Members of Soroptimist International Stourbridge & District club would like to thank Friendship link clubs and Midland Arden Region clubs who have asked about members’ welfare following the recent dreadful fires raging through areas of Stourbridge. Some of our members do live in the areas where evacuations occurred, mostly due to the risk from smoke. No members were injured or had their homes damaged in the fires and all have now been able to return home. We would like to add our thanks to all those who helped in these circumstances, emergency services, farmers and local people and organisations. We were pleased to know that the Stourbridge community responded so well to this emergency. We would like to offer ongoing friendship and support, through a small local women’s group of almost 80 years standing, to any women who might be affected by the fire

        Inadequate health provision detrimentally impacts women, their families, their future health and wellbeing and limits their opportunities in life. Women spend a greater proportion of their lives in ill health compared with men. They also face greater obstacles to access the care they need. That’s why Soroptimists work tirelessly to advocate for improvements in health provision for women and why our programme work focuses on providing knowledge and support to women in need. The advancement of health is one of our 6 charitable objects and a critical UN Sustainable Development Goal. We know that more work and research is needed on gender-specific issues as well as on the effects of gender-neutral illnesses which adversely affect women because: Miscarriage, menopause and maternal mortality remain underfunded and under supported; Women have a disproportionate burden of unpaid care responsibilities, which can lead to physical

We 'meet' online each month to talk about our chosen books in a very friendly environment. Feel free to join us to join in, just listen or say hello. You will be very welcome. Please contact Mary on 07886469701, she will send you the log in details. Below are or choices for September

        Do you ever worry that your children or grandchildren might be in an unhealthy relationship? Every young person deserves a relationship built on respect, trust and safety — free from abuse. Talking openly about what’s healthy, reasonable and acceptable is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm before it starts. Simple tools can help start those conversations. Resources like the Loves Me / Loves Me Not bookmarks, shared by many Soroptimist clubs in their communities, have become powerful conversation starters for young people and families alike. Women’s Aid has also produced some excellent information on healthy relationships https://www.womensaid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Controlling-Behaviour-in-Relationships-talking-to-young-people-about-healthy-relationships.pdf Soroptimists continue to take action to improve women’s safety in our communities. Learn more about our work: sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-work/womens-safety.    

   

     

Huge thanks to all who were able to do generously donate.  The total collection from Soroptimists & Whitehall Road neighbours included 90 Easter eggs, 5 others packets of jellies/ small eggs, 39 toothbrushes & paste, 15 toiletry items and 2 baby food pouches. An amazing collection which will be much appreciated by the food bank & especially children at Easter. Diane’s donations are in addition. Total value approx £430.

   

  Signing up is easy https://thebigplasticcount.com/sign-up/households The Big Plastic Count is open to everyone of all ages! By signing up to take part, you’ll help reveal the true scale of the UK’s plastics crisis and uncover what really happens to our plastic once it leaves our homes. Taking part is simple: You count your plastic packaging waste for one week and submit your results online to receive your households personalised plastic profile. In case you missed it, the UK’s biggest people-powered investigation into plastic waste is back next month! From 9-15 March, thousands of us from schools, households and communities across the UK will be counting all the plastic packaging we throw away for one week The Big Plastic Count 2026 comes at a critical moment. Since the last Count, we have a new government in place that has promised to tackle plastic waste. This year’s Count will gather