Our first Orange the World event took place on July 25th at Waitrose café.
A global campaign supported by the UN Orange the World seeks to eliminate violence against women. Orange day, November 25th, the first day of the annual 16 days of activism against gender based violence, is designated as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The 16 days end on December 10th, Human Rights Day
Please wear or display something Orange on November 25th to demonstrate support.
10/06/26 Loneliness Awareness Campaign @ Sheffield Station
Community Rail in Action: Connecting People at Sheffield Station for Loneliness Awareness Week
On 10 June, the children’s charity Railway Children and Community Rail at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority brought people together at Sheffield Station with a vibrant awareness stand marking Loneliness Awareness Week 2026.
Throughout the event, passengers, visitors and rail staff were encouraged to visit the stand and explore a wide range of free, local community activities accessible by train. From walking groups and heritage projects to arts initiatives and volunteering opportunities, the team showcased how the rail network can support people to stay active, connected and engaged—creating a welcoming space for conversation, offering signposting to support, and inspiring involvement in local activities.
The stand also offered practical advice on how to explore these opportunities affordably and sustainably, helping people make the most of South Yorkshire’s rail network while improving their wellbeing.
With support from TransPennine Express’ Safeguarding team, the Soroptimists and the British Transport Police, the event reinforced important messages around railway safety and safeguarding. Colleagues engaged with the public to raise awareness of how to spot and report concerns, and the support available for vulnerable individuals on the rail network.
This collaboration supports a shared ambition to make stations and trains safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.
Loneliness Awareness Week is an important moment to highlight the role Community Rail can play in reducing isolation. By encouraging people to travel, connect and take part in shared experiences, Community Rail initiatives help build stronger, more inclusive communities.
The event was supported by East Midlands Railway (EMR), British Transport Police (BTP), TransPennine Express (TPE), the Soroptimists, Amulet and the Community Rail Network (CRN). This strong partnership working across the rail industry and voluntary sector highlights the value of collaboration in delivering meaningful community engagement.
Together, we’re helping to ensure that South Yorkshire’s railways are not just a means of transport, but a gateway to opportunity, connection and community wellbeing.
To learn more about upcoming Community Rail activity across South Yorkshire as a volunteer or attendee, contact SYMCA’s Community Rail Officer at CommunityRail@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk.
Credit: Cathrine Ashworth- Community Rail Officer with SYMCA
25/05/26 Orange Café at Tesco.
Orange Café returned to Tesco in May where Hilary, Chris L, Lynne and Sue G manned the information table. Chris left leaflets and talked to interested visitors.
24/04/26 Orange Café at Waitrose.
Daphne, Hilary, Sue and Wendy manned the information table at Waitrose.
07/03/26 International Women’s Day.
Sheffield Rock Choir enlivened Sheffield Winter Gardens to raise awareness of Women’s International Day. SI Sheffield’s stall distributed publicity leaflets aimed at raising awareness of violence against women. King Edward’s School (Share Our Skills) girls joined our members manning our stall. Thanks to Eva for organising such an effective event.
25/11/25 Orange Café: Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign.
November’s Orange Cafe at Tesco (Abbeydale Road) had special meaning as it was the first day of the 16 day Action against Gender Violence
25/07/25 Orange Cafe at Tesco.
We continue to hold an Orange Cafe on or about the 25th of most months. Thanks to Tesco; Abbeydale Road; who generously us space in their restaurant.
24/04/25 Orange Café at Tesco
Our members were delighted to be joined by Julia Allen – Tesco community champion.
25/03/25 Orange Café at Tesco, Abbeydale Road
Tesco Super Store café kindly welcomed our Coffee Café. Our attending members were delighted to raise awareness of work Soroptimists activities.
25/02/25 Orange Café at Tesco, Abbeydale Road
A rewarding session, several members of the public stopped for a chat or to take leaflets.
26/11/24 Orange Café and Coffee Morning at Daphne’s
Daphne generously hosted a very successful double event combining Orange Cafe and Coffee Morning. £430 was raised for Mums in Need and Winn Gardens and £76 to club funds. Thanks and congratulations to Daphne, her helpers, stallholders, raffle organisers, those who donated gifts and those who provided such a delightful selection of goodies; not forgetting those who spent well. Any remaining goodies were added to King Edward’s School Bake Sale the next day.
26/06/24 @ Waitrose
Four of our members enjoyed discussing the campaign to eliminate violence at across the world. Thanks to Waitrose for their hospitality
06/06/24 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) vigil
Eva and Daphne attended June’s vigil on the Town Hall steps. Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, pledged his support.
24/05/24 @ Orange Friendship visit to Halifax
Club members from Dewsbury, Sheffield, Hallamshire plus Yorkshire President Susie greatly enjoyed Halifax’s Friendship day. A guided Heritage tour, including seeing many of the iconic buildings, was followed by an Orange Café lunch (our normal 25th Orange Café did not take place).
Thanks and congratulations to Si Halifax for such a good day.
24/04/24 @ Costa @ Foxhill
April’s Orange Café was moved to Costa at Fox Hill.
25/03/24 @ Waitrose
Our members held interesting conversations with various people at the March Orange Café.
08/03/24 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) vigil
As part of International Women’s Day, eight of our members took part in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) vigil on Sheffield Town Hall steps. Chris spoke movingly to the gathered participants who represented several groups. Afterwards our eight thawed out with an early supper.
25/02/24 @ Waitrose
Eight members participated in the February Orange Café event at Waitrose.
25/01/24 @ Cathedral Shop
Five of our members were present to describe and discuss our aims and activities with members of the public.
22/11/23 @ Broomhill (Orange Posters)
A group of KES girls; involved in this year’s Share Our Skills project; helped President Sue and Daphne distribute ‘Orange the World’ posters to shops in Broomhill.
Thank you all.
06/11/23 @ Business Meeting (Orange Posters)
Our November business meeting was enlivened by the presence of Mrs Susan Ross, Lady Mayoress, and winners of the Orange Poster Competition to whom she presented awards and prizes
Congratulations to all the worthy winners.
25/07/23 @ Waitrose
Our first Orange the World event.
