Jane Leak chaired the meeting and welcomed Kerri Brems who works for the charity Arch Teesside as a sexual violence counsellor. The charity offers free and confidential support to victims of sexual violence in the Teesside area.
Club member, Jane Leak, presenting books and activity packs to Rebecca, the NEPACS play and project worker at Holme House and Kirklevington prisons. The books will be used by children when visiting family.
On Friday members Sue Moppett and Aillean Dixon called into the Billingham foodbank to deliver the food items and £80 in cash which were donated by club members.
We were joined by our regional president, Jan Robinson, and our regional program action chair, Shirley Hallam Gould. We heard interesting talks from both ladies. We were also joined by some members of the Middlesbrough club.
Sue and Liz delivering items donated by members and friends, including towels and bedding, clothing and household items.
Khal Maroof from Cleveland Police collected 5 new start bags, 8 mobile phones and 2 bags of emergency food today, helping approximately 25 victims of exploitation.
At our February meeting Kath Sainsbury came to talk to us about the Mary Thompson Fund, a charity that supports asylum seekers in the Teesside area. We heard a thought provoking talk and learned from Ramin how his mother had come to England with two very young children and eventually became a UK citizen. Ramin has been to university in Bristol but returned to the North-East to give something back. He now volunteers for the Mary Thompson fund and should be very proud of his achievements.
We have received more funding from the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner. Julie has delivered 3 bags and mobile phones for victims of trafficking and modern slavery. Three members had an excellent meeting with Steve Turner.
Sue delivered some coats to the Friday drop-in at Purple Rose.
Sue delivered food and toiletry donations to the Billingham and Stockton Food Bank, plus some knitted hats.
