My Sisters' House CIO

05/11/2026

Creating safer communities means working together.

We welcome the comments from Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings, the new District Commander for Chichester and Arun, on her priorities for tackling violence against women and girls and making our communities safer.
It is encouraging to hear her commitment to taking violence against women and girls seriously and ensuring those affected by harassment, assault and abuse feel able to come forward.

My Sisters’ House CEO Avril Robinson says, “My Sisters' House Women's Centre would welcome the opportunity to work with Kay and her team towards these shared aims: ending violence against women and girls, ensuring support and recognition for all victims, and engaging men and boys as positive partners in challenging societal behaviours across all intimate relationships, irrespective of age or gender.”

Tackling violence and abuse requires a whole-community approach. Men have an essential role to play as allies in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours and helping create a culture of respect, equality and healthy relationships.
We must also recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or background. Everyone deserves to be heard, believed and supported.

We wish Chief Inspector Hutchings every success in her new role and hope to see a positive, collaborative approach between Sussex Police, local organisations and our communities.

Read the full article about Kay Hutchings appointment here:
https://tinyurl.com/2pwzh3np

Kay Hutchings, the new District Commander for Chichester and Arun, sat down with the Bognor Regis Observer to discuss her priorities and address concerns in the town.

05/11/2026

Our Vision

That no woman within our community should experience abuse, poverty, mental illness or other disadvantages without the support that will help them to live healthy lives and realise their full potential.

04/11/2026

My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre is proud to be supporting this important vigil to remember the lives lost to gender-based violence, stand in solidarity with survivors and show that enough is enough.

Join us at The Market Cross, Chichester, on Wednesday 25th November, 6–7pm, as our community comes together to honour those we have lost, raise awareness and stand united for a safer future for women and girls.

We are particularly pleased that Avril Robinson, CEO of My Sisters’ House Women's Centre, will be speaking at the event, alongside other local speakers, survivors and allies working to make a difference.

Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday 25th November
6–7pm
The Market Cross, Chichester

Please save the date, share this post and encourage others to join us.

02/11/2026

Behind every closed door, a silent night is not always a peaceful one.

Sue knows this, because she lived it.

When Sue came to My Sisters' House, she was trying to create a safe and stable home for her children whilst dealing with the lasting effects of domestic abuse. Her youngest daughter, Gemma, struggled with anxiety and rarely spoke about her feelings.

Sue knew they needed help. She just didn't know where to find it.

When Sue and Gemma joined the My Sisters' House Domestic Abuse Recovery Together programme, things began to change.

Together, they found a safe space and the specialist support to understand what they had experienced, rebuild trust and begin healing.

Today, Sue looks forward with hope. Her daughter has grown in confidence and feels safe enough to share the thoughts and feelings she once kept hidden. She told us, "I feel like I've taken a step forward and left the past behind. It's the first time I've felt like I'm ahead of it all."

This Christmas, women and children across Arun and Chichester still live in fear and silence. Your donation can help change that.

Please support our Christmas Appeal today. This can be made online: https://www.mysistershouse.info/christmas-appeal Together, we can help women and children in our community move beyond abuse and towards a safer, brighter future.

30/10/2026

Every year, My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre supports around 2,000 women across the Arun district, helping them through some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

From domestic abuse and sexual violence to poor mental health, homelessness and exploitation, the team provides specialist support, guidance and a safe space for women to rebuild their lives.

We’re proud to see Arun District Council shining a spotlight on the vital work we do.

Find out more about our services, the support available and our exciting upcoming charity partnership with Bognor Prom Running Festival by visiting the Arun District Council website and reading their article: https://www.arun.gov.uk/
council

30/10/2026

29/10/2026

My Sisters’ House on V2 Radio!

We were delighted to join Tanya on V2 Radio’s Brunch Hour recently to shine a spotlight on the vital work of My Sisters’ House Women's Centre.

It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about the impact domestic abuse can have on a woman’s life and mental health, and why access to specialist, local support can make a fundamental difference.

A huge thank you to Tanya and everyone at V2 Radio for welcoming us and helping us spread the word about the support available to women across Arun and Chichester Districts.

Missed the interview? You can listen to our Brunch Hour interview with Tanya which took place on 19 October, 10am by using this link: https://www.v2radio.co.uk/on-air/listenagain/

28/10/2026

Have your say on policing and community safety in Sussex.

How safe do you feel in Sussex? How accessible are police services? And what should the future of policing look like?

The Safer in Sussex 2026 Survey is your chance to share your views and help shape local policing priorities.

It takes just 3–5 minutes to complete, and your feedback can make a difference.

Please either search Safer in Sussex or use the link provided to take part: https://tinyurl.com/4hubvj5n

26/10/2026

Victim Support’s dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender.

The Helpline is there to:
• Listen to victims and survivors’ concerns and offer emotional support
• Discuss wellbeing, safety and possible next steps
• Provide practical guidance and help callers understand what the changes may mean
• Explain how someone may be able to seek further information, the Helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or case specific release dates.
• Help people access ongoing or specialist support where appropriate

You can contact the Helpline on 0808 168 9280.

Further information about the Helpline and the support available can be found at https://victimsupport.org.uk/offender-release-helpline.