STARS (Support, Training and Recovery System)

After people have been through the local therapy programmes, they can join the Thames Valley STARS groups. The groups were formed in 2005 as a response to the need for ex-service users to be involved in the planning and provision of training and services.

Many people have been through these groups over the years after leaving the Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes services, and gone on to find work, education or training afterwards. Some of these have chosen to work in mental health, and have either trained in a clinical profession or been employed in NHS ‘Support, Time and Recovery' posts.

STARS members are interested in becoming involved in more training and development opportunities. Members have worked locally, nationally and even internationally to share their passion and expertise as Experts by Experience and have participated in many high profile events, speaking at conferences and training professionals. The membership is usually between 20 and 30, and they meet monthly in a central location in the Thames Valley.

STARS members also work alongside Exclusion Link by supporting our Greencare plans based at Wrexham Nursery.

For more information on STARS and training opportunities please contact Sue on sue@tva2i.net or visit the STARS website