Nottingham Soroptimists

Gaslighting can have a devastating impact on a survivor’s confidence and sense of self. 💜

Gaslighting is a form of emotional and psychological abuse where someone manipulates another person into doubting their own thoughts, feelings, memories, or reality. Over time, this can leave survivors feeling confused, anxious, isolated, and unable to trust their own judgement.

It often starts subtly. An abusive partner may dismiss concerns, deny things they have said or done, minimise someone’s feelings, or shift blame onto them. Phrases like *“You’re overreacting,” “That never happened,”* or *“You’re too sensitive”* may become common.

Over time, this repeated manipulation can deeply affect confidence and self-esteem. Survivors may begin to:
• Question their memory or perception of events
• Feel responsible for the abuse
• Struggle to make decisions independently
• Lose trust in their instincts and judgement
• Become increasingly dependent on the abusive person for reassurance or validation
• Feel isolated from friends, family, or support networks

Gaslighting is powerful because it slowly chips away at someone’s ability to feel secure in themselves. Many survivors describe feeling like they “lost themselves” during the relationship.

Rebuilding confidence after this kind of abuse takes time, patience, and support. A huge part of recovery is helping survivors reconnect with their own voice, rebuild trust in themselves, and recognise that their feelings and experiences are valid.

At Juno, we support survivors to regain confidence, rebuild independence, and move forward safely at their own pace and without judgement.

If you or someone you know needs support, our **helpline is here for you, wherever you are in your journey - 0808 800 0340💜

🕊️ International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict - 19 June 🕊️

Today, we stand in solidarity with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and recognise the urgent need to prevent and eliminate these violations of human rights.

Sexual violence in conflict has devastating and long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, justice, survivor support, and the protection of civilians in areas affected by conflict.

Together, we can help raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for a world where dignity, safety, and human rights are upheld for all.

Every survivor deserves dignity, support, and justice. Together, we can help build a future free from conflict-related sexual violence. 🕊️💙

Huge congratulations to you all. Enjoy your celebrations 🥳🥳🥳💙

💜 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 15 June 💜

Today, we stand together to raise awareness of elder abuse and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of older people everywhere.

Elder abuse can take many forms - including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect -and often goes unnoticed. By increasing awareness, encouraging conversations, and supporting those at risk, we can help create safer, more inclusive communities for older adults.

Let's work together to ensure every older person is treated with the respect, care, and compassion they deserve.

Every older person deserves to live with dignity, respect, and freedom from abuse. Together, we can make a difference.💜

Do you ever worry that your children or grandchildren might be in an unhealthy relationship?

Every young person deserves a relationship built on respect, trust and safety — free from abuse. Talking openly about what’s healthy, reasonable and acceptable is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm before it starts.

Simple tools can help start those conversations. Resources like the Loves Me/ Loves Me Not bookmarks, shared by many Soroptimist clubs in their communities, have become powerful conversation starters for young people and families alike.

Women's Aid has also produced some excellent information on healthy relationships https://shorturl.at/dz4QR.

Soroptimists continue to take action to improve women’s safety in our communities.

Learn more about our work: sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-work/womens-safety.

More than half of UK train stations are still failing on basic safety measures.

Our recent investigation – the Railway Station Safety Survey – has revealed:
🚫 55% lack visible security.
🚫 Only 1 in 10 are staffed at all times.
🚫 1/3 have no emergency help point.
🚫 Poorly lit and isolated car parks remain common.

“These key measures, which can help women feel more secure, remain inconsistent, patchy and mixed at best. This leaves women increasingly vulnerable when travelling by train,” says Soroptimist SIGBI President Gillie O'Rourke.

SIGBI’s Programme Director, Lindsay Green,added: “Our goal is to stand up for women and girls, advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and representation. The relaunch of our railway safety project has been key in advancing this important issue and bringing it to the forefront of policy makers’ agendas.”

🔗 Read our official press release here: sigbi.org/2026/more-than-half-of-uk-train-stations-are-still-failing-on-basic-safety-measures

📖 Read our report here: sigbi.org/railwaysurvey

Apologies for the delay in posting this. It's still important to recognise it, even though it's a day late.

🌍🍎 World Food Safety Day - 7 June 🍎🌍

Yesterday was World Food Safety Day - and we recognise the importance of food safety in protecting health and wellbeing around the world. In the UK we take food safety for granted a lot of the time, but around the world in some other countries, especially the developing ones, it's a different picture.

Safe food is essential for healthy lives, strong communities, and sustainable development. From preparation and storage to handling and consumption, every step plays a role in preventing food related illness and ensuring that the food we eat is safe and nutritious.

Let's continue to raise awareness, promote good food hygiene practices, and support efforts that help keep everyone safe.

Food safety is everyone's responsibility.

Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow. Together, we can help prevent foodborne illness and protect public health. 🌱🍽️

This World Environment Day, let’s recognise and support women leading the way in sustainability.

From local projects to global impact, women and girls are building greener, more resilient communities.

To mark our centenary, Soroptimists planted over 100,000 trees — a lasting contribution to a greener future. 🌱

Read our blog sigbi.org/2026/world-environment-day-2.

Be part of something bigger in Nottingham.
Support women. Build friendships. Create change.
Join Soroptimists today: https://sigbi.org/2026/educate-empower-enable
Or get in touch to find out more and arrange to meet someone from our Membership Team for a cuppa and a chat to get your questions answered.