We celebrated  International Women’s Day (8th  March) at our March Regional Meeting by wearing purple.  We posed for a group photo with the #EachforEqual International Women’s Day 2020 Campaign sign. Even better, every speaker at the meeting was a Soroptimists! We welcomed three new Soroptimists to their first Regional Meeting.  Sadly, our In Memoria commemorated two long-standing members who have passed away. International Women’s Day During the meeting, President Rose extended a warm invitation to all Associate members to attend Regional Meetings,  so please pass this message on to any Associate members that your Club is aware of!

Time is running out to stop catastrophic climate change. Our leaders have let us down. But from school children going on strike, to the rise of clean, affordable community energy, millions of people across the world have recognised the need to conserve energy and reduce pollution.  Find out more and sign the petition by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/y9kzxmrw

At the Bournemouth Conference Isobel Smith was installed as President of Soroptimist Great Britain & Ireland for the year from 2019 – 2020.  In her inauguration speech President Isobel outlined her theme for the year “We Stand Up for Women”.  Read Isobel's Welcome Letter here:  https://sigbi.org/members/files/Members-Information.pdf  

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.

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