We support and train professionals working with victims of abuse. Our vision is a society free from abuse.
Interstellar training and meeting spaces in Poundbury are available for hire by other organisations when not in use for our own training programmes.
Interstellar Dorset is a wholly-owned subsidiary of STARS Dorset.
Training
Membership
Facility hire
We run in person training events at our Dorchester venue, conveniently located in Poundbury.
Sessions already arranged for 2026 include:-
- Interpersonal psychological trauma
- Attachment
- Supervision
- Working with shame
To view full details of training, and to book online, visit our training calendar.
We are consulting on demand for online training, and asking what topics professional would value. Complete our survey here.
STARS Dorset is aware of the strain that working in this area can put on professionals. Without support, not only do colleagues suffer unnecessarily, but the quality of delivery can also be affected.
In establishing Interstellar Dorset, STARS are intending to meet a clear need for professional support and professional networks in this area.
This might be provided through accessing events or services on a pay-as-you-go basis, or through a inclusive membership offer.
We would value input from professionals as we make plans for this. Please do complete our survey.
Our new training facilities are conveniently situated in Poundbury, Dorchester, with ample on-street free parking, and an excellent bus service from Dorchester town centre (Damory 6 or FirstBus 10 or X51).
Our main training room can be arranged in theatre, cabaret or board room styles, catering for conferences, larger training events or workshops, or meetings. It can hold up to 48 people, depending on the layout.
Our smaller board room is ideal for meetings or smaller training events, with a maximum of 16 people, again depending on layout.
Influence our journey
We’re seeking your views as we make exciting plans for Interstellar Dorset over the coming 24 months.
Professional support network
Professional development
We’re interested in the support that professionals working with victims of abuse would find helpful. We’d also like to know if you would prefer to access these on a one-off basis, or subscribe to a membership offer with many of them included.
Examples of the content of a membership offer could be :-
- Moderated online professional discussion forum
- Short lunchtime or twilight online networking/ update sessions (30 minutes max)
- Access to a named support officer
- In person training events in Dorchester
- Online training events
- Facilitated network groups for your specialist area
- In person social, peer support and networking events
- Annual conference
- Professional directory
In an area of work which puts significant demand on colleagues, Interstellar plans to offer a wide range of training and other professional development opportunities.
It’s important to stay up to date and refresh professional knowledge, but also to put resource and time into developing ourselves as resilient and effective practitioners.
What topics would you value us covering? What areas do you feel are lacking? Are there specific professional roles which may need more support?
Do share your thoughts in our survey, and help guide the next stage in Interstellar Dorset’s development.