Do you feel isolated and alienated?
Are you craving to make authentic connections?
Do you want to meet new people and potentially make friends?
Do you hope to receive support in your life?
Do you want to share some inspiration?
Or maybe, do you just want to be part of a welcoming space?
Are you a woman, and do you live in Sheffield?

Then ‘She Rises – Sheffield’ might just be what you are looking for! It is a vibrant new Facebook community for women with a connection to Sheffield.

What will be the benefit of joining?

There is a lot of research out there telling us that social connection has a wealth of benefits. Not only emotionally and with our mental health, but even when it comes to our body/physical health.
In terms of mental health and emotional wellbeing, social connection has been found to lower depression and anxiety, help us regulate our emotions, and help develop empathy and higher self-esteem. All this also leads to a positive loop, such as feeling connected and its positive impact on our general wellbeing. Feeling connected can increase productivity, motivation, and happiness.

In terms of our body, it has been found to actually improve our immune systems, which in return helps protect us against serious illness and disease – such as cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. All in all, it shows us that people with stronger social bonds are more likely to live longer, healthier lives. It is a little scary to think that by neglecting one of our most basic human needs, which is our need to connect with others, we end up putting our health at risk.

Although ‘She Rises’ is not group therapy, there will be positive aspects of group therapy, which will be transferable to being part of our She Rises community. First and foremost, it will provide a safe space for people to receive and give support, and to feel less alone. It increases the sense that “we are all in this together”, and normalises suffering, which in return, helps reduce isolation and alienation. As a psychologist and psychotherapist, I have run group sessions in the past, and each time, this is the most common feedback I receive: How it helps one see that they are not alone with the things, that they were going through.

Being in a shared space can really help people relate to others and to themselves in healthier ways; with more empathy and compassion, not only towards each other, but towards themselves too. It also boosts confidence, self-awareness and empowerment. It is such a great way to develop new social skills, especially if you are someone who suffers from shyness, low self-esteem, social anxiety, or just generally gets nervous or uncomfortable in social situations or meeting new people. In so many ways, it aids healing and growth.

Siobhan and I have not yet decided the exact monthly themes or topics that we would be sharing with you, but we have got some ideas. Some of them are mental health and wellbeing related, others are about self-care practices, random act of kindness and much much more.

Feedback that I repeatedly received when I ran groups in the past, was how powerful it was to be listening and sharing in a space together as a group. It offered healing and acceptance. It allowed one to see that they were not alone in their journey. Sometimes, depending on the topic which was explored, it helped them to see that they no longer had to experience these big and difficult emotions in isolation and shame. Sharing their story took the power of shame away. Instead, it was replaced with connection, empowerment, growth, healing and acceptance. The group members were held and supported through an empathic and safe containing space, not just by the group facilitators but by the whole group. We practiced active listening, communication in a non-judgmental way, being authentic and vulnerable, and also expressing gratitude and kindness towards others.

As Siobhan and I have recognised how powerful it is to be in a shared space as a group, we decided to start our new project, She Rises. It will focus on authentic connection, empowerment and growth.
We are aware how many people often feel lonely and isolated during the Winter blues, especially after the festive season. She Rises, is currently a Facebook Community, but in January, we’ll be launching our in-person membership, bringing this amazing community into the real world for even more connection and empowerment. This will be such a cost-effective way of receiving support and authentic connection with others.

Join us today and be part of something special. Together, we rise! A warm and supportive community to connect with like-minded women
What can you expect?

• A warm and supportive community to connect with like-minded women
• Opportunities to share and receive advice, encouragement, and inspiration
• A dedicated Business Thread every Friday to spotlight and support Sheffield’s incredible women entrepreneurs

Link to join us
https://www.facebook.com/groups/441812038948814

Let’s make She Rises Sheffield a place where women lift each other higher. 🌻

SheRisesSheffield #WomenSupportingWomen #SheffieldCommunity #InspirationAndSupport

©2024 She Rises – Sheffield & Stepping Stones Psychology