It’s taken years! However, Soroptimists from clubs in Crosby, Liverpool, Southport and Bootle have achieved their pre-Covid aim of working together on a project to safeguard local women.
The Soroptimists raised over £7,500 for the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The money is earmarked for use by the Safeguarding Team who care for vulnerable women attending the hospital.
This fundraising was the initiative of Crosby Soroptimist Sandy Taylor when she was President of the South Lancashire region.
“We originally envisioned a ‘room of safety’ at the hospital,” said Sandy. “However, the need now is for the funds to be used to support individual women, as identified by the Safeguarding Team.
“Times change but, alas, there continue to be vulnerable women in our community. As Soroptimists, therefore, we want co-operate in this proposal which will support women’s wellbeing.”
On International Women’s Day, representatives of the clubs presented the cheque and toured the hospital.
Margaret Davidson, President of SI Crosby, said, “The new hospital is light, spacious and airy, imbued with an atmosphere of calm. There are several open garden spaces in which patients and their families can relax and enjoy some fresh air.
“We went to the Palliative Care Unit – an oasis of gentle peace which must be a great comfort to those at the end of their lives. We also visited the multi faith Chapel and experienced the optical illusion in the ‘tube’.
“Our group enjoyed a lunch in the top floor Sky restaurant – there were spectacular views of the city. We took this opportunity to discuss with staff how the hospital identifies and then ensures the safety and privacy of abused and vulnerable individuals.”