“I am very proud to be a part of this amazing journey that is Sister Sheds. Once a week every week I look forward to meeting up with like minded woman. All on our our journey. We all have a story and like everyone we have good days and bad days, but no matter what kind of day your having there will be someone to celebrate the good with you, or just listen when you want to off load, wipe your tears when you break, and call you to check on you if you have not to the shed… its women supporting women, empowering each other. I can honestly say I look in the mirror now and I hardly recognise the woman looking back at me. You see 18 months ago when I joined Sister Sheds it was a different story altogether. I was still grieving the loss of my mother; I had not been allowed to go out during Covid due to a compromised health issues and I just fell away from life and people. Then restrictions lifted – we could all live a normal life again. I remember getting to the front door and feeling so overwhelmed I just couldn’t go out, it took a long time to even start to go the shops… then a lifeline!! Sister Sheds, I heard about it on Facebook and asked my neighbour to join with me. Walking into the room that day was the best decision I ever made. I walked into a room of strangers and ended up with many sisters. We had courses and meditations, we have done knitting, mosaics and jewellery making, had a sale of work, and days out. We have facilitators who come and teach us many different things, and you can join in or just and have a cuppa and a chat few biscuits too. I never realised how much Sister Sheds was going to change me, how much I was going to learn, and how much I would come to love it. I know I speak for many women when I say that its more than a Sister Shed, it really is a life line, and all set up by two amazing young ladies, Rachel and Sherin Hughes. Theses lovely ladies will never know the way they have changed peoples lives and been the life line they needed. Every woman needs a Sister Shed. Thank you Rachel and Sherin.”

“I joined the Artane Sister Sheds when it first started! I felt it was a great way of bringing women together for so many reasons women of all ages had somewhere to go to talk, interact and just be themselves without any judgement. There have been so many positives to me joining, making new friends, all the different courses and sometimes just having a chat is all a lot of us need. Rachael and Sherin have worked tirelessly to get it off the ground! Both just ordinary working mothers they are to be admired. They deserve every bit of recognition for all their hard work and have made a huge impact in all our lives. So thank you to both of them for all their hard work.”

“My interest was piqued when I seen the advertisement for start up of sister shed in Kilnamanagh. I am living in the estate for over 40 years and rarely had the time to join any group as I was working. I am loving the group. Such a lovely lively bunch. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. I look forward to our Thursday night get togethers. It is so important to have this outlet and long may it continue. Sisters are doing it for themselves.”

“In July 2022 I went along to the newly set up Walkinstown sister shed a little apprehensive entering a room full of strangers but there was no need. I was greeted with a room full of the friendliest most welcoming women and on the first night not really knowing what to expect, I left feeling a warmth of kindness and a sense of excitement of what was planned. I was put forward as secretary. Our newly formed committee started winging it and really enjoyed the natural progression of new friendships into a fabulous group of friends. One of the first events planned was the flash mob in the square with sisters from some of the other sheds. All fabulous ladies and it was one of the highlights so far. We have enjoyed so many fabulous courses from mindfulness and self care to laughter yoga, mosaic, and wax melts. To name a but a few. We had a Table quiz to raise funding for courses and fantastic Christmas nights out. The social calendar is always full with lots of musical nights out. From weekends away to Saturday morning strolls. The sisters are so supportive of each and everyone one in the group. Sisters supporting sisters. Women building each other up. I thank Sherin and Rachel for having an idea and reconnecting sisters in communities and I will be forever grateful for bringing us all together. Forever grateful.”

“I joined the sister shed in Naas over 2 years ago after losing my Mam. I was struggling. I have made great supportive friends through Sister Sheds and I love the whole experience. I am gaining confidence back through activities and connection that only comes by being part of a group and a national Sister Sheds community.”

“Apart from the obvious of meeting new people, Sister Sheds has literally stopped me from going completely mad with the laughs, the tears and the madness. There’s always stuff to do and lots to talk about. Bonds form and we hold each other up when needed and push each other with encouragement to try different things. We are lucky to have Amanda who is like a beacon of light making each of us shine with confidence to be ourselves. To think that 2 busy mums, Sherin and Rachel, have built this much needed community of women across the country is mind blowing. “From little acorns might oaks grow”.”

“I can’t express enough how transformative my experience with Sister Sheds has been. This incredible group of 30 local women has become a cornerstone of my life. Our weekly Wednesday meetings are filled with laughter, support, and a genuine sense of companionship. Through shared activities and learning new skills together, I’ve not only developed new hobbies but also forged deep friendships that I cherish. The weekend getaways and holidays abroad have created unforgettable memories, strengthening our bond even further. Making new friends as we get older can be challenging, but Sister Sheds has truly changed that for me. It’s a space where we uplift each other and celebrate our journeys. I’m so grateful to be part of this wonderful community!”

“What Sister Sheds mean to me:- I remember walking in on my first day feeling so anxious about meeting new people. 3 years on Monday mornings is our time… we are like a mixed bouquet, different personalities, different backgrounds, but we grow together… from blooming bright & colourful days to sometimes needing that shoulder to cry on & advice in real life issues, someone is there to share!
We have an incredible bond, fond memories of activities, nights away & days out, event shared the stage in the Civic which was one of my biggest fears!
Here’s to many more worthwhile memories.
Thanks Sistas”

“The Sister Sheds is all about friendship, support, and caring. The talent in the club is amazing. I’ve been challenged with arts & crafts at Christmas with Marie when I joined, to personal development with Amanda. Sandra the creative writing made me realise how many stories I have to tell. When I think of the first class when I felt like I was back in school. I’ve really enjoyed writing, as my pal said, I always have a story to tell, as we all do. I decided to leave a diary of my life for my grandchildren. The exercise classes, Chair Yoga, and Pilates were brilliant. I’m looking forward to the art on glass and paper, and everything else arty, it’s good for the soul. But best of all is the friendships and chats, meeting new people, and the support from everyone, especially with my recent illness. Thank you Sisters. I look forward to our Mondays, no what matter what we are doing. It couldn’t be possible of course without the wonderful committee, so take a bow girls.”