Stepping Out Program

13/10/2026

12/10/2026

Join Stepping Out’s free parenting workshop for women survivors of childhood s*xual abuse, part of our healthy relationships program.

Explore ways to strengthen connection with your children, understand their emotional needs and support yourself as a parent and a survivor in a safe, supportive space.

Held in Marrickville on Wednesday afternoon and generously funded by the Inner West Council Community Wellbeing Grant.

Contact us at [email protected] for details and to register.

04/10/2026

This October long weekend is more than just about footy finals and daylight savings. It’s a celebration of past victories for the labour movement winning the all-important 8 hour day in 1855, but also the fight against the modern day challenges of growing insecure jobs, weekend pay rates under attack and cuts to our public services.

Happy Labour Day!

02/10/2026

Yesterday I attended the Older Women’s Network NSW conference, held on International Day of Older People. The theme: “The AI of Ageing: The Future is Being Coded — Who is Being Left Behind?”

Spoiler alert: older women. Again.

In a rousing keynote, Aubrey Blanche from The Ethics Centre challenged the idea that older women are invisible: the patriarchy chooses not to see them or include them in the future.

At Stepping Out, we mainly see older women survivors of childhood s*xual abuse. Women who grew up when their trauma was dismissed, minimised or simply disbelieved. Many carry complex trauma from decades of entrenched shame, compounded by a society that too often measures women’s worth through patriarchal capitalism: what we produce, whom we care for and whether we reproduce.

Part of the answer lies in connection and community. Older women belong at its centre, with opportunities to participate, contribute and connect. Pushing them to the outskirts of society, into social isolation, wastes the wisdom of their lived experience and deepens the exclusion.

And older women have plenty to offer. As many of us discover beyond 40, freedom from the male gaze and expectations about how we should look and behave can make us more outspoken, more assured and far less willing to make ourselves small.

My favourite conference merch said it perfectly:

BOLDER. STRONGER. OLDER. WISER. ✊

Older Women's Network NSW

01/10/2026

Wonderful news for Stepping Out! 💛

We’ve received $20,000 from Commonwealth Bank to expand our programs for women survivors of childhood s*xual abuse—creating more opportunities for connection, support and recovery in a safe, welcoming space.

A special thank you to our counsellor, Erin Stuart, whose nomination made this possible. Through her CSA specialist counselling and somatic healing workshops, Erin sees the difference our programs make for survivors and has helped open the door to this much-needed funding.

Thank you, Commonwealth Bank, for investing in our work and the women we support. This support means a great deal to our small organisation and our community. 🌻

Huge thanks to Erin Stuart – Somatic Trauma Counsellor Sydney for your nomination xx

24/09/2026

A healthy nervous system doesn’t mean feeling calm all the time. For survivors of childhood s*xual abuse, everyday stress, conflict or discomfort can sometimes leave the body feeling on high alert.

Here are a few gentle habits that may help you feel more grounded. You don’t have to try them all. Simply setting an intention to try one gives you a moment to pause and consider what you need. See how it sits with you, and leave it if it doesn’t help.

There’s no perfect way to do this. Small moments of care count. 💜

Thank you to Linnea Passaler for this helpful visual reminder.

22/09/2026

🎨 SAVE THE DATE: 15 DECEMBER

This December, Stepping Out will present "Unspoken: Art and Trauma" - an exhibition created by survivors and supporters of Stepping Out.

Thanks to an Inner West Council Community Wellbeing Grant, women in our program have spent the past two years taking part in art classes with Assemblage Sisters at Addi Road Community Centre in Marrickville. Their work will be displayed alongside pieces by established artists who support Stepping Out and our work with women survivors of childhood s*xual abuse.

No labels. No price tags. No hierarchy. Just art for art’s sake - promoting self-expression and challenging the commerce and competition of the traditional art world.

More details to come - watch this space

Inner West Council The Assemblage Sisters Addison Road Community Org

14/09/2026

Join Lisa for Yoga at LWCHC every Monday in Term 4, with three classes available throughout the day, so you can easily find a time that works for you.

Our classes suit all levels and adapt to your body's needs and ability. We can offer chair poses or even a house of relaxing. Come to move and reconnect with your body while spending time with a lovely group of women!

The details:
Mondays, running for 9 weeks from 12th October to 7th December 2026
Three class times: 9:30 am, 11:45 am, or 2:15 pm. Classes run for approx 1 hour.
$90 full price or $45 concession
At Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre, 55 Thornley St, Leichhardt

Call our lovely reception at (02) 9560 3011 to book.