Charity | Posted on March 26th, 2026 | return to news

SEND youngsters benefiting from STARS Dorset service

The Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS), which has helped people in the BCP area, is to be extended throughout Dorset.

Young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have benefited from a programme produced by STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service) Dorset.

So much so, that it is now going to be expanded across the whole of Dorset.

The programme began in April 2025 when Hannah, a specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) with extensive experience supporting clients with SEND, moved into the engagement team to develop targeted prevention and education work.

Through workshops, professional advice and community outreach, Hannah has helped schools and organisations navigate conversations that can often feel difficult but are essential.

Hannah said: “We recognised that there was a real gap when it came to accessible conversations about sex, relationships and consent for people with SEND. Our work has been about building trust with schools, professionals and the community so that these conversations can happen safely and in a way that people understand.”

Over the past year, this work has grown significantly, with well over 100 students already supported through workshops, drop-in sessions and tailored engagement activities.

A key part of the programme has been helping organisations make information about consent and sexual violence accessible for everyone.

This has included developing adapted resources such as: image-based communication materials; BSL-supported information; accessible guides for attending police appointments; and lanyard cards to support communication in stressful situations.

Hannah also works directly with staff teams to help them frame conversations appropriately for their students and service users.

This collaborative approach means that organisations are better equipped to support their communities, while individuals with SEND gain clearer information about boundaries, safety and consent.

One of the most powerful outcomes of the programme has been increased confidence within the SEND community to speak up about their experiences.

By providing accessible education and trusted support, more individuals have felt able to disclose concerns or report incidents.

STARS Dorset CEO Helen Stevens said: “While ‘trauma-informed’ and ‘neurodiversity’ are widely discussed, very few services are delivering specific consent and sexual violence prevention work tailored to the SEND community. Yet we know that people with SEND are disproportionately vulnerable. This work is helping to fill that gap in a meaningful way.”

A recent highlight was Thrive Fest, a SEND community event that brought together organisations, young people and families, made possible through the relationships built during the programme.

The work has also expanded into wider community initiatives, including collaborations with transport providers and colleges to promote safe travel and respectful behaviour on public transport.

These partnerships are helping to create safer, more informed communities beyond the classroom.

Helen said: “This work started by recognising a real need in our community. The success we’ve seen shows just how important it is. As we expand across Dorset, we want to work alongside partners who share our commitment to making consent education accessible for everyone.”

Over the coming months, STARS Dorset will be sharing stories from the programme as part of a campaign highlighting the impact of SEND-focused consent education.

The goal is not simply to celebrate success, but to invite partners, organisations and community members to help shape the future of this work.

Hannah said: “This programme has grown because people care deeply about making their environments safer and more inclusive. We’re excited to keep building those partnerships and to keep learning from the SEND community itself.”