On 25th November 40 Soroptomists from throughout the south west joined SI Weston-super-Mare club in their initiative to raise awareness and support the United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women.
Soroptomists travelled by train to Bristol Temple Meads station (“railing”), many wearing distinctive orange clothing (including wigs) and distributed “Loves me /Loves me not” bookmarks and cards to other passengers. This publicity material has been carefully produced to define in clear and simple terms the difference between good and bad relationships.
The group then walked with banners and a loudhailer from Temple Meads to the Lord Mayors Chapel at the bottom of Park Street, in a very orderly fashion whilst continuing to distribute the bookmarks and cards to the public. Those who were unable to walk caught the bus or went direct to the Lord Mayors Chapel. En route we visited Next Link in Queens Square which provides domestic abuse support services to women and children and joined their staff for a photo shoot.
Welcome refreshments were provided in the Lord Mayors Chapel by SI Weston-super-Mare. Short presentations were given by a representative of Women’s Aid, a former victim of domestic abuse and the deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol. This was an enjoyable and effective way to raise awareness of this important issue and we hope members will feel encouraged to join in the event next year.