Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive healing environment for women in the Forth Valley and across Scotland, helping them rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma and abuse. At the core of our mission, we are driven by unwavering compassion and dedication to celebrate both our similarities and differences. We are committed to trauma-informed care, delivering compassionate support that recognises and addresses the deep impact of trauma on wellbeing. HSTAR Scotland isn’t just a charity; it’s a movement aimed at changing the lives of women who have faced trauma and abuse. We work together with local businesses, community groups, and other support services to build a strong network of resources for those in need. ​By focusing on empowering women and engaging the community, we aim to break the cycle of trauma and build resilience. Recovery can be tough, but with the right support network, we believe every woman can live a fulfilling, independent life free from their past troubles. Together, we’re building a brighter future for all women in Scotland. Each year, HSTAR supports over 1500 women with services like counselling, advocacy, help with CICA claims, mental health clinics, creative classes, and befriending support. As a charity that embraces multiple cultures and languages, we help women from various backgrounds, including asylum seekers and refugees. We’re the only therapy provider in Central Scotland that specialises in support for female trauma survivors and offers multilingual services (over 20 languages, various therapy modalities offered to clients based on their individual healing and recovery needs). We also make sure our services are accessible and timely. Many of our clients have been through abuse and face financial difficulties, preventing them from getting private therapy or waiting long periods for NHS support. Therefore, to support our community, the NHS, and the growing demand for mental health services we offer accessible help, providing key resources to those seeking support. Our clients play a key role in shaping and evaluating our programmes. We gather input through regular staff meetings, feedback, consultations, and reports. These are shared quarterly with funders and regularly with our board and advisory committee. We also collaborate with funders, advisors, and the women we help, to improve how we measure the impact of our work. ​By forming partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and support services, we are committed to constructing a strong network of resources; through the empowerment of women and community engagement, we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering resilience, acknowledging that while recovery is undoubtedly challenging, we believe that with the right support, every woman can achieve a fulfilling, independent life free from past difficulties. Since we embarked on this journey in August 2020, our growth has been nothing short of impressive. However, what truly defines us is our steadfast commitment to enhancing and strengthening safeguarding, trauma-informed services, and mental health well-being support. This unwavering dedication has elevated us to become a leading example of a trauma-sensitive, trauma-informed, person-centred grassroots organisation in the Forth Valley. We have earned the trust and respect of our clients, communities, partners, and referring organisations, which speaks volumes about our impact. Our focus is not merely on growth in numbers but on deepening our impact and reach. We are continually refining our approach, exploring innovative ways to deliver high-quality and long-lasting mental health improvements and trauma recovery for all who need it. We believe that by maintaining and elevating this approach, we ensure every individual can access the support they need to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our mission is clear: to leave no one behind in the pursuit of mental wellness and recovery, cultivating a supportive and resilient community for the future.