Who We Are
Sisters of Support was founded in June 2021 by Amy Turner and Carrie Howarth, after they recognised a gap in mental health support for women in their local community. Based in Newton Aycliffe, the group was born out of personal experience and a shared vision to create a safe, peer-led environment where women could talk openly and support each other through mental health struggles and the everyday pressures of life.
We are dedicated to helping women aged 18 and over find a space where they can share their thoughts, fears, and concerns about their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing — without judgment. Through our groups, we promote a culture of listening, understanding, and empowerment.
Our Mission
- Promote Emotional Wellbeing: Provide safe, supportive spaces for women to share experiences, resources, and coping strategies.
- Provide Practical Support: Assist women facing challenges such as domestic violence, trauma, or social isolation by connecting them with relevant networks and services.
- Build Community: Organise social events, group activities, and peer-led support to reduce loneliness and strengthen bonds among women.
- Collaborate with Partners: Work alongside local businesses, services, and community organizations to tailor support for every woman who joins us.
We want to remind women that it’s good to talk — but it’s even better to feel truly heard. Sometimes, just getting things off your chest is a powerful therapy. Feeling understood and supported can be the first step toward healing.
#WeARElistening
Because every woman deserves to be heard.
(Sisters of Support follows strict policies to ensure safety and wellbeing, including safeguarding, equality, health and safety, and GDPR compliance. We are not a substitute for medical or clinical care but always signpost to professional help where needed.)
Our Growth & Impact
2021–2023: Laying the Foundations
Since launching in 2021, Sisters of Support has made tremendous strides. In September 2023, we expanded to Shildon, opening a daytime group for women who may struggle to attend evening sessions due to childcare or other commitments.
We are proud to be supported by Livin Housing Association, which provides us with free spaces to meet in both Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.
2024: A Year of Growth and Recognition
2024 was a transformative year for Sisters of Support. In July, we officially became a Community Interest Company (CIC) — a milestone that has strengthened our ability to access funding and expand our impact.
We also launched our first major awareness campaign, #WeARElistening, in June 2024 — a powerful reminder that women often mask their emotions in the name of survival. The campaign encourages open conversations and reminds women that they are not alone.
We welcomed our first corporate partner, Perfect Care, whose ongoing advice and practical support have been invaluable. Throughout 2024, we received generous donations from local businesses, community groups, and individuals who share our mission. Their support has enabled us to keep offering free, welcoming spaces where women can connect, share, and heal together.
2025: Building Connections and Community
In 2025, Sisters of Support continued to grow from strength to strength. In response to rising demand, we opened a second Newton Aycliffe group at Gilpin Court, providing additional capacity and a new accessible venue for women seeking peer support.
We also expanded our activity-based wellbeing programme, offering more creative, social, and therapeutic ways for women to connect — including mindfulness, crafts, community walks, choir sessions, and seasonal wellbeing workshops.
Throughout 2025, we proudly took part in a wide range of events and collaborations, including:
- Mental Health Awareness Week community walks and wellbeing fairs
- International Women’s Day celebrations featuring talks, creative stalls, and peer-led activities
- Durham Mental Health & Wellbeing Festival, showcasing our work and building stronger networks with local providers
- Craft and mindfulness pop-ups in partnership with community centres and local initiatives
- Collaborations with organisations such as Active Durham, local foodbanks, and community health teams
These events highlighted our deep commitment to connection, inclusion, and whole-community wellbeing — reaching women not only in our groups, but throughout the communities they live in.
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?
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Our focus for the years ahead is simple: grow sustainably, empower more women, and strengthen our impact across the North East.
Our priorities include:
- Expanding into Darlington and additional areas.
- Developing leaders through peer mentor pathways and strengthened volunteer support.
- Enhancing wellbeing, including family-inclusive and creative activity-based sessions.
- Building partnerships with health providers and community organisations.
- Securing sustainability so all sessions remain free, accessible, and community-led.
Our vision is simple but powerful — to ensure every woman feels seen, heard, and supported, and that no one faces life’s challenges alone.
With the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and community, Sisters of Support will continue to grow
— empowering women, strengthening communities, and creating a brighter, kinder future for all.