July’s Orange Cafe was an online celebration of the UN Day of International Friendship. Kernow Soroptimists and friends from across the UK and the world, came together to celebrate something that sits at the heart of soroptimist international values – Friendship. This UN day recognises that peace begins with relationships. Every friendship we build has the potential to make our world a little kinder. We spent some time remembering ‘lost’ friends and those that have died through violence. We then had some fun, finding ways to say hello across the world and playing friendship bingo. (Well done @alisonsutherland) We finished by considering small acts of friendship and making a joint friendship pledge. Thanks to everyone who came.

Kernow Soroptimists were proud to take part in the Male Ally Network event at the Royal Cornwall Showground. This new Cornwall-wide initiative is bringing together men and women, organisations and communities from all sectors to help prevent violence against women and girls to create safety communities for everyone. The event was opened by Geraint Richards, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Ambassador and former High Sheriff of Cornwall. Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police then spoke about the horrendous statistics in the county and that this initiative was about everyday actions that could make a difference. We enjoyed the workshop delivered by MAN Culture, which showcased the type of materials that will be available to organisations that sign up to this Cornwall – wide initiative. We liked the ‘where do you draw the line’ pyramid (Pictured) which led to some interesting discussions. We look forward

Through three powerful stories, this campaign explores moments of choice, courage, and change where “I wish I could…” becomes “so I did” This film encourages more women to step forward, take action, and use their voices by joining Kernow Soroptimists. This is ‘SO I DID ‘  Here’s the link to our channel on Youtube     https://youtu.be/8H65iZ-Tits Produced by Lottie Litherland, Instagram @litherland_media Directed by Bermet Stephenson, Instagram @bermet_st Cinematography by Madeline Stacey, Instagram @mestacey Sound by Evie Warner Starr, Instagram @eviewstarr Edited by Charlie Mcnair-Wilson, Instagram @charliemcnairwilsonfilm Sound assistant Leah Powell, Instagram @leeah.powell

Kernow Soroptimists have started a project to support families who need to stay in the Polkerris Children’s Ward at the hospital in Treliske, Cornwall. This followed two emergency admissions for a family of one of their club members. We became aware that the circumstances in which parents (often mums!) end up on the ward, mean that they do not have anything that they need for their personal care. In addition, parents do not want to leave their children to go to the hospital shop, which is at the other end of the hospital. Currently, the club are working with staff to identify ways in which the stay for parents could be made more comfortable. The project kicked off with some newly designed mugs being presented in December. These mugs have the ward name on them and so they should easily find their way back to

Kernow Soroptimists were honoured to be involved with the very special Project Diamond Opening Weekend at St Austell Rugby Club in October. Members attended the Ladies Day event and made presentations of two ‘soroptimist’ rugby balls to the Valkyries Team (Women’s) manager and the the Under 16’s girls team. This was in celebration of the opening of new club facilities for women and girls at the club house. Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and we are seeing more and more women and girls inspired to take part. The recent victory of the Red Roses in the Rugby World Cup has shown us all the power, skill and determination of women in sport and how important it is that women are given the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts. As an organisation that empowers women and girls,

It Starts with Men! Kernow Soroptimists are proud to have joined a community of hundreds of organisations who have made their commitment to ending violence against women, and making workplaces equal, positive and safe environments for everyone. Over the next year we will be implementing our White Ribbon ‘Seven Actions’ led by Soroptimist Jennie, our White Ribbon Champion. The Supporter Organisation Seven Actions are to: 1.)     Encourage people to wear a White Ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. 2.)    Ensure that at least one person in the organisation is a White Ribbon Champion. (Soroptimist Jennie is our accredited champion) 3.)    Hold an awareness-raising (and fundraising if appropriate) event each year. 4.)    Show that we support White Ribbon by displaying the Supporter Organisation badge on our website, email signatures and in public places. 5.) 

Kernow Soroptimists are very proud to be SIGBI’s first CIO(Charitable Incorporated Organisation).  We were registered with the Charity Commission on 28th May 2025. We would like to thank SIGBI Governance Director Giselle for her excellent support with our application and constitution and the SIGBI Directors for working with us at the last minute to tie up some procedural loose ends!! Before jumping straight into the benefits and hurdles, we spent time as a club, making sure that everyone understood the meaning of ‘CIO’.  A CIO is a ‘Charitable Incorporated Organisation’. This legal structure is designed specifically for non-profit organisations in the UK. Introduced by the Charities Act 2011, a CIO combines the benefits of having a separate legal identity, like a company, with the simplicity of a traditional unincorporated charity. There are many benefits of becoming a CIO, not least the liability advantages. If a

In April SI Guernsey held a Friendship Weekend to which Kernow Soroptimists were invited. Soroptimists Jennie and Wendy arrived on Friday 25th April and were welcomed with a lovely gift bag packed with Guernsey goodies.               On the first evening, we were taken to ‘Grow’ which supports adults with learning disabilities and difficulties develop self confidence and life skills. We then met some gorgeous dogs from Paws for Thought, who showed off their amazing skills at caring for adults and children, with a wide variety of needs. Both of these charities are supported by SI Guernsey.               On the Saturday morning we had a very interesting walking tour, explaining the history of Guernsey and the events surrounding the Liberation of the Islands at the end of World War 2.  This served as a

Three members of Kernow Soroptimists (Angela, Jennie and Jill) travelled to India in November 2024, to be part of an international group of Soroptimists touring the country.  We were hosted by members of SI Chennai Downtown and treated to an amazing two weeks of experiences.  Please look at our website page to find out more about our trip.