The two main charities being supported by SI Cannock & District in this, their Diamond Anniversary year, are the Pathway Project and Staffordshire Women’s Aid. Both organisations provide support and refuges for women victims of domestic violence and their children. There are numerous families resident at these Refuges at any one time; most families stay there for around 6 months. Part of the resettlement is around enabling the children to regain confidence and self esteem and also to reintroduce them to the idea of having fun. Children are traumatised when they enter the Refuge and find socialising difficult. They also need an outlet for their feelings and the opportunity to share time with other children who understand what they are going through. Trips and visits are an important part of this programme, though the organisations do not always have the funding available.
The club recently made an application for a grant to local County Councillor Alison Spicer, through her Staffordshire Local Community Fund and members were absolutely delighted when it was successful. A grant of £1,000 has enabled them to present cheques for £500.00 to each organisation; these funds are to be used to enable mothers and children to have much needed days out together, giving them the opportunity to do things together as families without any worry.
President of SI Cannock & District Janis Lomas thanked Cllr Spicer for approving the grant; Cllr Spicer said that she was really pleased to be able to support the project adding that she knows from her own experience as a mother the importance of spending time doing fun things together. Hayley Cliff, Operations Director at the Pathway Project and Dickie James, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid accepted the cheques and already have plans to use the funds during February half term. Hayley said: “A big thank you to everyone concerned. This will help a lot of families in our care over the half term break”; Dickie added: “This will make a positive difference in a way we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise”.
Anyone who wishes to offer help or obtain advice from SI, Pathway or Women’s Aid can do so: For more information about Cannock Soroptimists call 07971 494510 or email si.cannock@outlook.com; Pathway have a 24 hour number 01543 676800 whilst Staffordshire Women’s Aid offer advice, guidance and help at www.staffordshirewomensaid.org and have a 24 hour helpline: 0870 2700 123.
Photo: l to r: Hayley Cliff, Pathway; Cllr Alison Spicer; Janis Lomas, President S Cannock & District; Dickie James, Staffordshire Women’s Aid