SI Lisburn took time to reflect at our meeting the meaning of friendship, community and the support we need when we experience changes in our lives. We remembered our sister, friend and founding member Iris who brought joy, wisdom and sisterhood to so many members. Our reflection also lead to International Women's Day theme of inspire inclusion and we struck the pose.      

SI Lisburn were invited to celebrate their 40th anniversary on 22nd February 2024 as guests of the Lord Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh. We were hosted by Councillor Caleb McCreedy who provided us with a tour of the council chamber, answers member's questions, a delicious dinner and gave all present a gift bag. All members had a lovely time    

SI Lisburn heard from Jane Robertson: Action Mental Health.   Action Mental Health was founded in 1963 and there are 13 locations within the province. They offer a variety of services including New Horizons, New Life Counselling, Works Training and Mens Shed. 1 in 5 adults will show signs of mental illness and Northern Ireland has the highest rate of suicide in the United Kingdom. The Public can support this Charity by the following:- Fundraise; Volunteer; Join their Events; Regular Giving and Campaigning.   MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK IS 13-19 MAY 2024   SI Lisburn and district President Karen Elliott and Action Mental Health speaker Jane Robertson

SI Lisburn received an update on the work of many non-profit organisations including Soroptimist Northern Ireland led Beatrice Ferguson (President SI Lurgan) in the area of Modern Day Slavery Beatrice advised that the meetings with DOJ will  recommence in March.     Beatrice Ferguson President SI Lurgan and lead for Soroptimist NI on Modern Day Slavery

A large regional group of Soroptimist members celebrated Nollaig na mBhan at Lisburn Golf Club on 6/1/24 Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, friendship and music Speaker was  Paul Moneypenny- TV personality and Interior Designer. The charity supported was Alzheimer's Society and over £1200 was raised.

Speaker Cathy McCrossan  spoke to us about her volunteering work called Street Reach in Belfast, where she helped and supported homeless people by talking to them and directing them to the Welcome Organisation where they could get a hot meal and showering facilities. Cathy is now a volunteer reflexologist with Start 360 in Hydebank College.   At the recent SI Federation Conference in London it was announced that SIGBI Federation would celebrate 90 years in existence this year.   Federation President Ruth Healey challenged the members to "do something with 90".  Members of SI Lisburn chose to donate 90 items to the Homeless.    

President Karen, Colette Greenhalgh-Noblett and Linda Shuter  attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Lisburn Cenotaph and the Remembrance Day Service in 1st Lisburn Church.

Soroptimist Northern Ireland Public Speaking Heat 2023 took place on 22nd November Public Speaking Convenor was Helen Kindred and was a successful event.   Entrants: Wallace Grammar School, Lisburn: Emily Coleman Lucy McCaffery Alicia Murray Annie Givan Sarah Sloan Evie Lowry   Rathmore Grammar School, Dunmurry: Emma Duffy Cliodhna Logan Molly Melville Grace Ward Martha Agnew India Clements   Dromore High School, Dromore: Eva McClelland Sophie Sloan Catherine Hanna Vesta Daukintyte   The winner of this heat was Cliodhna Logan of Rathmore Grammar School.   Thanks to the adjudicators.     The final is to be  held in the Village Centre on 3rd February 2024 and will be hosted by SI Lisburn.

International Women’s Day 2024 –  Regional Celebration to mark IWD  Date – Friday 1st March 2024 @ 11:30 am  Theme- #Inspireinclusion  The aim of the campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we help build a better world.  Venue- Brownlow House, Windsor Ave, Lurgan BT67 9BJ  International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.  Annual Joint North/ South Conference -Save the date  Date – Saturday 11th May 2024  Venue- The Law Society , Dublin  This very popular event is hosted alternate years by SINI and The National Association ROI.  This year marks our 57th joint Conference.  Members from across the island of Ireland get the opportunity to