Cervical Cancer

Cervical Screening and HPV Vaccination health cards were distributed by Soroptimists during Cervical Cancer Screening Week, 19-24 June 2025

This is such an important topic for women and girls.  Everyone needs to see these latest vaccination figures: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine-coverage-estimates-in-england-2023-to-2024

Skittles and Lunch with Shifa

“The best event in our year!”

During the year Woking Soroptimists help women to attend Shifa to improve their English.  We all enjoy the sessions and there is a lot of laughter – but these meetings have a serious purpose.

When we gather for Skittles and Lunch, things are different, though – pure pleasure! We met in St Andrew’s Church at the end of June and great fun was had by all.

We look forward to resuming our English conversation sessions in September.

Shifa is currently fundraising to pay for swimming lessons for the women who attend the centre.  SI Woking was pleased to donate £120.

Great Big Green Week 2025

The theme was ‘Let’s Swap for Good’.  SI Woking organised a Book Swap for members which proved to be very popular.

Ukraine UK Unity

Our June speaker was Irina Garmash Creeger.  She spoke with great insight to us about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the incredible work being done by local community group Ukraine UK Unity.

What began as a spontaneous wave of public generosity at the onset of the war quickly evolved into a dedicated community of volunteers. From those early days, the group has grown into a vital support network. Today, through the Ukrainian Hub at the Lighthouse in Woking, Ukraine UK Unity offers a remarkable range of services : matching refugees with host families, arranging English lessons, hosting cultural gatherings, and responding to the needs of war-weary adults and children. The scope of their work is truly inspiring—and a testament to the power of community in times of need.

But, says Irina Garmash Creeger,”The need is there and every human being deserves a better life.  And if you help someone, they will help someone else.  And the kindness will come back to you.”

Cervical Cancer Screening

This month we have contacted local members of Parliament about the government’s plans for cervical cancer screening.

We raised questions about the suggested intervals for women to be tested.

Pesticides

WEN (Women’s Environmental Network) and the Pesticide Action Network recently tested tampons bought in the UK.

They found glyphosate at 40 times the permitted drinking water level!

Railway Survey

Safety on the railways

30 years ago, an attack on a Soroptimist travelling on a train in the London area sparked a campaign to improve personal safety, particularly for women, on the railways.  Surveys were carried out by Soroptimists in 500+ British railway stations and the results published.

Soroptimists are surveying the scene

During June 2025, Soroptimists are surveying railway stations.  Thirty years on, have safety measures improved?

Friendship

Friendship lies at the heart of the Soroptimist movement. Each Club is a place to make new friends and deepen relationships by working side by side towards shared goals.

But there are also Friendship Links between Soroptimist Clubs.  These links open the door to even greater collaboration on projects, to fresh ideas, to mutual support, and to lasting international bonds. The result can be cooperation on shared projects, inspiration for action and much more.

We are thrilled to announce that SI Woking has formed a new Friendship Link with SI Yeovil, Sherborne & District! We look forward to strengthening ties between our Clubs and discovering the many opportunities that come from working together in the true spirit of Soroptimism.