Star Lounge is our weekly space in South London for survivors to come together to share experiences, support each other and gain new skills. At Star Lounge, we provide a range of different sessions, aimed to create a safe social space for LGBTIQ+ people who have experienced domestic abuse. This includes therapeutic, creative and recovery-focused sessions as well as outings and other fun activities.

As an organisation, we centre community and connection in our approach to domestic abuse recovery. Star Lounge creates a space that helps our community members reflect on their experiences in a safe, accepting and warm environment, building new supportive social networks, confidence and resilience.

Who can attend Star Lounge?

You are welcome to attend Star Lounge if you identify as LGBTIQ+ and have experienced domestic abuse. This may have been within an intimate partner relationship or from family members.

When and where does Star Lounge run?

Every Thursday between 10:30 - 16:00

The Outside Project LGBTIQ+ Centre, 52 Lant Street, London, SE1 1RB.

What happens at Star Lounge?

On the first and third Thursdays of the month, facilitators run a variety of creative and structured recovery-focused sessions.

Creative sessions: During creative sessions, our recovery worker will use art and crafts to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment, allowing the group to calmy reflect on their experiences, express themselves and spend time getting to know each other.

Recovery sessions: The recovery-focused sessions will take a more structured form and will require participation from everyone in the group. In these sessions, the recovery worker will lead the group through a set of reflective practices, discussion points and activities, focusing on various areas of domestic abuse recovery.

Open Barbers: On the second Thursday of the month, we are visited by Open Barbers in the afternoon. If you would like one, you are able to put your name down on the list when you arrive for a free haircut. Please keep it in mind that there is not always time for everyone to receive a haircut. Please arrive at the community centre early to reserve a spot.

Reflexology and massage: On the last Thursday of the month we are visited by Gentle Steps, who provide therapeutic treatments including reflexology and massage. As with our Open Barbers afternoons, it is advisable there is often a queue, so arrive early to guarantee you will be seen by our reflexologist.

Trips and outings: Our previous trips have included a queer ecology tour at Chelsea Physic Gardens and an afternoon at Spitalfields City Farm. We are looking forward to going on some more trips over the next couple of months. To receive information about upcoming trips, please attend Star Lounge. Once you become known to us we can add you to our mailing list and keep you informed.

If you are interested in attending Star Lounge, please register your interest here: