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 experiences 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 council backing, they were quickly able to launch their first meeting.
Groups have been regularly attended by other local groups who come, and signpost the ladies to other avenues of support available with in the town and county, like Joanne Jones from Community Spirt who said: “A kind word and a person to care sometimes makes the difference between life and death. SOS provide 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, 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. It’s very much needed and I will support as best I can.”
More than two years later 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 two more volunteer facilitators, Tina and Vikki, were appointed, and over summer the ladies attended local community events to raise funds to keep the group running on a self-sufficient basis.
Due to its success in Newton Aycliffe, the group has secured the same town and county backing to begin a group in Shildon. After a successful launch on Monday this week, which saw the first meeting opened by Cllr Samantha Townsend and attended by Shildon’s Mayor, Cllr Shirley Quinn, SOS would like to thank Shildon Alive for providing food for the meeting and Livin who have provided the group with a community lounge in Lilburn Close.
The next meeting will be held at 10:30am-12:30pm on Monday 30 October. A rescued buffet will be provided by Shildon Alive.
Cllr Townsend said: “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.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
