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Carrying the Flame: Celebrating the Spirit of Hope in SI Wales South

Carrying the Flame: Celebrating the Spirit of Hope in SI Wales South

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Regional News Feature – July 2025 Clubs across SI Wales South have marked the International Day of Hope in a variety of creative, practical, and heartfelt ways—demonstrating once again how Soroptimists bring hope into action within their communities. Here's how our clubs have taken part: SI Cwmbran – Supporting Local Autism Charity, Hope GB SI Cwmbran has chosen to mark the SIGBI International Day of Hope by supporting Hope GB, a peer-to-peer listening service in Torfaen for people affected by autism. Hope GB supports parents and carers of young people aged 14 to 30, offering weekly sessions where autistic young adults can enjoy board games, cooking, sensory activities, and supported trips. In alignment with SIGBI’s objective of advancing equality and diversity, the club hopes to provide the group with hand-knitted twiddle muffs and comfort teddies. SI Minerva – Launching “12 Months of Hope” Rather than
Summer Solstice Celebration at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

Summer Solstice Celebration at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

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Summer Solstice Celebration at the National Botanic Garden of Wales Saturday 21st June 2025 Didn’t we have a lovely day—the day we went to the National Botanic Garden of Wales! Against the backdrop of midsummer sunshine and the stunning Carmarthenshire landscape, members from across the region gathered for a very special occasion: Celebrating Celebrities, Greeting Presidents, and Awarding Club Members. This memorable regional meeting brought together 34 members from seven clubs for a truly enriching day of inspiration, connection, and recognition. A Presidential Welcome We were honoured to welcome SIGBI President Ruth Healey as our distinguished guest. President Ruth updated us on current developments within SIGBI, shared insights into the organisation’s direction, and took time to listen to the fantastic work happening within our own regional clubs. Her presence, engagement, and open dialogue truly made the day feel collaborative and forward-looking. An Audience with Eve
Dŵr Cymru Come Up Smelling of Roses

Dŵr Cymru Come Up Smelling of Roses

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STEM, Women in the Workplace, and an Insight into Dŵr Cymru – A Wonderful Event on 10th May 2025 A group of 25 members from SI Wales South were warmly welcomed by Dŵr Cymru for a fascinating and informative visit. The day offered a rich insight into the company’s operations, from managing surface water and sewage systems to understanding performance and environmental responsibilities. We were especially impressed by Dŵr Cymru’s commitment to supporting women in the workplace and promoting STEM careers—messages that strongly align with our own values. A highlight of the day was the live demonstration from Alan (we hope we’ve remembered the name correctly!) and his specialist van, showcasing the equipment used to clear drains and the surprising items that often cause blockages. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Dŵr Cymru staff, challenging media myths and deepening our understanding of

Dancing for Unity: Bridging Cultures with Mums, Toddlers & Soroptimist Spirit

Dancing for Unity: Bridging Cultures with Mums, Toddlers & Soroptimist Spirit

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On 29th Saturday March 2025, something truly special happened in Swansea. Soroptimist International Wales South partnered with Community Rail South West Wales to host a joyful, culture-rich event for the Mums and Toddlers Foundation — and what unfolded was more than just a gathering. It was a celebration of connection, community, and Soroptimist service in action. The event was generously hosted by Ebenezer Church, Swansea, who welcomed everyone with open arms — and plenty of tea, coffee, and warm support. Building Community Through Service With around 20 Nigerian mums and toddlers, 30 Soroptimist members from eight clubs across South Wales, and two men supporting the women's group, the space was filled with powerful female energy, joy, and shared purpose. (Children were in addition to the 50+ attendees — and brought their own lively magic!) President Helen (SI Wales South) and Eve Sherratt (Community Rail) gave
Turn Online Shopping into Support for the SI Wales South Health Education Hygiene Trust (SIWSHEHT) with Easyfundraising

Turn Online Shopping into Support for the SI Wales South Health Education Hygiene Trust (SIWSHEHT) with Easyfundraising

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Did you know you can support Soroptimist International Wales South Region every time you shop online — and it won’t cost you a penny more? We’ve partnered with Easyfundraising, a simple and secure way to raise money for our regional charity, SIWSHEHT (Soroptimist International Wales South Health Education Hygiene Trust), just by doing your everyday shopping. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking a holiday, or renewing your insurance, your purchases could help fund our work to educate, empower and enable women and girls across the region and beyond. About SIWSHEHT The Soroptimist International Wales South Health Education Hygiene Trust (SIWSHEHT) is our Regional charity. Clubs across Wales South contribute to this fund, which supports regional projects chosen by the trustees. These initiatives reflect our commitment to improving the health, education, and hygiene of women and girls in need. The Trust is chaired by the Past Regional

About Our Region – SI Wales South

About Our Region – SI Wales South

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Soroptimist International Wales South is a vibrant collective of Clubs forming one of the dynamic Regions of Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI). Together, we are part of a global volunteer movement working to educate, empower and enable women and girls to achieve their full potential. We belong to a wider international family – Soroptimist International, which spans five Federations across the globe: Soroptimist International Africa Federation Soroptimist International of the Americas Soroptimist International of Europe Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific With nearly 65,000 members in 118 countries, Soroptimists are united in purpose: to create a better world for women and girls through education, advocacy, and action. The international headquarters is based in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. Clubs in Our Region SI Wales South is proud to be home to ten active, independent Clubs,
Quiet Room in Barry Hospital

Quiet Room in Barry Hospital

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The Official Opening of the Hafan A dedicated room for peace, calm and prayer was recently opened at Barry Hospital on June 1st 2023. The room, called Hafan – Haven, is to be used by staff, patients and family members to take some time out to pause and reflect. The room was dedicated and commissioned with a series of readings, reflections and prayers in the company of the hospital Chaplains and representatives from Soroptimist International of Barry and District. Rev. Jason Tugwell, Chaplain at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) said: “We have dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection in most of our hospital sites and we’d had a request from staff and patients to have a similar room at Barry Hospital. With the kind and generous help from the Soroptimist International of Barry and District, we were able to make this wish a

SI Barry adopts 2 Railway Stations

SI Barry adopts 2 Railway Stations

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Barry members with green fingers have transformed their local station with plants to make the environment more welcoming for bees and passengers. Is this the first of many adopted stations?               Travellers on trains passing through Barry and arriving at Barry Island Stations will be pleased to see an abundance of flowers in recently installed planters. The two stations have been formally adopted by a group of Soroptimists from the Barry and District club thanks to Phil Crocker, the Station Environment Officer. A Transport for Wales (TfW) initiative has encouraged groups and communities from across Wales to volunteer and adopt a Station! Lynda Lott-Miller , a keen gardener and allotment enthusiast remarked: “A good handful of women in our club are gardening enthusiasts and our local stations need to be more welcoming. It is great to have volunteering project