“No one is beyond our help!” – this is the strapline of the Debt Advice Network. Introduced by Margaret Molyneux (Regional Programme Action Officer) Rita Walsh, one of the charity’s founders, opened SI South Lancashire’s autumn meeting.
In a powerful presentation, Rita demolished some commonly-held beliefs about debt, before outlining the network’s aims and achievements. Debt strikes at all levels of society, so the network helps anybody, regardless of their income, without charge. Specialist advice, money-management courses, and much more – all achieved by the Debt Advice Network without government funding.
The second speaker at the regional Programme Action meeting was Joan Lunt (SI Southport) who reported on developments following the resolution on ovarian cancer passed at the Brighton Conference. Confirmation has been received from the Department of Health that ovarian cancer will be included in its symptoms awareness programme ‘Be Clear on Cancer’. In addition the charity Target Ovarian Cancer is acknowledging the support of Soroptimists.
Margaret’s third guest speaker was Sue Biggs, Federation Programme Director. Focussing on our pledge to educate, empower and enable women and girls, Sue reported on the SIGBI partnership with the medical charity Maternal and Childhealth Advocacy International (MCAI) in the Gambia.
At the Regional Council meeting, President Denise Baldwin presented a clutch of annual awards: to SI Crosby, winners of the team bowls competition; to SI Widnes for Programme Action; to SI Bury for the President’s Rosebowl Challenge.
In addition Yvonne Atkinson (President, SI Crosby) presented the Tricia Fahey Cup (individual bowls competition) to Dot Massey.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Denise was delighted to welcome a representative of the North West Air Ambulance, and to hand over a cheque for £826, the proceeds of her ladies’ lunch in the summer.
