Being a nerd or geek shouldn't mean being alone

The StarDust Foundation will support youth mental health, wellbeing and a sense of belonging within the geek and nerd community. We believe everyone deserves a safe space to be themselves — online and offline, with strong safeguards designed to support safety, privacy and respect. For many young people, fandoms are more than interests — they're lifelines. We recognise that our community includes many who are neurodivergent, as well as many who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including trans individuals. Each of these communities can face isolation, misunderstanding or exclusion in different ways. We're here to change that — by creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and able to connect on their own terms. Our long-term goal is to reduce isolation, prevent self-harm and improve mental health outcomes within the communities we reach. These principles are reflected directly in how StarDust Meet is built — from anonymous participation in SPACES to strict data separation and safety-focused design.