Charity | Posted on November 27th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset sexual trauma charity uses grant to build therapeutic garden

STARS Dorset has refreshed its outdoor space after receiving a £1,000 grant from British sweet maker Swizzels.

STARS Dorset, a charity that provides specialist support to people throughout the county who have experienced sexual trauma, has received a £1,000 grant from British sweet maker Swizzels as part of its Great Community Refresh competition. The charity used the grant to refresh its outdoor space and build a therapeutic garden.

Launched to celebrate 70 years of Swizzels’ Refreshers sweets, the nationwide competition attracted over 1,500 entries from individuals and organisations seeking support to revitalise community projects and spaces.

STARS was chosen as one of only seven winners and has used the grant to transform the courtyard at its Poole support centre into a welcoming, therapeutic garden.

The new space will enable the charity to start a gardening group, helping survivors to experience the wellbeing benefits of gardening, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of accomplishment.

The garden features new furniture, a fishpond, planters, flowers, and a water butt to collect rainwater for watering the plants. Several clients are working with counsellors to contribute to the garden by providing painted stones to brighten the space.

STARS provides support to anyone who has experienced sexual trauma and abuse. It aims to challenge societal attitudes that condone abuse by raising awareness and offering education and training.

Adam Dennett, fundraising and compliance assistant at STARS, said: “As we continue on our mission to support people on their journey to recovery, we’re grateful to receive this grant from Swizzels. Funding like this is a massive lifeline for charities like ours; without it, we wouldn’t have been able to refresh our outdoor space. We’re always searching for new ways to provide tailored support for our clients, and a gardening club is the perfect way for them to make new connections, engage in therapeutic activities, and take pride in their achievements.

“Many who experience sexual abuse and trauma often feel alone on the road to recovery, but by coming to us, they’re able to benefit from a wide range of services delivered by a team of trained, dedicated counsellors. Donations like these help us to improve outcomes for people impacted by sexual violence.”

Sarah-Louise Heslop, head of marketing at Swizzels, said: “We received an outstanding number of entries for The Great Community Refresh, highlighting the many wonderful organisations across the UK making a lasting impact in their communities. STARS emerged as one charity in particular which provides exceptional support to those who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma. The refreshed garden will offer a welcoming space, providing a chance for people to connect with nature and reap the benefits that it can bring.”

From Belfast down to Dorset, the seven winning projects include wellbeing gardens, an inclusive dance studio, and upgrades to social spaces and facilities for young people, all designed to bring people together and improve local lives.

For more information about STARS Dorset, visit https://starsdorset.org.