Sisters of Support - Newton Aycliffe

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Why I Cannot Recommend Sisters of Support
By Sarah Wingfield – Independent Disability Advocate & Blogger+

As a recent victim of sexual abuse, and someone who advocates for mental health and disability rights, I was directed to Sisters of Support by a police officer and a representative. It was verbally agreed—at my own home with police present—that the group would remain impartial as I sought an apology from a local press company for their verbal mistreatment.

Unfortunately, this agreement was not upheld. One of the founders breached that trust. On 6th November 2024, after only two sessions, I informed the group in writing that I would no longer attend, as the environment had become unsafe for me. As a blogger who documents both injustices and healing, I wrote about how they failed to remain impartial and how this impacted my wellbeing.

At no point did I break any laws.

Shortly after, around 11th November, a founder of the group allegedly coerced members into submitting false statements to the police claiming they felt “unsafe” with me in the group—even though I had already stated I would not return. This manipulation led to collaboration with two other local organisations (the press outlet and a disability group I previously left for similar reasons) to submit more false claims.

As a result, I was issued with an unsigned, undated Community Protection Notice based on misinformation. Despite this, I followed its terms, because my advocacy work is important and I have always conducted myself within the law. I have never defamed or harassed anyone—instead, I have been targeted, silenced, and ostracised.

In November 2024, one of the founders also sent harassing messages directly to my inbox. This caused significant emotional distress and led me to contact a crisis line.

It’s my firm belief that these actions were intended to silence me as a survivor. I have seen opportunities in my home town sabotaged repeatedly. These kinds of coordinated, clique-led attacks are not okay. You cannot claim to support women and then exclude and bully those who don’t conform to your internal politics or narratives.

I later learned I was not the only person who experienced such treatment from this group.

Let me be clear:
Bullying, harassment, and hate crimes are never okay.
Forming cliques and manipulating systems to harm others is abusive, unprofessional, and dangerous.
These actions severely harmed my mental health and trust in women’s services.

I am prepared to prove all of this in a court of law if necessary.

To truly support women, we must support all women—not just the ones who fit the mould.

Sarah Wingfield
Independent Disability Advocate & Blogger+