We had an opportunity to speak to Gateshead Police this morning at Felling Network. The event ‘ Cuppa with a cCppa’ went really well . We chatted to a young Police Woman for about 20 minutes on Domestic Violence issues and what actions the Police undertake with victims and perpetrators. It was interesting and informative. We also met with the Foodbank team who of course are always looking for volunteers.
We had a successful day at Tynemouth Market on Saturday, September 2nd where we had a fundraising stall and fortunately the weather was nice and warm for us. However, the good weather probably meant that the footfall through the market was not as busy as previously. Nevertheless, we are pleased to say that on the day we raised a total of £320 for the Food Banks we support. Well done to everyone involved in this project.
At Tuesday’s meeting (July 25th ) club m embers wore orange to demonstrate the club’s support for the Unite Campaign to raise awareness and end violence against women.
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Today a few of us met at Joint President Christine’s house to pack the Christmas bags for the ladies who attend this Centre in Byker. The Centre is jointly run by Newcastle Gateshead CCG and Newcastle City Council. The Centre exists to ensure people who are experiencing homelessness, or are not registered with a GP, can have access to primary healthcare and support services. The Joseph Cowen Health Centre provides a drop-in facility where visitors are able to access a variety of health and wellbeing services. The Centre offers a twice weekly GP service, a weekly Sexual Health Clinic which is run by Newcroft Centre staff, a harm reduction support service that includes Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) advice and support, drop-in sessions twice weekly, and a needle exchange service five days a week. The centre also offers a safe space for
On Tuesday, October 11th, several of our members went up to the West End Women’s and Girls’ Centre Farm in rural Northumerland to carry out some jobs which included checking on the trees which we planted earlier in the year. I am happy to report that all are flourishing; as can be seen from the photograph. An additional task they performed, was to adddedication plaques to some of the trees, including one to our late member, Dorothy, who was a dedicated Soroptimist. She is greatly missed by all members. Joint President Christine was delighted to induct a new member, Helen, at the farm. She is a very welcome addition to our Soroptimist community.
PRESS RELEASE ON THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE FOR Dr. DOROTHEA W. SINTON M.B., Ch.B. 1899 to 1987 On Friday September 23rd at 12 noon, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle at 18 North Avenue in Gosforth. This is to mark the significant contribution of Dr. Dorothea W. Sinton to medical and wellbeing services to the poorest women in Newcastle, particularly in providing birth control advice which was in its infancy in the 1920’s. This was during a period when birth control was considered against the teaching of established religious groups. and women found it extremely difficult to secure gynaecological support. This event welcomes members of the public to come and honour a pioneering woman in our city. The plaque is being sponsored by Soroptimist International Newcastle upon Tyne, a voluntary women’s organisation dedicated to educating, enabling and empowering
Today, as part of our Programme Action work on Climate Change and in remembrance of one our late members (Dorothy), we were finally able to plant our trees at the West End Women’s and Girls’ Centre Farm in rural Northumberland.. The trees were a mixture of Rowans and Hazels. Lesley, a friend of one of our members planted a Silver Birch in memory of her mother. It was amazing to see how much progress has been made since December. Also to see the good use the Centre has made of the grant from the Churchill Fellowship obtained by our member, Christine Lumsdon. @soroptimists @wewagc @misslynnes @soroptimistgbi #askmewhyiamasoroptimist Edited · 1 m
What a brilliant start to the new club year. We inducted a new ‘linked’ member, Lynne, had an excellent guest speaker, and a lively and stimulating discussion about Programme Action plans, our November Charter l.unch and our outing to Bradley Gardens. Our guest speaker was Rie Pearson , a retired police officer, who gave a presentation about her book; ‘Be Kind. No Excuses.’ This is a guide to help teenage girls recognise abusive behaviours in intimate relationships. Needless to say, it stimulated a wide ranging discussion!
Last night, on International Women’s Day, Club members joined in celebrations with the West End Women and Girls Centre whom we have supported over recent years. Please see our previous posts re. our supporting their Domestic Violence Champions and more recently, a club member, Christine, was successful in securing £10.000 of funding to support the WEWGC ‘s farm in Northumberland. In addition to the IWD celebrations, the centre was celebrating 40 years in the City! A great time was had by all, and here’s to the next 40 years. A video of the event is available on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleuponTyne-Soroptimists-106860390912908/ One of our members, Christine, described the event to those who were unable to attend, as follows: ‘You missed a wonderful party in the West End on Tuesday – hundreds of women and girls and families turned up. The road was closed outside the centre
