President Pat Perkins 2025-2026
It is an honour to be President of SI Liverpool in our 99th year. I became a Soroptimist over three years ago and it has already become such an important element of my life and I have made new friendships with ladies when it was unlikely our paths would have crossed.
Being a Soroptimist has rekindled an inherent desire I have had throughout my career in DWP and NHS to help people and make a difference, particularly for women and girls.
I am humbled by the support and friendship experienced but also a little apprehensive to follow in the footsteps of fantastic past presidents!
I have thought long and hard about what I would like us to achieve during my year. So much to do and me with my blue-sky ideas!
My chosen charity is Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
It is a centre of excellence, and an organisation close to my own heart but for many others across the region too.
With an outstanding CQC assessment their vision is “to be the best- leading and delivering outstanding heart and chest care and research to a catchment area of over 2.8 million people.”
The LHCH Charity was founded in 1995 with an aim to “change lives, one gift at a time”.
Their mission is to go beyond ordinary health care by helping the hospital to acquire new equipment, improve facilities develop research and increase resources for patients.
I am hoping we can donate funds towards the purchase of specialist equipment on their shopping list. But it is not just about funding. I would like to further develop a partnership with them to educate local women and their families on improving heart health.
Programme Action is fundamental to our vision and mission. I want to support greater collaboration between groups and clubs on projects. Our strength to enable, empower and educate lies in using the expertise of our members. To quote our Soroptimist sisters in Brisbane, Australia: “When women support women, incredible things happen!”
The social element of our clubs is so important to our mental health and wellbeing. I intend to encourage and support the organisation of a variety of events and welcome ideas! Whilst helping others, we need to support each other too. I hope you will find me approachable, empathetic and an ambassador for the club and our SI vision.
My promise to you is:
I will approach everything with gusto!
I will promote inclusivity.
I will endeavour to do my best and work to really make a difference.
Let us be kind!
Thank you.