Charity funding creating connection and community for Sheffield women

Due to demand, they created a women’s group in 2024 thanks to funding from SYCF, and as the women’s group grew in numbers, Side by Side has been awarded this latest Community Grant to set up a second women’s group.

The women’s group meet weekly at City of Sanctuary in the city centre and run morning sessions of 15 ladies and afternoon sessions of 18 ladies, with a lunchtime crossover allowing all the women to meet each other over a meal - creating a real sense of community and connection for those that attend.

They have a listening and speaking circle, that allows the women to feel seen and heard and gives them an opportunity to improve their English.

Johanna Van Der Voort, Artistic Director and Facilitator at Side by Side, said:

The women’s group has been a huge success and it’s been amazing to have that trust in us to start something new, that can benefit so many. We are so grateful to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

 

SYCF, which is celebrating its 40th birthday in 2026, is the region’s largest grant giving charity, awarding an estimated £1.7million to more 400 groups in the last year.

Jess O’Neill, grants and partnerships manager at SYCF, said:

We’re so proud to see the amazing effort that this charity is making to create an inclusive and friendly environment for people who may not know of anywhere else to turn. At SYCF, we feel it’s vital for people new to the country to feel welcomed and included.