Strength.
Support.
Hope.
Fortitude Women’s Foundation stands with women and girls who have faced domestic abuse, trauma, inequality or disadvantage, and helps them rise.
In immediate danger, call 999
Can’t speak? Listen to the message, then press 55.
Here, you are safe. Here, you are heard.
Through wellness classes, art therapy, talking sessions with specialist registered counsellors and social gatherings, we help women heal, rebuild and reclaim their power.
Fortitude is the strength to keep going, and no woman should have to find it alone.
Healing doesn’t happen in one way, so we offer many.
Every session is gentle, welcoming and led at your pace, with no pressure and no judgement.
Wellness classes
Pilates, sound baths and meditation to calm the body and mind.
Self-love classes
Affirmations and journaling to quiet the critical voice.
Art sessions
Painting, drawing and clay, for feelings words can't reach.
Talking sessions
Specialist registered counsellors, in a safe, confidential space.
Social gatherings
Connection, laughter and friendship with women who understand.
Why Simone started Fortitude
Strength is not the absence of breaking. It’s getting back up.
Simone Nickels, founder
Simone founded Fortitude after surviving abuse, grief and cancer, so that no woman has to rebuild alone. She knows first-hand which agencies to turn to and how to reach them.
2.2m
An estimated 2.2 million females in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in just one year. They are not alone, and we refuse to look away.
Source: Office for National Statistics, year ending March 2025
There’s a place for you here.
Looking for support?
You don't need to explain everything, and there are no forms to fill in first. A real person will welcome you and listen.
Volunteer or share your skills
Help at our gatherings, support our creative sessions, or offer a session of your own.
Give, fundraise or partner with us
Every pound helps a woman heal, rebuild and find her strength.
You’re in safe hands.
The safety of every woman who comes to Fortitude comes first.
A named safeguarding lead
Simone Nickels. Every concern is acknowledged within 24 hours.
Reviewed every year
Our trustees review our safeguarding policy annually.
Volunteers we know
Every volunteer provides references before they start.
Qualified professionals
Anyone running a session confirms their qualifications first.
Come as you are.
Women’s evenings, creative sessions, social gatherings and more. We post every date and detail first on Instagram and TikTok.
