Sisters of Support was founded in June 2021 by Amy and Carrie after they recognised a gap in mental health support for women in their community. Based in Newton Aycliffe, the group was born out of personal experience and a shared vision to create a safe, peer-led environment for women to talk openly and support each other through mental health struggles and the everyday pressures of life.
We are dedicated to helping women (18+) find a space where they can share their thoughts, fears, and concerns about their mental, emotional, and physical well-being—without judgment. Through our group, we promote a culture of listening, understanding, and empowerment.
Our Mission
Promote Emotional Wellbeing: Provide a safe and supportive space for women to share experiences, resources, and coping strategies.
Provide Practical Support: Assist women facing challenges like domestic violence, trauma, or social isolation by connecting them with relevant resources and support networks.
Build Community: Organise social events, group activities, and peer-led support to reduce loneliness and strengthen bonds among women.
Collaborate with Businesses and Services: Tailor support for every woman who joins us by working alongside local businesses and services.
We want to remind women that it’s good to talk, but it’s even better to feel truly heard. We believe that having a space to vent, share, and receive support is a powerful form of therapy.
(Note: We follow strict policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, including our constitution, equality policy, safeguarding policy, GDPR, and health and safety protocols. We are not a substitute for professional medical help but always signpost where needed.)
We are here to tell you #WeARElistening, sometimes just getting things off your chest is a powerful therapy, feeling heard and understood is so important, it is good to talk, yes, but, unless you feel heard, you are not likely to make a healthy habit of speaking about things you struggle with.
Our Growth & Impact
Since launching in 2021, Sisters of Support has made tremendous strides:
Expanded to Shildon: In September 2023, we opened a daytime group in Shildon, recognising the need for support among women who may struggle to attend evening sessions due to childcare constraints. We are proud to be supported by Livin Housing Association, which provides us with free spaces to meet in both Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.
#WeARElistening Campaign: Launched in June 2024, this campaign is a powerful reminder that women often mask their emotions, hiding struggles in the name of survival. Our goal is to encourage women to open up, knowing they are listened to. Research shows that more women than men are struggling with poor mental health, and we’re here to help change that narrative.
Community Interest Company (CIC): In July 2024, we became a CIC, allowing us to apply for more funding and expand our impact. Our first corporate partner, Perfect Care, has been invaluable in providing ongoing advice and support.
Ongoing Funding and Support: Throughout 2024, we’ve received generous donations from local businesses and groups. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped us along the way. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Sisters Of Support would like to ask that you check on your female friends, give them the space and comfort to open up to you and let’s get as many women in County Durham as possible to say #WeARElistening. The future is bright, Sisters of Support hope to go from strength to strength. We would love to open more groups in more areas and help more women across the county and country, but we can only do this with more support from volunteers and fundraising. Who knows today County Durham tomorrow the World?