Circus Starr is a fantastic organisation that creates magical circus themed shows with a difference, as they ensure that these types of events can be enjoyed by every child, no matter what their circumstances may be.

They go the extra mile and are leading the way in accessible arts, with Changing Places toilet facilities on sites and each of their performances featuring a British Sign Language Interpreter.

The shows are inclusive, exciting, non-judgemental, animal-free, accessible and magical, and are a fantastic outing for all the family, and we are proud supporters now for the third year running.

Across the UK, many vulnerable and disabled children often feel isolated and lack access to relaxed, inclusive performances like theirs. With all our help, they were able to offer a transformative experience to children like Freya, a young girl with additional sensory needs.

Freya attended the show with her mum and dad and was captivated by the inclusive atmosphere and vibrant energy. Since then, her living room has become her personal stage, where she dazzles with freestyle dance routines and circus-inspired performances

Her parents shared:

“Freya has come a long way, but she’s still hypersensitive to sounds and textures.

Busy and loud environments can be overwhelming for her, so we have to plan carefully when we go out—choosing quieter times and places.

That’s why Circus Starr was so special.

It gave her a space where she could be herself, make noise, move freely, and connect with other children who understand what that feels like.”

Across the UK, many vulnerable and disabled children often feel isolated and lack access to relaxed, inclusive performances like theirs. With all our help, they were able to offer a transformative experience to children like Freya, a young girl with additional sensory needs.

Freya attended the show with her mum and dad and was captivated by the inclusive atmosphere and vibrant energy. Since then, her living room has become her personal stage, where she dazzles with freestyle dance routines and circus-inspired performances.

Can you help a child like Freya?  They would love to hear from you. Whether it’s sponsoring more tickets, spreading the word, or partnering with them, everyone’s involvement helps them reach even more children who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and included.

The next show in our area will be held on Wednesday 23rd September 2026, at MECA, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1PR, so please contact Starr in the Community if you’d like to book tickets for yourself or buy them for someone else.

Call them on 01260 288690 or email donations@circus-starr.org.uk or visit their website www.circus-starr.org.uk

Mental health is an increasingly important topic in today’s workplace and wider society. With more people recognising the importance of mental wellbeing, Mental Health First Aid training provides valuable knowledge and practical skills to help people recognise and respond to signs of mental ill health.

Whether you’re an employer, manager, team leader or employee, attending a Mental Health First Aid course can help you feel more confident when supporting someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.

Here are five reasons to attend our next Mental Health First Aid Course.

1. Improve Your Mental Health Awareness

One of the biggest benefits of Mental Health First Aid training is developing a better understanding of mental health.

Our one-day Level 2 course can help you recognise potential signs and symptoms of mental ill health and understand how these may affect an individual’s behaviour, wellbeing and ability to cope.

Improving mental health awareness in the workplace can also help reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about mental wellbeing.

The more people understand about mental health, the easier it can become for those who are struggling to feel comfortable asking for support.

2. Gain Confidence Supporting Someone With Their Mental Health

Knowing that someone is struggling is one thing; knowing how to respond is another.

Our Mental Health First Aid course provides practical guidance on how to approach conversations about mental health, listen without judgement and offer appropriate initial support.

You’ll develop the confidence to recognise when someone may need help and understand how to encourage them to access appropriate professional or other sources of support.

You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Having the confidence to listen and signpost someone towards further help can be incredibly valuable.

3. Develop Practical Mental Health First Aid Skills

Mental Health First Aid training focuses on practical skills that can be applied in everyday situations.

During the course, you can learn more about:

• Recognising potential signs of mental ill health.
• Approaching someone who may be struggling.
• Starting conversations about mental health.
• Listening and providing appropriate initial support.
• Understanding the importance of professional support.
• Signposting people towards relevant sources of help.
• Maintaining your own wellbeing when supporting others.

These skills can be valuable both inside and outside the workplace.

4. Support a Positive Workplace Mental Health Culture

Employers are increasingly recognising the importance of workplace mental health and the role that employees can play in creating a supportive working environment.

Having people within an organisation who have completed Mental Health First Aid training can help encourage greater awareness and more open conversations around mental wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aiders can become an important part of a wider workplace wellbeing strategy, helping colleagues feel that mental health is taken seriously and that support is available.

Creating a culture where people feel comfortable talking about mental health can benefit individuals, teams and organisations.

5. Invest in Your Personal and Professional Development

Completing a Mental Health First Aid course is an opportunity to develop skills that can benefit both your personal and professional life.

Mental health awareness is relevant across almost every industry, making Mental Health First Aid training a valuable addition to your professional development.

The knowledge and confidence gained through the course can also help you become a more supportive colleague, manager, friend or family member.

Most importantly, you could develop skills that allow you to recognise when someone may be struggling and help them take the next step towards getting appropriate support.

Book Your Mental Health First Aid Course Today.

Poor mental health affects everyone and knowing how to support someone who may be struggling can make a genuine difference.

Our course provides an opportunity to improve your mental health awareness, develop practical support skills and gain greater confidence when talking about mental wellbeing.

So, whether you’re looking to improve workplace mental health, develop your professional skills or simply become better equipped to support others, our Mental Health First Aid course could be the ideal opportunity for you to take the next step towards becoming more confident in supporting mental health.

The course is running on Thursday 10th September 2026 in our training centre in Swindon, so please contact the office to book.

To view the other open courses we have available in 2026, please see here.