Everyone is welcome at our meetings. They’re completely free to attend, with no registration required and no obligation to commit.
Simply join us when you’re ready.
Women’s peer support group, providing an online and in-person safe and confidential space in West Sussex and beyond
Women’s peer support group, providing an online and in-person safe and confidential space in West Sussex and beyond
Topics we can support with
Anxiety and Depression
Bereavement
Caring Responsibilities
Childhood Trauma
Domestic Abuse
Financial Worries
Housing Issues
Isolation
Menopause
Neurodiversity
Parenting
Physical Disability and Health
While we talk about some difficult issues, we share the good times as well as the hard times, and there is often light-hearted banter that can lighten the mood when appropriate. There are sometimes tears, but there is always laughter.
The group is facilitated by qualified and experienced women. Our ethos is that members are consulted and involved in running the group and in the decisions we make. We are a non-religious and non-political group, and we welcome all women.
Ultimately, we are about compassion, understanding and kindness.
Our group is a drop-in, so you do not need to make an appointment. You are welcome to arrive at any point during the meeting, and you do not need to stay for the whole session if you feel unable to. You will always receive a warm and friendly welcome, with no questions asked, only: “Would you like tea or coffee?”
The women in our group bring important life experience, knowledge and wisdom, enabling them to offer meaningful support to one another.
Ultimately, we are about compassion, understanding and kindness.
What meetings feel like
While we talk about some difficult issues, we share the good times as well as the hard times, and there is often light-hearted banter that can lighten the mood when appropriate. There are sometimes tears, but there is always laughter.
How the group is run
The group is facilitated by qualified and experienced women. Our ethos is that members are consulted and involved in running the group and in the decisions we make. We are a non-religious and non-political group, and we welcome all women.
Attend at your own pace
Our group is a drop-in, so you do not need to make an appointment. You are welcome to arrive at any point during the meeting, and you do not need to stay for the whole session if you feel unable to. You will always receive a warm and friendly welcome, with no questions asked, only: “Would you like tea or coffee?”
Experience shared between women
The women in our group bring important life experience, knowledge and wisdom, enabling them to offer meaningful support to one another.
Our History
Sisterhood Support grew from a shared belief that every woman deserves a safe place to be heard, understood and welcomed.
Founded in 2020, Sisterhood Support was created by women who understood the importance of being heard without judgement. What began as a local space for conversation and mutual support has since grown into an inclusive community offering both in-person and online meetings.
Our Founders
Sandra Abbey
Sandra has 40 years’ experience of working in social care and as a social worker. This included roles in mental health services and forensic psychiatry.
She is passionate about supporting and empowering women, enabling them to have a voice and an active role in running the group.
Sandra also volunteers for the Youth Justice Service and helps run a local pet food bank.
Sandra Abbey
Social care professional passionate about supporting and empowering women.
Sandra has 40 years’ experience of working in social care and as a social worker. This included roles in mental health services and forensic psychiatry.
She is passionate about supporting and empowering women, enabling them to have a voice and an active role in running the group.
Sandra also volunteers for the Youth Justice Service and helps run a local pet food bank.
Larissa Green
Larissa has more than 30 years’ experience of listening and talking to women through her work as a hairdresser.
She has also previously worked in a local primary school.
Larissa is a full-time carer for her partner of 21 years following a major stroke.
They have five children between them.
Larissa is trained in first aid and drug-overdose response.
Larissa Green
Experienced listener, full-time carer and community advocate.
Larissa has more than 30 years’ experience of listening and talking to women through her work as a hairdresser.
She has also previously worked in a local primary school.
Larissa is a full-time carer for her partner of 21 years following a major stroke.
They have five children between them.
Larissa is trained in first aid and drug-overdose response.
Christine Lewin
Christine is a full-time carer for her husband, and they will soon celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.
They have three grown-up children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who are their pride and joy.
Christine was also a full-time carer for her mother for 15 years, which was an emotional journey. As a result of this experience, Christine became a dementia care trainer for the Alzheimer’s Society, helping to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.
Christine Lewin
Full-time carer and former dementia care trainer.
Christine is a full-time carer for her husband, and they will soon celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.
They have three grown-up children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who are their pride and joy.
Christine was also a full-time carer for her mother for 15 years, which was an emotional journey. As a result of this experience, Christine became a dementia care trainer for the Alzheimer’s Society, helping to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.
Upcoming meetings
Everyone is welcome at our meetings. They’re completely free to attend, with no registration required and no obligation to commit. Simply join us when you’re ready.
A women’s peer-support group providing safe, confidential online and in-person spaces across West Sussex and beyond.
In person
Our face-to-face meetings provide a warm, supportive space where women can connect, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. Hosted in Crawley and led by dedicated volunteers, these gatherings offer understanding, encouragement, and a sense of belonging in a safe and welcoming environment.
Our face-to-face meetings provide a warm, supportive space where women can connect, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. Hosted in Crawley and led by dedicated volunteers, these gatherings offer understanding, encouragement, and a sense of belonging in a safe and welcoming environment.
Our online meetings make it easy to access support from the comfort of your own home. Led by compassionate volunteers, these sessions provide a safe, welcoming space to connect with others, share experiences, and receive encouragement wherever you are.
Connect with the group privately from the comfort of home.
Our online meetings make it easy to access support from the comfort of your own home. Led by compassionate volunteers, these sessions provide a safe, welcoming space to connect with others, share experiences, and receive encouragement wherever you are.
Behind every meeting is a story of courage, connection, and community. These testimonials offer a glimpse into the positive impact Sisterhood Support has had on women from all walks of life.
Sisterhood has been so important for so many women.
This group was started in 2022 after lockdown by a strong woman who saw the need for a group for women who were isolated or experienced trauma. She found 2 fellow women who felt the same and hey presto we have Sisterhood. I have been attending since 2023 and it has been not only a support emotionally, but also a mine of information. Everyone attending is so supportive, and we can all advise and support each other emotionally.
Everyone who attends has a different problem, but we can all listen and support each other. There is always someone who has knowledge of different aspects of any problem and can help in one way or another. It is just so comforting to know that there are a group of women out there who care about you, and will help in any way they can.
If you are looking for a community that is genuinely helpful, kind, and inclusive, this is it. The positive energy and friendly atmosphere make every member feel valued. I am so grateful to be part of a group that constantly supports each other.
Sisterhood is a safe space where women can come together to share their stories, experiences and struggles. A place where everyone supports and encourages one another to overcome challenges and celebrate success. A non-judgmental band of women that welcomes individuality for all adult ages and ethnicities. A group I am proud to be part of and to feel supported by all my wonderful and unique sisters.
We are delighted to welcome you to the new Sisterhood Support website. The refreshed site makes it easier to learn about our community, find upcoming meetings and discover the different ways women can connect with us.