We are all so excited to see photos of our tuk tuk being handed over to the designated driver, Shoba. The official ceremony took place on the 20th May. As Shoba is the first woman tuk tuk driver in Nepal, it was a big deal and so there was an official handing over ceremony from the mayor and other officials.  Shobha has been driving the tuk tuk and has become quite a celebrity! She is doing well and enjoying her new role. She has already taken a few women in labour to the hospital who would have otherwise had to walk there!  Shobha B.K is a single mother residing at Bheriganga-12, Chhinchu, Surkhet. She is an inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to both her family and community. Despite facing economic challenges and raising two children alone, one of whom is mentally disabled, she

Come and join us for some festive fun. Prizes Galore. Doors open @7.00pm Eyes down @7.30pm

Club Members, Yvonne and Anne, took part in the Halton ‘Reclaim the Night’ march round Victoria Park. The event was organised by Fortuna Female Society and was attended by Deputy and Assistant Police Crime Commissioners Gemma and Jane, members of HBC Domestic Abuse Teamand many other charities and organisations. We gathered at the bandstand at 6.00pm and were led in some empowering warm up dances before being led around the park by a police van with lights flashing. More lights were added by the colourful wands everyone was waving as we circuited the park. Once back at the bandstand, we listened to some inspirational speeches and poems as we celebrated coming together in solidarity to advocate for the safety of all women and girls.

Inspired by SI Poole, Purbeck and District’s initiative, we collaborated with SI Runcorn and District to produce a local version of their ‘Fresh Thoughts’ booklet, an invaluable guide for women fleeing domestic abuse. The booklet is designed to be used by agencies and organisations working with the women but also provides a support tool for the women covering their own safety, guidance through the court system, benefits and much, much more. The launch of the booklet took place on Saturday 20th September at St Marie’s alongside Fortuna Female Society, a local women’s organisation celebrating becoming a charity. The launch event was attended by: The Worshipful, the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Martha Lloyd Jones Assistant Police and Crime Commissioners for Cheshire, Jane Whalen Councillor and Founder of Fortuna Female Society, Laura Bevan Members of SI Widnes and Fortuna Female Society Representatives of Halton Borough Council Domestic

Thanks to the generous donation from Bretheren of Victoria Masonic Lodge, Widnes, we were able to purchase two trolley loads of bedding for our local women’s refuge. Towels and bedding are in demand as these items are gifted to the women and children when they arrive at the refuge, often with nothing. When they move on, they take the bedding and towels with them. Please help us to continue to support them by contacting us via our website www.sigbi.org/widnes or play our lottery; you never know you might win!   https://www.haltoncommunitylottery.co.uk/support/soroptimist-international-widnes%3Futm_campaign=you-went-live%26utm_source=facebook%26utm_medium=social%26utm_content=Hyperlink

Coming Soon…

Soroptimist International of Widnes supports vulnerable families and victims of domestic abuse in Widnes. We provide non-perishable food items to a local church, St Michael with St Thomas, for families in need who can’t easily get to the foodbank. We also like to provide treats for the children throughout the year, such as Advent calendars, Easter eggs etc. We have recently started providing bedding for the local refuge. When residents move onto other accommodation, they are encouraged to take the bedding with them so a constant supply of bedding is needed. We need your help so we can continue to offer this support and reach even more vulnerable people. Scan the QR code or got to www.haltoncommunitylottery.co.uk and search for Soroptimist. Thank you for your support and good luck!

Soroptimist International Widnes will celebrate 80 years of service to women and girls in the local community, nationally and globally on November 16th 2024 at Widnes Masonic Hall. Entertainment will be by The Blondies. Please contact us if you would like to join us.