STARS Dorset launches Thrive Fest in BCP during Sexual Violence Awareness Week
STARS Dorset is proud to host the first Thrive Fest in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) during Sexual Violence Awareness Week, bringing together local organisations, students and educators for a welcoming day focused on safety, support and community connection. The event is being held to raise awareness of the support available within the SEND community and to help young people feel seen and listened to by professionals and their wider communities.
Taking place on Friday 6th February, Thrive Fest is designed to provide individuals from our SEND community with accessible information to help keep people safe in their communities and raise awareness of the wide range of local support services available. This event will create a safe, inclusive environment where people can ask questions, build confidence and better understand where to turn for help.
A range of specialist organisations will be on hand throughout the day to offer advice, guidance and reassurance. Specialist college SWRAC will be offering advice and support to potential students around future aspirations. Dorset Police will be meeting people to help them understand who to go to for support when out in their communities, how to report a crime, and get to know a friendly face within local services. STARS Dorset will be sharing information around healthy relationships, trust and staying safe, while Parents and Carers Together will be offering support and advice to parents and carers of young people.
The event will feature a vibrant mix of information stalls from organisations including BCP Council, Dorset Police, Parents/Carer Together, Bournemouth Gateway Club, SWRAC, STARS Dorset, Town Pastors, Whitehorse First Aid, Talk About Trust, Sexual Health Dorset, Muscliffe Youth Hub providing refreshments on the day.
Attendees will include members of our community from FLAiM, SWRAC (Winton, Boscombe and Dorchester), People First Forum, The Crumbs Project, Kingston Maurward College and Bournemouth and Poole College, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can engage, ask questions and build confidence.
Hannah Thorneycroft our Community SEND consent engagement worker said
“Thrive Fest has been created to give our SEND community a safe, welcoming space where they can access clear, trusted information about staying safe across the BCP area. National evidence shows that people with special educational needs and disabilities can be more likely to experience unsafe or vulnerable situations, often due to barriers in accessing information and support. That’s why this event is so important. Through strong partnerships Thrive Fest brings that support together in one place, empowering people with knowledge, confidence, and connections so everyone can thrive safely in their community.”
STARS Dorset works across the county to support survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and to deliver education and engagement that helps build safer communities.
For more information about STARS Dorset visit www.starsdorset.org
If you would like to discuss how Hannah can support your organisation with SEND consent education, please contact Hannah.thorneycroft@starsdorset.org