Why I created SisterForce C.I.C
By Deborah Mills-Burns
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SisterForce C.I.C.
There comes a point when you stop asking, "Why doesn't this exist?" and instead decide, "I'm going to build it."
That is exactly why SisterForce was created.
Throughout my own journey as a female veteran, and through years of working alongside women from the Armed Forces and Blue Light services, I have met incredible women who all had one thing in common.
They didn't know where to turn.
Not because support didn't exist.
But because finding it felt like another battle.
Every organisation had its own website. Every project had its own Facebook page. Every support group seemed to exist in isolation. Some were known only by word of mouth, while others disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Women are spending hours searching online, asking in social media groups, or simply giving up because they didn't know what was available in their local area.
It shouldn't be this difficult.
When you've spent your career serving others, asking for help is already one of the hardest steps you'll ever take. The last thing anyone should have to do is navigate a maze just to find support.
That's where SisterForce comes in.
More Than an Organisation – A Gateway
SisterForce isn't here to replace the incredible organisations already supporting our communities.
We're here to connect them.
Our vision is simple.
To become the national gateway where every female veteran and every woman serving or who has served in the Blue Light community can find everything available to them in one place.
Whether you're in Cornwall, Cumbria, Belfast or the Scottish Highlands, you shouldn't need to know who delivers what or spend hours searching the internet.
You should simply be able to come to SisterForce.
We'll help you discover what's available in your area, introduce you to trusted organisations, connect you with local communities, and make sure you're never left wondering where to start.
Because connection changes everything.
Together, Not Competing
One of the greatest strengths within the Armed Forces and Blue Light communities is the passion of the organisations that support us.
But too often, those organisations work independently, meaning women may never discover the support that could transform their lives.
SisterForce exists to shine a light on those organisations.
We want to celebrate them.
Promote them.
Connect women with them.
Working together will always achieve more than working apart.
When organisations collaborate rather than compete, everyone benefits, but most importantly, the women who need support benefit.
Every Woman's Journey Is Different
Some women leave service after a few years.
Others after decades.
Some are thriving in civilian life.
Others are rebuilding after trauma, illness, injury, family breakdown or loss of identity.
Some simply want to find other women who understand what it's like to have worn a uniform.
Whatever your story, you belong.
At SisterForce, we don't define women by rank, medals or job titles.
We recognise service in all its forms.
Whether you served in the British Armed Forces or dedicated your career to policing, firefighting, the ambulance service, prisons, coastguard or another Blue Light service, you have lived a life of service.
You deserve connection.
You deserve recognition.
And you deserve to know you're not alone.
Built by Women Who Understand
SisterForce has been created by women who have lived these experiences.
We've worn the uniforms.
We've experienced transition.
We've faced the challenges of finding support.
We've seen the gaps.
And we've listened to hundreds of women tell us what they actually need.
Not another organisation telling them what they should do.
But somewhere they feel understood.
Somewhere that makes finding support simple.
Somewhere that says, "We've got you."
Looking Ahead
This is only the beginning.
Our ambition is to become the first place every female veteran and every woman from the Blue Light community thinks of when they're looking for connection, support, opportunities or simply somewhere to belong.
We'll continue building partnerships with organisations across the UK, creating opportunities for women to connect both online and in person, sharing stories that deserve to be heard, and ensuring no woman has to navigate her journey alone.
Because together, we're stronger.
And because no woman who has dedicated her life to serving others should ever feel invisible.
Welcome to SisterForce.
Welcome to your community.
Welcome home.