VIDA Sheffield

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VIDA Sheffield

VIDA have been working for over 30 years to tackle domestic and sexual abuse, and in particular violence against women & girls

14/05/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are looking at the power of small actions.

When life feels overwhelming, especially after trauma or prolonged stress, small steps can sometimes feel insignificant — but they matter.

A small action might be:

✨ replying to a message
✨ stepping outside for fresh air
✨ attending an appointment
✨ saying “no” to something unsafe
✨ asking for support
✨ taking a pause instead of pushing through
✨ showing kindness to yourself or someone else

At VIDA Sheffield, we know recovery is rarely one huge breakthrough. More often, healing happens through small moments of safety, connection, understanding, and support over time.

And while individual actions matter, communities matter too. Feeling heard, believed, and supported by others can make a powerful difference to mental health and recovery.

This week is a reminder that even small actions — individually and collectively — can help create hope 💜

08/05/2026

If pregnancy or birth is bringing up difficult feelings — what helps?

If you have experienced trauma, it makes sense that this time might feel overwhelming. The aim isn’t to “push through” — it’s to feel safe, supported, and in control where possible.

Some things that can help:

• Feeling informed and prepared
Understanding what to expect can reduce uncertainty and increase a sense of control

• Choice and consent
Being able to ask questions, say no, and be involved in decisions about your care

• Trauma-informed support
Working with professionals who understand how trauma can show up in the body and mind

• Safe, trusting relationships
Having someone alongside you who listens, believes you, and prioritises your safety

• Pacing and emotional support
Going at a pace that feels manageable — before, during, and after birth

At VIDA Sheffield we offer trauma-informed therapy for women who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, including coercive control and other traumatic experiences.

Alongside organisations like Light Peer Support we are committed to ensuring women feel seen, safe, and supported during this time.
You deserve care that understands your whole story — not just the surface 💜

01/05/2026

Ahead of , we explore the question:

“Why can pregnancy and birth trigger past trauma?”

For women who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, including coercive control, sexual violence and other traumatic experiences, the perinatal period can be a time of increased vulnerability.

• Pregnancy is a known high-risk time for domestic abuse to begin or escalate
• Birth and medical care can trigger past trauma responses
• Experiences of loss of control, exposure, or fear can reactivate earlier experiences

These responses are not unexpected — they are the body and mind trying to protect.

At VIDA Sheffield, we see how maternal mental health is closely linked to safety, trauma, and lived experience.

We recognise the importance of joined-up, trauma-informed care, and work alongside services such as Light Peer Support to support women during pregnancy and early motherhood.

21/04/2026

Stalking is not “just harassment.”

It is a pattern of behaviour that creates fear, control, and psychological harm — and it can escalate.

Research shows that stalking is a key warning sign for serious harm and homicide. In fact, studies have found that stalking behaviours were present in up to 94% of domestic homicides*

This includes:

• Repeated unwanted contact
• Monitoring movements or online activity
• Turning up uninvited
• Threats (direct or implied)
• Using others or technology to maintain control

These behaviours are often minimised — but they are early indicators of risk, not harmless acts.

At VIDA Sheffield, we understand that stalking can have a profound impact on safety, identity, and wellbeing. Our trauma-informed therapy supports women who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, including coercive control and stalking, to rebuild a sense of safety and recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, you are not overreacting — and you are not alone. You can call the National Stalking Helpline run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on 0808 802 0300

* research conducted by the Homicide Research Group at the University of Gloucestershire, which examined 358 criminal homicide cases in the UK in a 2017 study.

14/04/2026

Get your running shoes on! 🏃‍♀️‍➡️

Vida has managed to secure a limited number of places for the Jane Tomlinson's Run for All Sheffield 10k!

Staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield 10K is set right in the heart of our Steel City.

The Sheffield 10k takes place on Sunday 27th September at 9.30 taking in a scenic route you can view on the event website here https://www.runforall.com/events/10k/sheffield-10k/

There's still lots of time to train and fundraise, we’d love for you to join our wonderful team of runners!

If you’d like to run to raise vital funds for VIDA Sheffield, please get in touch to book your place on 0114 275 0101 or by emailing [email protected].

08/04/2026

Our Athena: Pain & Fatigue Support Group is an ongoing drop-in support group for those suffering with pain, fatigue and/or fibromyalgia; you do not need a diagnosis to join. Sessions are fortnightly and are a mix of in-person and online.

Lead by an experienced facilitator, sessions cover topics such as the link between pain, fatigue and trauma; pain and fatigue management; medication; aids & adaptations; DWP; NHS and other services. This group is open to existing clients or Eva Peer Support Group members who feel they would benefit from such support in a small informal setting.

If this is you, please contact the Vida office on 0114 275 0101 to register your interest, we look forward to seeing you there 💜

02/04/2026

A Happy Easter to all our clients, staff, volunteers and supporters!

We are closed over the bank holiday weekend and will reopen on Tues 7th April.

27/03/2026

Check out some of the wonderful creations crafted by our Eva Peer Support Group, bursting with character and colour and all totally unique!

Wild flower glass display 🎋 decoupage card making ✉️ canvas tote bag customising🛍️ trinket box decorating 💝 spring bulb planting 🌷🪻 are just some of the art activities the group have tried since the start of the year, and we have lots of new art & craft activities to come 🎨

Eva Peer Support Group meets fortnightly on Monday mornings in term time. Women can join us for a hot drink and a snack, meet others with similar experiences and take part in facilitator-lead craft activities in a safe, friendly environment. It can be a great way to reduce isolation and rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

You can read more about our Peer Support Group here https://vidasheffield.org.uk/eva-support-group/

The next Peer Support Group session is Mon 13th April at 10am; if you’d like to come along and try a session please call Vida to book your place on 0114 275 0101, we look forward to welcoming you 💜

25/03/2026

Understanding Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn

When we experience trauma, our nervous system adapts to keep us safe. These responses are not personality flaws — they are survival strategies.

You may notice yourself:
🔥 Fight – feeling irritable, angry, defensive, ready to protect yourself
🏃‍♀️ Flight – staying busy, overworking, avoiding, struggling to slow down
🧊 Freeze – feeling numb, disconnected, stuck, or unable to act
🤝 Fawn – people-pleasing, over-accommodating, putting others’ needs before your own

At some point, these responses helped you survive.
But when the threat has passed, they can continue long after they are needed.

A trauma-informed approach recognises that these patterns make sense in context. Healing begins with understanding — not judgement.

At VIDA Sheffield, we work gently with the nervous system, helping survivors feel safer in their bodies, build emotional regulation, and develop new ways of responding.

You are not “too much.”
You are not “too sensitive.”
Your nervous system has been doing its best to protect you 💜

20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak! To all our clients, staff, volunteers and supporters celebrating 🌙

18/03/2026

How Trauma-Informed Support Can Help 💜

When someone has experienced trauma, their nervous system can remain on high alert — or feel shut down and numb.
Living in these states can feel overwhelming, exhausting, or unbearable.

Sometimes, behaviours such as self-harm, disordered eating, or substance use develop as ways of trying to cope with those intense emotional feelings. These are not signs of weakness or failure, it is a sign that someone is carrying more than they can manage alone.
They are often survival strategies.

A trauma-informed approach recognises that:
• coping behaviours make sense in the context of past experiences
• safety and trust come before change
• coping strategies developed for a reason
• healing happens at a pace that feels manageable

Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”
We ask, “What has happened to you?”

With compassionate support, it’s possible to build safer ways of managing distress, strengthen emotional regulation, and reconnect with a sense of self-worth.

You deserve support that understands your story.

Address

Sheffield

Telephone

+441142750101

Website

http://www.vidasheffield.org.uk/

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