Skip links

Lobbying for non-fatal strangulation amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill

Lobbying for non-fatal strangulation amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill

in Tags
Club members responded to a request from fellow Soroptimist the Victims' Commissioner Dame Vera Baird regarding an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill  to include non-fatal strangulation as a free-standing offence and have written to the ministers involved with the bill, Victoria Atkins and Alex Chalk. Non-fatal strangulation is a common type of abuse used by abusers, as it  gives a clear message to the victim that they can kill them any time they wish. Victims of non - fatal strangulation ( almost always women)  are 8 times more likely to be killed by the abuser and not always by strangulation. Victims suffer significant health problems including brain damage, stroke, anxiety and PTSD. Currently abusers are frequently  charged with common assault as often there is no obvious mark and therefore is difficult to bring a charge of actual bodily harm.  There is a 6 month
Round walk on Hampsfell Oct 21st

Round walk on Hampsfell Oct 21st

in Tags
8 members  of the walking group walked in 2 groups from Springbank Lane, to Hampsfell Hospice, Hampsfield allotment and back to Springbank Lane. The weather was misty with recurrent rain showers but the walk was interesting, with lovely autumn colours. There was plenty of chat, a look at the Greek inscription on the Hospice ( "Rosy fingered dawn" from the Iliad) and a  bit of "Singing in the Rain"! The views were not - existent which was a pity so there's a photo here of what it should look like!
Circular walk from Bouth to Hay Bridge Oct 7

Circular walk from Bouth to Hay Bridge Oct 7

in
On Wednesday October 7th, 6 members of the walking group set off in groups of two spaced in distanced intervals to comply with the latest CC Covid guidance. The 4.5-mile walk started at Old Hall Farm then meandered on country lanes and paths though woods and over meadowland to Rusland Moss Hay and Bridge Nature Reserve before returning to Old Hall Farm. Hay Bridge Nature Reserve was founded in the late 1960’s by Helen “Tissie” Fooks with the twin aims of conservation and education. It was a delightful walk with beautiful views and a surprising array of flowers still blooming. One of the couples spotted a herd of red deer. White Moss and Black Beck Tarns were alive with swans and waterfowl. As well as wildlife there were historical features, notably Colton Church, Longmire watermill and the Coffin Road. There was time at the end
Club members Race to help girls in Nepal

Club members Race to help girls in Nepal

in Tags
Grange Club members helped to organise and  joined in a fun zoom afternoon at Cartmel races raising funds for Empowering Girls in Nepal. The plan had been to have a Regional outing to Cartmel races organised by Regional President Rosemary Hoyle so we organised a very successful Zoom trip to the races on August 23rd. Some participants at Zoom races Over £300 was raised for pour SIGBI project Empowering Girls in Nepal. To find out more see our page A good time was had by all, including the funniest and the fanciest hat competitions, a game of hoss and  gloss, singing "Blaydon Races"  and we watched 3 of the Cartmel  races. The funniest hat  winner was Hilary Blease from SI Lancaster and the fanciest hat winner was Linda Beddows from SI Fylde. If you would like to find out more or join our club do
Club Get Togethers in August

Club Get Togethers in August

in Tags
Members  were keen to see each other again and  enjoyed  meeting in groups of 6 outside at Holker on 5 August , and somehow dodged the rain showers. The afternoon flew by with plenty of chatter and tea . The following week 12 members walked in 2 groups from Cartmel to Holker and back, coping with heat and humidity and enjoying seeing each other again. On 12th August Sheila hosted the first of her pop up  fundraising afternoon teas in aid of the Barrow Women's Centre , particularly Period Poverty and in perfect weather 6 members and Wilma the dog  enjoyed  a relaxing afternoon and delicious scones and cake. At all these events there was lots of socialising but also a chance to discuss projects and exchange ideas. SOME FACTS ABOUT PERIOD POVERTY 1 in 10 girls can't afford to buy menstrual products according to
What are Grange Soroptimists doing to support the Prison Reform Trust’s request for an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill?

What are Grange Soroptimists doing to support the Prison Reform Trust’s request for an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill?

in Tags
Grange Soroptimists  support the Prison Reform Trust’s proposals to amend the Domestic Abuse Bill to improve legal protection for victims/survivors who offend due to their experience of domestic abuse.  The Domestic Abuse Bill is currently at the Commmittee stage in Parliament so we have written to them. Official figures show that nearly 60% of women in prison are victims/survivors of domestic abuse and this is likely to be an underestimate.  Many have been driven to offend by their experience of abuse, yet they have no effective defence.  Parliament now has an opportunity to modernise the law through the Domestic Abuse Bill, by introducing legal defences that reflect improved public understanding of domestic abuse. The proposed legislation and surrounding policy framework would encourage earlier disclosure of abuse and access to support. If you would like to find out more or join our club do CONTACT US
Singing for Memory group meet on Zoom!

Singing for Memory group meet on Zoom!

in Tags
The Singing for Memory group met on Zoom for the first time since lockdown and really enjoyed seeing each other again.   We had a great time singing favourite songs and also sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow“ in honour of front line carers. Everyone living with dementia , either sufferers or carers have found  Covid – 19 has made life more difficult and isolating, so it was helpful to get together again. Alzheimer’s Europe have urged organisations to support people living with dementia by phone calls and modern technology to reduce isolation and improve well being. Our volunteers have been phoning clients and also made a Singing for Memory book of photo memories early in lockdown to remind everyone about the usual sessions.  We hope it won’t be too long before we are back together in person and in the meantime will continue to  have weekly
What are Grange Soroptimists doing to help hungry families during Covid-19?

What are Grange Soroptimists doing to help hungry families during Covid-19?

in Tags
Club members in 3 teams  ( working in isolation) are baking traybakes and desserts for families struggling with food poverty during Covid -19 and 80 + portions are being distributed  weekly by Barrow Women's Centre. Barrow is one of the most deprived areas in the county, with one in three children  living in poverty. To help meet the additional needs and concerns of local people, the community has come together to create a coordinated community response to the coronavirus outbreak through  the Cumbria Community Foundation  who are working with many groups including Barrow Women's Centre. Grange  Soroptimists have had a long association with the Women's Centre and are delighted to be able to help  during Covid-19 and enjoy using their baking skills.     Team leader Sheila with  Soroptimist Star bakers and delivery drivers!