In the summer of 2021, in the throes of the global pandemic, Sisters Of Support was brought to life in Newton Aycliffe due to the lived experiences of founders Amy and Carrie. Together they realised there are huge gaps in the system for anyone (particularly women) who experience any form of crisis. They recognised that together they could fill that gap, in the interim, for anyone awaiting professional intervention. After gaining town and county backing, things moved rapidly and the first meeting was underway. Groups have been regularly attended by other local groups who come, and sign-post the ladies to other avenues of support available within the town and county, like Joanne Jones, from Community Spirit, who said: “A kind word and a person to care sometimes makes the difference between life and death…. SOS provides ladies with the coping mechanisms to deal with life and all it throws at you and the support to know you are not alone.” And Jules Howe from Wellbeing For Life who said “Sisters of support is an amazing group that has been set up by two lovely ladies who are relatable, easy to talk to and, most of all, supportive! I’m so pleased this group has been able to expand. Very much needed! Well done girls! Will support as best I can…”
More than 2 years down the line and Sisters Of Support has gone from strength to strength. In the beginning, Carrie and Amy facilitated and funded the group sessions themselves. As the group grew there was a need to appoint two more volunteer facilitators, Tina and Vikki, and over the summer the ladies attended local community events to raise funds to keep the group running on a self-sufficient basis. Due to the success in Newton Aycliffe the group has secured the same town and county backing for a group to take place in Shildon.
Livin have provided the group with a community lounge in Lilburn Close and the first meeting will be held at 10:30am-12:30pm on 23rd October a rescued buffet for the opening session will be provided by Shildon Alive. The group will be opened by Shildon’s Town and County Councillor Samantha Townsend who states “While I wish the need for such organisations wasn’t so acute, I’m so pleased to see Sisters Of Support starting a meeting in Shildon. It’s a perfect illustration of how the community of Shildon, which I am so proud of, will always pull together to support each other.
The Shildon branch of SOS expects to be as successful as the Newton Aycliffe branch, offering the women of Shildon the same opportunity for friendship, support, and personal development.”