Why we founded HSTAR Scotland
HSTAR Scotland SCIO, originally known as Healed Scars, was founded by Ewelina Chin and board members in August 2020 in response to the growing challenges and concerns brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic. We experienced rapid growth, due to a greatly increasing demand for our services. HSTAR Scotland SCIO (Healed Scars Trauma and Abuse Recovery) was incorporated in October 2021 to develop an effective response to the growing needs of the diverse women impacted by the extreme challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic at various levels -. We recognised the very significant impact of COVID -19 and its associated challenges and implications for families and in particular women who experienced isolation, exclusion, abuse and trauma with no responsive support or care provisions. HSTAR Scotland sought to address the failures which were exposed in response to the extensive pressures placed on stakeholders to manage needed support provision for such groups especially where gaps identified in this context. .HSTAR's primary aim is to establish a healing environment for female trauma survivors.
HSTAR Scotland as an innovative and exciting grassroots charity.
Our purpose is to help women to rebuild their lives after the harm done through trauma and abuse. Our organisation provides trauma-sensitive and person-centred support to women suffering from past trauma, abuse, and mental health issues. Our charity is dedicated to actively supporting female survivors of trauma in Scotland. We recognise the diverse needs of those who have experienced sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation. Through our person-centred and multiethnic therapies, we aim to provide the necessary support and healing to Scotland's female survivors. By providing multicultural and multilingual trauma/abuse recovery and mental health support to women, we advance their emotional and mental health wellbeing. Our organisation knows and understands the importance of receiving timely and quality support, as well as respecting beneficiaries' values, culture, beliefs, and faith. Over 20 languages are available for our therapy services based on the individual healing needs of clients. Recognising and respecting cultural and language factors is crucial when providing person-centred trauma recovery and mental health support services and therapy. Understanding and acknowledging an individual's cultural and religious background can significantly enhance the effectiveness and appropriateness of the support provided. We are honoured to have the opportunity to participate actively in Parliament meetings to discuss and advocate for the rights and well-being of these survivors.
Our Mission
Our purpose is to establish a secure and welcoming community in Scotland where women who have encountered trauma and abuse in their past can reconstruct their lives and thrive.
• Facilitate recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety by emphasising the strengthening of trust, resilience, and empowerment.
• Provide flexibility to accommodate the unique needs of women, by offering therapy on an individual or group basis, either in-person or remotely.
• Prioritise multicultural and intersectional strategies by offering personalised support in various community languages and for specific, minority cultural groups.
• Aim to shape the best practice in women's mental health and wellbeing across our local community.
• Deliver non-judgmental, trauma-informed and person-centred supportive services that cater to the unique healing needs of each individual.
•Continuously enhance the quality of our support through the active involvement and decision-making contributions of our service users.
Our Vision
A world where every woman has the ability to enhance her mental health and wellbeing in safety, free from abuse, trauma, exclusion, and discrimination.
A world where all women in Scotland have access to proficient, unbiased, and culturally sensitive trauma recovery services.
Our Goals
We aspire to create a reality where every woman in Scotland has the opportunity to enhance her mental health and wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that women are free from abuse, trauma, exclusion, and discrimination.
We are determined to work tirelessly to make this vision a reality. We will collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and the community to advocate for change, challenge societal norms, and create a culture that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of women.
At the core of our service are a set of values that guide and inform everything we do. These values are not just words on a page; they are the principles that underpin our work and shape our interactions with clients. Our commitment to these values ensures that we provide the highest standard of care and support to all individuals who seek our help.
Non-judgmental and unbiased: We believe in creating an environment where every woman feels safe and respected, free from judgement and bias. We understand that every person has their own unique experiences and challenges, and we strive to provide a space where individuals can freely express themselves without fear of prejudice.
Diversity minded: We embrace diversity in all its forms, recognising that every woman is unique and has their own particular needs. We value and celebrate the differences that make each person who they are, and we are committed to providing inclusive and equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their background or economic/social status.
Safe, trauma-sensitive, and person-centred: We prioritise the safety and well-being of our clients above all else. Our approach is trauma-sensitive, meaning we are mindful of the potential impact of past traumas on individuals' lives and tailor our support accordingly.
Unique and based on individual healing needs: We understand that no two individuals are the same, and therefore, their healing journey should be unique to them. We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, and we tailor our services to meet the individual needs of each client. By providing personalised care, we can ensure that individuals receive the support they need to heal and grow.
Women-centred: We are committed to supporting women and their specific needs. We recognise the unique challenges that women face and the importance of providing them with a safe and supportive environment. Our services are designed to empower women and help them navigate their own healing journey.
Adaptive approach with flexibility and focus: We understand that healing is not a linear process and that individuals may require different levels of support at different times. Our approach is adaptive, allowing us to respond to the changing needs of our clients. We are flexible in our approach, offering a range of services and interventions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. At the same time, we maintain a focus on our clients' goals and aspirations, supporting them in achieving their desired outcomes.
Strengthening, empowering, and reducing social isolation: Our ultimate goal is to strengthen and empower individuals, enabling them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. We recognise that social isolation can be a barrier to healing and growth, and we actively work to reduce social isolation by fostering connections and building supportive networks. Through our services, we aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and thrive in their communities.
HSTAR Scotland stands as a beacon of hope, poised at the forefront of driving positive change and empowerment among women affected by trauma or abuse. With a dedicated and skilled team of professionals, our mission extends beyond the women we serve to also positively impact their families and communities. Our overarching aim? To pave the way for a better future for all.
Our staff body represents an amalgamation of diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and skills, adeptly addressing the unique needs of women from various walks of life. All of our counsellors and students are registered with COSCA or BACP, boast proficiency in over 20 languages, and constantly hone their expertise through clinical supervision, regular meetings, and ongoing professional training focusing on women's mental health and trauma recovery.
At HSTAR Scotland, our mental health nurses are fully certified practitioners, and our core team, which includes the CEO, Therapy Coordinator, Charity Administrator, and Social Worker, works in seamless collaboration to ensure the smooth and efficient running of all our services. High-quality support for every team member and service-user takes centre stage in our operations.
Our charity is fortunate to have a dedicated Board of Trustees who play a crucial role in guiding our organisation towards continued success. Each member of our board brings a wealth of valuable knowledge, skills, and experience to the table, which greatly enhances our ability to make informed decisions and effectively fulfil our mission.
The Board of Trustees is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including executives, professionals, and community leaders. Their collective expertise spans various fields such as finance, law, marketing, and non-profit management. This diversity ensures that we benefit from a wide range of perspectives and insights when making important strategic choices.
Our endeavour flourishes under the leadership of Ewelina M Chin, the CEO of HSTAR Scotland and Lucie Cunningham, newly nominated Chair of Trustees.