This year’s emphasis is on body image –  find out more here How does body image affect mental health? Having body image concerns is a relatively common experience and is not a mental health problem in and of itself; however, it can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Research has found that higher body dissatisfaction is associated with a poorer quality of life, psychological distress and the risk of unhealthy eating behaviours and eating disorders. Higher body dissatisfaction is associated with a poorer quality of life, psychological distress and the risk of unhealthy eating behaviours and eating disorders.

On Friday President Sandra and Club members were delighted to enjoy the company of our MP, the Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC, Town Mayor of Kenilworth Mike Hitchins  and many friends from other voluntary organisations in Kenilworth to celebrate our 50th birthday.   We were also pleased that Isobel Smith, President Elect of Soroptimists International Great Britain and Ireland, and Jan Hemlin, President of Midland Arden Region Soroptimists were able to join us. As we are not a large fund raising organisation, we were especially grateful to Gordon Henderson, President of Kenilworth Lions, for presenting us with a cheque for £1000 from their Dream Scheme. The money will be put towards our ‘wellbeing’ fund for the local women’s refuge, enabling children to have some our of school activities such as swimming and music lessons, new school uniform, and perhaps some well deserved pamper sessions for

We had a very happy AGM this year, as newly installed President Sandra had the happy task of giving out many long service membership certificates, and inducting Marion, our latest member.   (Cloud, Marion’s assistance dog has become very popular with members!)  

We had a great time supporting our local WaterAid group at their quiz night.   Although we managed to provide two teams, we didn’t win but a fun time was had by all

In response to President Sue’s theme of ‘Think on it and her request for all clubs to hold at least one event which promotes wellbeing, one of our members organised a speaker from MIND for our dinner meeting last Thursday. Louise Ferro is responsible for the development of mental health services for Coventry and Warwickshire Mind This new project which is called Rise is being set up to provide emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.. The website for the project is: www.cwrise.com

Let’s spread the message – She deserves a living income.  Please follow the link to sign the petition http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get%20involved/Current-campaigns/Fairtrade-Fortnight/Fairtrade-Fortnight-for-Campaigners

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