It is disappointing that our projects have had to be curtailed during the lockdown but we are still finding ways to help where we can, both as a club and as individuals. Manchester Women’s Aid (MWA) With families spending more time at home, the risk of domestic abuse is greatly increased – so our support for MWA is even more important now. On a positive note, three of the women that we know from the sewing project are moving into their own accommodation – a big step from the security of the refuge to an independent life. We were delighted to be able to make a donation to provide some of the furnishings needed – and a couple of members have donated curtains. We were also able to buy activity materials and gift cards for the children in the refuges. Other donations Our

              President Rosemary, Malgorzata (our Friendship Link Co-ordinator) and Hilaria (one of our new members) visited one of our Friendship Link Clubs, S I Essen Victoria. President Rosemary wrote: On the morning of Friday 18th October we flew to Dusseldorf where we were met by Ann-Dore and then travelled to Essen to have lunch in a traditional cafe with a group of members whose warmth of welcome was amazing. After lunch we had a guided tour led by Michaela, a club member and Lutheran minister, visiting the magnificent abbey and learning of the key role powerful women had played in its history. The evening was spent in a brewery and beer keller with more Soroptimist sisters meeting us. On the Saturday morning our new friends had arranged a bus tour of Essen and the surrounding countryside. I particularly enjoyed

The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Rob Chilton, entertained President Rosemary and six club members in his Parlour at Trafford Town Hall yesterday. Formally Stretford Town Hall, it is now a listed building. Rob explained how the Mayor is selected and his own journey to the role; he described the history of the various mayoral chains and sceptres, and showed us some of the gifts that have been received over the years. We then paid a visit to the council chamber and he talked about how council proceedings are conducted before returning to the parlour for tea and cake and an informal chat. Members attending made donations to the Mayor’s Charity Fund. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative afternoon and we are very grateful to the Mayor for inviting us. Barbara Blaber

Fabiola was presented with her badge and welcomed to the club by President Rosemary at our November meeting. Fabiola is a Modern Slavery Project Co-ordinator working with AFRUCA . She designed and implemented the Modern Slavery Project for partnership work AFRUCA-Manchester City Council. She is passionate about community engagement and empowerment; and safeguarding against any abuse. She has worked with Public Health England for 12 years, designed and implemented Sexual Health/HIV prevention campaigns for Black and Minority Ethnics and LGBT in the UK and more in Greater Manchester. She is a members of UKCAB, a national group to advocate for HIV treatment for all. She has done consultancy work for Global Fund in Dakar-Senegal on Measuring service availability at health facility level (malaria, TB and HIV). She has expertise in research around gender based violence and in sexual health. Fabiola is curious about world cultures

Fii was welcomed to the Club by President Rosemary and presented with her badge at our October meeting. Fii is a psychiatrist with more than 15 years experience working with mostly women in mental health rehabilitation and forensic services. She is currently working in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust in the community. Fii is also one of the founder members of Tanzania-UK Healthcare Diaspora Association working to improve healthcare provision through educational seminars or projects linking with Health Education England and the British Tanzania Society. As a new Soroptimist Fii is looking forward to learn and be involved in different activities.

This year’s event was held on World Alzheimer’s Day – 21st September – and included boat races, information stalls and food. The aim was to challenge the stigmas associated with dementia and to enable people to learn more about the support available for families affected by dementia in Salford. Three of our members ran the tombola and we were pleased to be able to give a donation to Age UK Salford from our Daisy Cross fund.

At the start of her year as Federation President, Sue Williams asked us to ‘Think On It’ – to talk about mental health and the importance of speaking out and raising awareness. To coincide with World Mental Health Day we arranged a ‘Think On It’ event and were joined by friends, family and members of other Clubs in the South Lancashire Region. Three speakers gave us an insight into various aspects of mental health – Sarah Pritchard spoke about her work at Stockport Women’s Centre with women who have been involved with the criminal justice system and have experienced anxiety, stress and trauma. Alison Forster is studying for a MSc in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health at Edge Hill University; she emphasised how important physical activity is to everyone’s mental health. Fii Pendaeli is a psychiatrist (and one of our newer members) – she

Catherine and Hilaria were presented with their badges and welcomed to the Club by President Elect Rose at our September meeting.