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Domestic Abuse From Fear to Freedom

Domestic Abuse From Fear to Freedom

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On International Women’s Day, we affirm something simple and powerful – every woman deserves to be safe, informed and supported. Today we share something created by Soroptimists across Wales South for women who may need help when life feels unsafe. Click here to see the video These two Domestic Abuse Information Booklets provide clear information, practical advice and sources of support for women experiencing abuse. Available in Welsh and English, the two booklets cover general information about domestic abuse and guidance for women planning to leave or fleeing abuse. This initiative was led by Soroptimist International Wales South and developed in partnership with Welsh Women’s Aid and some local Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Services, alongside wider safeguarding and specialist legal, justice, advice and support services, together with the Physical Empowerment CIC and Women’s Institute, and informed by survivors with lived experience. Please share –

Saying ‘pants’ to poverty!

Saying ‘pants’ to poverty!

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Once again, Bridgend Soroptimists and friends collected over one hundred gently worn and new bras for the charity Smalls for All. This charity works across the UK collecting and distributing collected items to those women and girls in Africa and the UK. The bras were sorted, counted and packaged up and sent to Smalls for All in Scotland who distribute them in Africa and the UK. This is a worthwhile project in so many ways – all members are able to participate and contribute, it  provides us with an opportunity to chat to friends and family about Soroptimists and involves a number of different partners. We were also delighted to receive a thank you from Smalls for All and to know our small contribution is appreciated.

Bringing Christmas Cheer

Bringing Christmas Cheer

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Bridgend Soroptimists were delighted to be sharing the Christmas spirit again this year with gifts for those for whom this is a difficult time. Members put together a selection of luxury toiletry items in pretty washbags beautifully wrapped with festive trimmings so that all the ladies in Bridgend Women’s Refuge had a personal pamper bag to open on Christmas Day. The children in the refuge weren’t left out either. Santa’s sack was filled with selection boxes, soft toys, jigsaws, books and other Christmas gifts. Sharon Dixon delivered the gifts and said that the ladies at Llamau were very appreciative. “A little treat makes a big difference and it was wonderful to see the smiles as I handed over our gifts. I know it will add a bit of sparkle to Christmas Day!”Bridgend Soroptimists have also been collecting children’s toys and books for the Sparkle Appeal.

Shining a light on online violence

Shining a light on online violence

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16 Days of Activism 2025 Every year, Soroptimists across the world stand united for the United Nations 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, ending on Human Rights Day on 10 Dec. This year for 2025, Soroptimist clubs are shining a light on online violence—from cyberbullying and grooming to sextortion—and promoting safer digital spaces for women and girls. Bridgend Soroptimists are supporting the 16 days of activism campaign to end gender based violence. As well as posting on social media throughout the 16 days, members have been busy creating visibility and awareness across the area. Both St David’s Church in Laleston and Llantrisant Church are looking lovely floodlit in orange to show support. We also had displays about Soroptimists and in particular information on the 16 Days campaign in Cowbridge Library, Bridgend Recreation Centre and the Heronston Hotel. Thank you so

Bridgend Soroptimists Enjoying Conference

Bridgend Soroptimists Enjoying Conference

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A cohort of members from SI Bridgend attended the 91st Soroptimist Internatioal conference from 31st Oct – 2nd November in Birmingham. It was a great overall experience with a selection of motivating and inspiring speakers. Professor Suzie Imber was incredible. Suzie, who is a space physicist and high altitude mountaineer, shared how amongst so many other roles she managed to visit schools to talk to young people about studying science. Alison Hitchcock shared the story of founding her charity ‘From me to You’ which helps ease the isolation of illness especially cancer by sending letters of kindness and joy to offer a lifeline to the outside world. Soroptimist is worldwide organisation with 65,000 members making a difference to disadvantaged women and girls by Enabling, Empowering and Educating! Flags of countries who are part of the Federation are shown here. A few days filled with Fun,

Seaside, sunshine and Soroptimist friends

Seaside, sunshine and Soroptimist friends

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Members of Soroptimist International Bridgend hosted a summer outing to Southerndown Golf Club for a small group of our elderly friends. The outing was part of the Club’s Tea with Friends programme which offers older people who are often isolated an afternoon out with contact and companionship. The project started some 15 years ago when Club members became aware of the issue of loneliness amongst elderly people living in the local area. These people lived alone, didn’t drive and often had mobility or other significant health issues which meant that their opportunities for companionship and social interaction were extremely limited. Bridgend Soroptimist, Joyce Chatterton explains, “Through a very simple activity – hosting an afternoon tea – we were able, in a small way,  to address this often overlooked issue. We host a tea in one of our members’ homes every couple of months and invite

Hands-on support for local charity

Hands-on support for local charity

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On 25th June 2025 Bridgend Soroptimists held their monthly Supper/Speaker meeting at the Heronston Hotel Bridgend. They were joined by representatives of SPLICE – the club’s chosen charity for the coming year. SPLICE is an acronym of Social , Physical, Linguistic, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional development which are all  encompassed in the activities of the charity, which is based in Pyle and Kenfig.  Originally opened in 2005, SPLICE offers a family centred service which supports parents/carers to play and learn with their children, helping to develop their confidence and raise their self-esteem. Also on offer is a Baby Bank  providing baby essentials for those struggling financially.  In addition to the indoor activities an outside space is currently being developed to introduce  families to growing  simple crops and flowers. The Soroptimists are giving “hands on” assistance creating this  much welcomed outside space  and  providing enjoyable sessions. Linda who is the Manager and Tracy who organises

Children inspired by High Sheriff’s visit

Children inspired by High Sheriff’s visit

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Mount Stuart Primary School in Cardiff Bay were very lucky and privileged to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, Sharon Dixon, last week. Sharon had the kind permission of Janet Davies, High Sheriff of South Glamorgan to undertake this visit as the school is not in Mid Glamorgan. The visit was organised between two Bridgend Soroptimists – Donna Brocklehust, Assistant Head Teacher at Mount Stuart Primary, and Sharon Dixon, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan for 2025-2026. As Sharon says, “I was delighted to meet an incredibly smart and interested group of young people and able to share my story and my heritage. The children asked lots of interesting questions, especially about my love of hats. Thank you for the invitation Donna.” Donna says, “Sharon talked to the children about the role of High Sheriff and how she was honoured to take

A new President for Bridgend Soroptimists

A new President for Bridgend Soroptimists

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Bridgend Soroptimists held their AGM at the Heronston Hotel on 30th April and welcomed their new President, Sue Newton. Unfortunately outgoing president Ruth Kemp-Davies was unable to attend the meeting. President Sue expressed her thanks to Ruth for all the work she has done to make the last year so successful. Highlights have included the organisation Ruth has brought to the role, including running very effective Club and Executive meetings and the Summer garden party Ruth hosted at her home. Ruth’s chosen President’s Charity was Emmaus South Wales. She had really good engagement with the team there and we all enjoyed an inspirational talk from one of their companions, who had turned his life around as a result of the support Emmaus provided to him. Ruth has been professional and dignified throughout the year and is a terrific representative for Soroptimism and for us in Soroptimist