Jean Nutt (Soroptimist International Central Birmingham) gave us an overview of her Loves Me, Loves Me Not presentation that she uses in schools to raise awareness of what a healthy relationship should feel like.   The talk is aimed at years 8-11 (13-16 year olds) in an effort to reduce the risk of young people entering into an abusive relationship, being groomed or trafficked.   It covers any relationships/diversity considerations and asks students to consider how they behave themselves, think about the behaviour of others towards them then to question whether they are treating each other appropriately.   Jean’s former profession as a teacher has helped to inform her approach to delivering a presentation of this type to students of this age range.  She has found ways of role-playing situations, using humour to draw attention to the points she is making.  Her work supporting her

We had a great time at the Kenilworth Community in Action event, chatting to other volunteer groups and the general public about what we get up to as Soroptimists in our area. Our calendar from the 16 Days of Action certainly generated lots of discussion, we also displayed the other things we’ve done in the past year plus our international project HOOP

Mary-Ann Stephenson spoke about her work with the Women’s budget Group, aiming towards a gender equal future.  She spoke eloquently on how research has shown the adverse impact of various changes to the benefits system has had on lower income families, and single mums with disabled children in particular.   It was good to learn that the Women’s Budget Group are doing their best to lobby Government Departments about these issues. Mary-Ann has worked for women’s equality and human rights for over twenty years as a campaigner, researcher and trainer. She was previously Director of the Fawcett Society and a Commissioner on the Women’s National Commission. She is a founder member of Coventry Women’s Voices and a board member at Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre. She has a PhD in Law from the University of Warwick.

Check out the SIGBI website for current petition for example –If your raped by your husband in India it’s not a crime https://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/909/903/488/…

Cook something orange this weekend and use it as a talking point with family and friends (men and women) about saying NO to domestic violence. One of our members has sent in these recipes, others are available! https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/orangecake_83870

These bookmarks fold into credit card sized reminders of what a healthy relationship should feel like, aimed particularly at both young women and men,  Our Club has shared these produced by SI Central Birmingham, based on the Purple Tear Drop Campaign ideas for action.  http://www.purpleteardrop.org.uk/what-you-can-do/love-melove-me-not-bookmarks-and-cards/ One Kenilworth Club member has shared them with her daughter, a Deputy Headteacher in Birmingham.   A member of SI Central Birmingham is due to deliver sessions to years 8,9,10 and 13

The Forgotten 10 Challenge   supports the innocent civilians, mostly women and children, caught up in conflicts around the world. Resources include a petition to your MP to stop the bombing of civilians. https://humanity-inclusion.org.uk/en/forgotten-10-challenge-resources?utm_source=Humanity%20%26%20Inclusion%20UK&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10096539_2018-12-04%20GRA%20CLUBS%20AND%20SCHOOLS%20-%20F10%20starts&utm_content=f10%20resources&dm_i=QI4,60EJF,UKXOOM,NK7M5,1

Domestic abuse can happen to any women – there is a lot of false news about what it is and who it affects – read and this useful myth buster from a America to get the truth. http://www.domesticviolenceinfo.ca/article/myths-and-facts-about-domestic-abuse-195.asp

If you are forced to change your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner’s reaction, you are being abused.   You can call 0800 408 1552 for advice. For some years we have supported our local Refuge facilities by donating cleaning materials.   We have also raised money e.g by providing refreshments at the annual flu clinics, marshalling the Two Castles Race for our ‘Wellbeing Fund’.   This enables the women and children to enjoy some of the ‘normal’ things of life e.g swimming lessons, panto outings and summer events.