Soroptimists from four clubs in South Lancashire Region can celebrate a successful collaboration in support of local women.
Liverpool, Crosby, Southport and Bootle Soroptimists have – at last! – achieved their pre-Covid aim of working together on a hospital-based safeguarding project.
The Soroptimists raised over £7,500 for the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The money is earmarked for use by the Safeguarding Team who care for vulnerable women attending the hospital.
This fundraising was the initiative of Crosby Soroptimist Sandy Taylor when she was President of the South Lancashire Region.
“We originally envisioned a ‘room of safety’ at the hospital,” said Sandy. “However, the need now is for the funds to be used to support individual women, as identified by the Safeguarding Team.
“Over lunch in the ‘Sky’ restaurant we discussed with staff how the hospital recognises and then ensures the safety and privacy of abused and vulnerable individuals. The four clubs will now consider how we might like to direct the funds, and then liaise with the team to finalise the project.
“Times change but, alas, there continue to be vulnerable women in our community. As Soroptimists, therefore, we want co-operate with the hospital in support of women’s wellbeing.”
On International Women’s Day, 16 representatives from the clubs visited the hospital for a tour. The group included three club presidents – Lynne Cottrell (SI Liverpool), Carol Cookson (SI Southport) and Margaret Davidson (SI Crosby).
The new hospital is light, spacious and airy, imbued with an atmosphere of calm. The Soroptimists’ visit included the Palliative Care Unit and the multi-faith chapel – and they all admired the amazing optical illusion ‘tube’.