You might have heard the word doula in relation to birth, and although we do support women in the childbearing year, our services are for women at every age and stage, including end of life, and not just for those in Manchester.
We provide 1:1 support to women whatever they've been through, are going through, or are facing. Nothing is too big or too small to discuss with us, we won't ever think it's silly or too much - if it's important to you it's important to us too. Holding Space sessions offer women the opportunity to talk to skilled doulas who will listen, hold space, and provide holistic, tailored support. They can be standalone appointments or can form part of a comprehensive package of support, depending on your needs.
How does it work?
We will spend one hour with you individually, listening without judgement, and offering you emotional support. Afterwards, if needs be, we will email you a follow-up with a summary and any resources we think might be useful.
This can either be over Zoom from wherever you are in the world, or in-person at a drop-in. If you like, further sessions can be arranged. This may be another standalone, or you may decide to continue with our support in a longer term package. We are more than happy to discuss either, or both. Find out more about our three-month By Your Side support plan.
What does it mean to hold space?
Holding space for you means we listen, and no feelings are too big or complicated to share with us.
We hold you in a safe, spacious container of compassion and caring, so you can lean into your feelings and be curious, knowing that we won't shy away and that we think highly of you no matter what. We’ll be there for you whatever you share, think, or feel.
We don't come with our own ideas about what you need, and we won't tell you what to do. You are the expert on you and your life, even if you don't feel like it at the moment. We will reflect that back to you so you can feel more confident. When we hold space we are completely present with you and your situation, walking alongside you whichever direction you take.
What kind of things can I talk about?
That’s completely up to you. You can use our time together to discuss anything you like, in confidence. It's okay to book a session not knowing what you want to talk about at the time, you will find it along the way.
We want you to feel safe, in control, and cared for.Below are topics women have spoken about during sessions, but we are not limited to any themes, and are open to you discussing anything that's on your mind. You can be honest with us, and we will not project our experiences onto yours. Women often talk to us about:
moving house
grief and loss
domestic abuse
menopause
difficult relationships or family dynamics
abortion
starting, changing or leaving a career
motherhood
sexual exploitation
trauma
abuse
caring responsibilities
any struggles that come with living under patriarchy
This is just a short list of examples, we know there are so many more things that might be going on for you.
At the heart of your situation is how you feel. You can talk to us if you are feeling:
low in mood
depressed
overwhelmed
lost
grief
sad
angry
confused
lonely
anxious
guilty
afraid
helpless
doubtful
empty
ashamed
disappointed
jealous
While we are not clinically or medically trained, we believe this part of why our support is impactful and effective. When women are seen and heard, when what they have to say is held and valued, when there is mutual trust, healing takes place and magic happens.
Where can we meet?
Most Tuesdays from 12:00 - 17:00 we occupy the community room in Eastlands Asda (Sportcity, M11 4BD), where we run community groups and facilitate in-person Holding Space sessions.
Meeting in a supermarket might sound strange, but it's a lovely private space, with toilet and kitchen. You can bring food. We can drink all the tea. There's loads of parking and public transport links are excellent.
We also offer support on Zoom on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How do I book?
Drop us an email to hello@allsistershere.com or use the online chat function to send us a message and we can arrange next steps.