SIGBI President Isobel Smith
Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Project
Working together with Midland Chase Region, ladies from our clubs are undertaking an independent survey on Specialist Domestic Violence Courts. In 2006 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts were set up around the country and the role of Independent Domestic Violence Adviser.
Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Project
Working together with Midland Chase Region, club members are undertaking an independent survey on Specialist Domestic Violence Courts. In 2006 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts were set up around the country and the role of Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (a professional supporter for every complainant) was created. Over a decade later cuts to police, CPS and Courts caused us to worry that these specialist courts have been depleted. Nobody watches courts and there is no “OFSTED”. The first survey was carried out by clubs in the Newcastle area with the help of Dame Vera Baird, Victims Commissioner (who is also a Soroptimist). Thirteen recommendations have been made and the local victims’ hub is leading a multi-agency task force to take action. Those taking part have all attended a two-hour workshop to help us understand the court process and to learn about the observations that need to
Think On It!
Federation President Sue Williams will lead SIGBI over the next 12 months. Her theme for the year is ‘Think on It’ which encourages members to raise awareness of mental health issues, both amongst ourselves and the wider public. She is focussing on those issues which particularly affect women and girls, such as domestic abuse or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. President Sue’s Welcome Letter Some shocking statistics 29% of women have mental health issues compared with 17% of men. 30-60% of women with mental health problems have experienced domestic violence. 2/3 of dementia cases are women. 1 in 12 young women self-harm. 20% of women have PTSD compared to 8 % of men. 56% of young trafficked survivors have depression. mentalhealth.org.uk has more information here
Programme Action Forum 2018
On March 3rd we are holding the Programme Action Forum which we hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend. The theme for the morning will centre around the Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger and preserving the environment.The speakers are; Steve Thomson who is the Operations Director for Garden Organic which is the leading organic gardening charity in Europe. They run a range of programmes and activities to get people growing and gardening organically. Working with individuals, in schools and communities, they bring their expert knowledge and skills to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening and growing, which include it being a good form of exercise, a stimulus to a better diet, a way to improve mental health and wellbeing and a tool for social interaction and behavioural change. Steve is currently responsible for the organisation’s Horticulture, Commercial and Education programmes.
North/South conference Killarney Ireland 2018
As you are aware from previous notifications, several members of the Region are attending the joint Northern and Southern Conference in Killarney in May. If any of you would still like details of the Conference or accommodation, please contact President Jan or Patricia Weinbren, the MAR website Manager on paweinbren@btinternet.com
Rose at the Regional Meeting 9th December 2017
Rose Hutchinson Regional Programme Action Officer Rose talked to us about the Kori Project in Sierra Leone which she has recently visited. The Kori Project has been a long term project of SI Thames Valley, as well as other voluntary organisations. One of the goals of the project is to try to eliminate FGM, and this is being reduced. Rose talked about her time in Freetown and about the new library and the money raised through legacy and fundraising. To raise money local people breed pigs and the local piggery has 60 piglets at the moment. Money is also raised through making soap – ‘Clean Conscience’ soap
Catherine Rowe – Inspirational woman of 2017
Catherine was presented by Kenilworth Club, and is a self funded GOLD (guiding Overseas Linked with Development), volunteer who was chosen via an intensive selection process from Guiders throughtout the UK. Through the GOLD project, Catherine is committed to to helping girls in Oman enjoy the same freedoms to express themselves as their UK counterparts. Coventry Club presented a Support Services manager, working in a refuge, who helps support women and children who are fleeing and experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Kidderminster Club presented a candidate who is CEO of the Nightstop Charity. This charity provides emergency 3 night accommodation for homeless young people through a range of support services. Rugby Club presented a candidate who raises awareness of organ donation (particularly childhood transplantation), supporting families struggling with a child in hospital post transplant. Solihull Club presented a candidate who is a volunteer of 12
Rose Hutchinson – Forgotten 10 Campaign for Handicap International 2016
Today is December 10th 2016 – Human Rights Day. We were asked to do 10 things in the run up to December 10 so we will have to do all 10 all today: 1) Learn 10 facts: which included: In 2015, 43,000 people were killed or injured by explosive weapons. 92% of those people were civilians. There has been a 45% increase in the number of people injured since 2011. In Syria 53% people injured by explosive weapons. 15% needed amputations. In 2014 children accounted for 39% of civilian casualties. Handicap International has been in existence for 34 years, worked in 59 countries and has carried out 341 projects. They were joint winners of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. They clear landmines and unexploded bombs. They also provide artificial limbs and rehabilitation to amputees 2) Go to SI Solihull’s stand and learn 10 more