#SoroptimistsSupportInLockdown
Soroptimists are supporting each other through these difficult times: Photos above SI Denbigh Ruthin, South Caernarfonshire & Ellesmere Port
SI Bangor & District
This has been a very challenging time globally but all our members have been amazing. True friendship and kindness has shone through during this extremely difficult experience. We have even found unexpected delights as communities come together and where there is time to stand and stare.
Like many at this time, we are overcoming technical challenges and having virtual meetings via Zoom on a regular basis. Those members unable to join us are contacted afterwards via our ‘buddy system’. This works very well and means all our members can keep in touch. Another way of keeping in touch is our WhatsApp Soroptimists Group where we share many hilarious videos, jokes and quizzes to keep us amused! On a more serious note, it is a way of making sure that all our members are keeping safe and well with help wherever it is needed.
Despite the challenges, we have been very active and enthusiastic in finding different ways to help and support people in our community whilst we are in lockdown.
Here are some of the ways we have been helping others:-
- Regularly collecting and delivering prescriptions for the vulnerable and the elderly – many people would struggle without this much appreciated help.
- Shopping for friends and neighbours and contacting friends and family via telephone and group video calls.
- Telephone Chats to lift spirits when isolation is a challenge.
- We telephone Armed Forces Veterans with SSAFA and make Companion Calls for carers and people with a dementia with the Alzheimer’s Society.
- Keeping fit – yoga, walking and of course gardening during the recent lovely warm weather has been a must for everybody. When times are more normal we could arrange a ‘Tour’ of some of our beautiful gardens to celebrate our achievements
- Home tuition on Skype for grandchildren. I am sure that was fun!
SI Denbigh, Ruthin & District
Although only 11 members, SI Denbigh, Ruthin & District, are all self-isolating. However one of our members Margaret Devine still manages to provide a take out Sunday lunch service – meals on wheels style- for 4 people in her neighbourhood. These recipients are totally unable to leave their houses which makes this service she provides so valuable to them. We are very proud of our her – Devine both in name and nature.
SI South Caernarfonshire
Several members are involved in a plant swap and giveaway scheme
Members are involved in a volunteer “buddy” scheme talking to tbe socially isolated on the telephone. They are supporting Hellen a trainee nurse in Zambia who has been sent home and finals postponed
SI Ellesmere Port
Two members are making scones and cakes during the lockdown which they then share with others living alone in the local area.
SI Wallasey
Members are phoning each other. Especially those living alone. Stella keeps in touch with all members.
SI Chester
The club organises weekly Zoom Meetings to keep in touch and has held a Zoom Poetry Reading Evening
SI Rhyl
Shopping and collecting prescriptions for vulnerable members.
Members have been keeping in touch with our older members/ or members that are not able to access Zoom either by telephone or letter.
SI Bebington
Members are keeping in touch with all members via WhatsApp groups – exchanging funny stories and videos, jokes and also important information where to shop and offers of help.
SI Heswall
The club has a pastoral care team helping vulnerable members. Also writing a weekly newsletter with helpful ideas on where to shop, delivery options etc. on a lighter note sharing good books and organising quizzes.
SI Runcorn/Frodsham
Members are phoning vulnerable members who can’t leave their homes, and sometimes just need a friendly chat. They are also holding chat meetings via Zoom.
SI Llandudno
A member sends a weekly Bulletin updating all members to what is going on, and keeping members in touch. This is sent every Friday.
SI Nantwich
The club is organising a Zoom Quiz and members are keeping in touch with all members via WhatsApp groups – exchanging funny stories and videos, jokes and also important information where to shop and offers of help.
SI Anglesey
We each receive a weekly email Jacqui Lawson card from one of our members. We have weekly news briefings from our most seriously affected member, a newsletter from our new President, several emails from our secretary and information emails from other members. We have shared phone calls to keep in touch. We have been encouraged by our oldest member to write Haiku poems which are being collated by our secretary, A couple of examples are:
Everyone stay home Merciless virus.
But does everyone have one? Changing the lives of you all
What happens to them? We will defeat you