A charity which offers one to one support to anyone of any age or gender who has experienced sexual violence in their lives has launched its first-ever crowdfunding page.

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS Dorset) has been chosen as one of the projects supported by the Aviva Community Fund.

With the help of Aviva the charity has set up the crowdfunding page and is asking people to pledge their support and help it raise funds.

STARS Dorset is hoping to raise £2,500 to cover the increased costs from continuing to support clients through and after Covid-19.

Before the pandemic, the charity’s counselling service and independent sexual violence advisor service were provided as one to one, face to face support services.

Due to the restrictions put in place STARS Dorset has changed the way it works.

As a result costs are being incurred from creating an online assessment team, training all its counsellors to be proficient in online counselling and covering additional phone and video platform costs.

The charity is hoping through the money raised it will be able to create and maintain its free support services allowing everyone across Dorset continued access to its services.

Helen Stevens, Service Manager, said: “Since the outbreak of Covid-19 we have extended the hours of our listening support line service and our live chat capabilities and ensured our counsellor and independent sexual violence advisors could continue to support our clients.

“Last year we supported over 1,800 people in Dorset and we want to ensure we are able to maintain this level of support and more.

“We’re very excited to launch our first-ever crowdfunding page and hope the local community will pledge so we can continue our work across Dorset.”

The Aviva Community Fund supports small charities with forward-thinking ideas across the UK with funding, vital support and resources all year round.

STARS Dorset offers a counselling service, an independent sexual violence advisor service, a support line and a dedicated children and young people service.

All its services are free.

During Covid-19 the charity has increased the hours of its telephone support line service and is continuing to offer all its services via telephone and video link.

To pledge support for the campaign please visit the crowdfunding page here.