Soroptimists from South Lancashire attended the conference organised by our neighbouring region, North West England & the Isle of Man.
“Change Me for We” enabled delegates to consider the strength of collective effort, of co-operation and of shared goals.
Speakers included:
- Ann Hodgson, Federation President, Soroptimist International (Great Britain & Ireland) who challenged delegates to promote active involvement – of club members and of the wider community – in all Soroptimist projects.
- Emily Rose Yates, adventurous wheelchair user, Paralympic gamesmaker and outspoken advocate for access-for-all.
- Mike Hagen of ‘Classrooms on the Clouds’, a charity supporting education in remote areas of Nepal.
- Sharon Smith, a police officer with responsibility for adult safeguarding and the investigation of so-called ‘honour-based violence’.
- Victoria Whitaker of ‘War Child UK’, working on child protection and the reintegration of former child fighters and forced ‘wives’.
- Sarah Brook, from the Sparkle Foundation, currently supporting vulnerable people in ten villages near Zomba, Malawi.
Margaret Molyneux, South Lancashire’s President said, “This was a day packed with excellent speakers, much food for thought – and the opportunity to enjoy the company of Soroptimists from all over the two regions.
“Two of South Lancashire’s clubs promoted their collective efforts – SI Leigh & District’s local campaign against child sexual exploitation; and SI Crosby with ‘Baggatelles’ which support
Sefton Women’s & Children’s Aid.
“In addition the fairtrade stall, set up by the host region and full of ethically sourced products, did brisk business all day.”
