors, of all ages and from all social groups, many of whom have literally nowhere else to turn.'

Broadchurch won Best Crime Drama of 2017 at the National Television Awards in January 2018 and we were very proud to have been mentioned in the acceptance speech by Jodie Whittaker.

'And a special thanks to the extraordinary women at Dorset Rape Crisis and Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre who inspired this story by sharing their experience and expertise. We'd like to dedicate this award to all the survivors of sexual assault and all those brilliant people nationwide who support them.'

Latest

AFC Bournemouth Donates £1000 to STARS Dorset Children and Young People Service

STARS Dorset are hugely grateful to have received £1000 from AFC Bournemouth’s half time Cherries Community Draw. The much needed funds will be spent specifically on the work the charity does with Children and Young People across the county.
Sky Diving Team raises £4500 for the charity

Our sky diving team raised £4500! The brave group of supporters took to the skies at Go Sky Dive in Salisbury and each one bravely jumped from 10,000ft and helped raise the fantastic total. The team, made up of the charity’s volunteers, counsellors, employees and those who have seen the great work the charity does, each had their own reasons for bravely jumping and the charity is hugely grateful.
Introduction on Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Sexual Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace

We are delighted to be joining Safe Space Consultancy and HR experts Peninsula for an introduction on domestic abuse, stalking, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace. This is a free event for local businesses, charities and representatives from the education and statutory sectors to attend and gain understanding of why we need to consider these issues in the workplace.
Gemma's Skydive!

I have worked for STARS Dorset for the last 7 years and work in an amazing team supporting children and adults who have experienced sexual trauma. I am doing this as a personal challenge and to raise money for an amazing charity so please donate what you can.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors

We are currently recruiting for two part-time Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), one for adults and one for children and young people. Job specification, how to apply and application form all below.
Sam’s Skydive

This seems to be an impassable opportunity to do something crazy for the benefit of the greater good!
Contact Us

Our contact details, how to get in touch.
Recruiting Now for Volunteer Counsellors

STARS Dorset is currently recruiting for Volunteer Counsellors. All our volunteer counsellors must have completed or be completing at least a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent. For further information and an application form please email our Volunteer Co-ordinator [email protected]
Gemma's Skydive!

I have worked for STARS Dorset for the last 7 years and work in an amazing team supporting children and adults who have experienced sexual trauma. I am doing this as a personal challenge and to raise money for an amazing charity so please donate what you can.
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.
Please support Jax' Skydive for STARS

STARS is a fantastic local charity that is supporting so many people of all ages. As you know, I have my own children, and any child or adult who goes through this kind of trauma will need access to as much support as possible. STARS offers well needed support and every penny counts towards allowing them to keep their services available to local people.
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.
STARS Sky Diving Team 26th July 2019

STARS 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 thier lives. All our services are free so every penny donated goes to help provide these vital services.
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.