Supporting families living in poverty
Bridgend members continue to support SPLICE Child and Family Project by helping to develop their community garden. The garden is a popular and widely-used resource which shows women and children how to grow their own vegetables. It is also a relaxing, safe space for mums and their small children to enjoy.
Bridgend Soroptimists also funded a SPLICE Day of Hope celebration in August. This was a summer picnic and fun day for local families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go on a summer outing with their children. The club supplied the food for the picnic, ensuring that the SPLICE staff also had time to enjoy the event instead of being busy with sandwich-making and cake-cutting. The Soroptimists also provided art supplies and gifts for all the children at the event making it an afternoon to remember.
Empowering women and girls in Nepal
Through the UK charity, Pipal Tree, Bridgend Soroptimists help young women from disadvantaged backgrounds stand tall in their communities. This year 16 women completed the advanced tailoring training and with these new skills can now earn their own livelihood, support their children’s education and contribute to their household expenses.
Supporting vulnerable women
Bridgend Soroptimists have a long association with the Women’s Refuge in Bridgend, now run by Llamau and have provided practical support for a number of years. Members regularly donate toiletry essentials, household items, soft furnishings and children’s toys, all of which are grateful received by the ladies in the refuge. We also run monthly craft and wellbeing sessions, as well as occasional sessions on cooking on a budget, personal pampering and getting ready for the workplace. Each of these sessions help to build confidence, increase skills and give the ladies opportunities to meet others.
