Soroptimist International Manchester are enthusiastic supporters of Contact Hostel which was founded by a former nun Brigid Murphy who realised the particular issues experienced by young girls facing homelessness. Contact provides accommodation and support for vulnerable and homeless girls aged 16-25. Nine girls are offered a safe and supportive space where they can heal, grow and thrive. Many of the girls have come from challenging circumstances including relationship breakdowns, domestic violence, forced marriage or have experienced physical and emotional abuse.
During a recent visit members of the club learned that in order to provide an environment which offers a welcoming and homely atmosphere and which also helps the young women explore education, job or training opportunities the charity needs to raise £250,000 per year. This in addition to housing benefit and housing related support from Manchester City Council. Sometimes help comes from unexpected sources. For example, an influencer who is also a model had collected approximately £4,000 worth of clothing from sponsors and was able to gift the brand new clothing to the very grateful and delighted girls. A benefactor had recently donated funds in order to have the entrance and stairs covering four floors redecorated with additional new flooring. The supermarkets are also very generous. Sainsbury’s had replaced pots and pans and B & Q provided plants and outdoor fencing for the garden. S I Manchester’s Centenary donation was allocated to fund ‘ Making Memories ‘ which aims to provide experiences the charity believe is ‘what any good parent would do for our girls.’ Thankyou to Contact for the guided tour and thoroughly interesting visit.
Victoria who showed us around e mailed ‘it was a pleasure to show you more of what we do and how we deliver our services, especially after the last few years of support from the wonderful people of Soroptimists. We cannot thank you all enough for the ongoing interest and support you have shown our small charity.’
Carole Swarbrick