Earlier this year, Soroptimist International of Yorkshire Against Modern Slavery (SIYAMS) submitted a bid for a grant from West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin’s Safer Communities Fund. We were delighted to receive a grant of £9550 to facilitate the training of safeguarding leads across West Yorkshire to deliver an immersive educational computer game to young people, Danielle was devised by Gill Kirkman of Bradford University. The game enables young people, in a safe environment, to explore and understand the extensive abusive dating behaviours involved, their impact and where to seek help. It was a pleasure to be invited by Mayor Tracy Brabin, and Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe, to an awards evening at Dewsbury Minster, to receive our grant. See Page 6 on the link for more information https://www.yorkshirereporter.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yorkshire-Reporter-OCTOBER-2024.pdf

The first ten days of the month were quiet on the Soroptimist front but busy for me personally! I was unable to attend the SIYAMS meeting on the 10th but I was delighted to be able to represent the Region on the 11th at the Awards Ceremony for Round 6 of the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund.   SIYAMS, at very short notice had put in a bid for a grant to the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Safer Communities Funding to support Gill Kirkman’s project, the school’s game Danielle. Gill Kirkman (who had talked to us during President Ruth’s visit in April) had launched an immersive educational computer game called Danielle. The game enables young people, in a safe environment, to explore and understand the extensive abusive dating behaviours involved, their impact, and where to seek help. Julia Allan from SI Keighley had raised awareness of the

The following four clubs and their projects were put forward at the September Regional Council Meeting for members to vote on. SI Bingley – Provision and support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers They have raised awareness of the needs of Refugees and Asylum seekers and provided volunteers to assist in running the Refugee Storage Centre. They have written letters of support to local councillors and MP’s to support the much needed relocation of the centre to more suitable premises. SI Dewsbury and District – Mirfield Friendship Cafe This is an ongoing project that was started before Covid. The Friendship Cafe provides a space for people to create new friendships and meet up with old friends in a safe and pleasant atmosphere.  There is no charge but there is a donation box, the money is used to replace the milk etc.. and the remainder is put

I open this newsletter with a huge thank you to all those Soroptimists and friends who organised and attended my Yorkshire Day Food and Drink Event. Particular thanks go to Julie and Mike Thompson for organising and running the evening along with Andy Kasubee who spoke so passionately about the beers. Mike knew that he had chosen a cracking wine from Italy as the last of our 6 wine tastings – indeed the Pasqua “Desire Lush and Zin Primitivo” will now become a firm favourite of mine! Judith Alce from my own club organised the venue for me and thanks also to the volunteers on the night who ensured that the event ran smoothly: Pat Thornes, Linda Davis, Janine Maw, Jean Thompsom, Susan Mendosa, Sue Glover, Lindsay Green and Amanda Potts. Huge thanks also go to Sarah Barnes from Beer Houses who sponsored the beers

President Susie held a Food and Drink Tasting Experience on Yorkshire Day.   Soroptimists from many of the Yorkshire clubs, together with Soroptimisters, friends and family attended the event.   Wine and real ale were sampled alongside nibbles, followed by a pie and pea supper.   £1500 was raised for Breast Cancer Now, Susie’s chosen charity.

I open my newsletter with the Officers’ meeting which was actually held at the very end of June at the Bridge Inn. I can’t believe that it was the last one that will fully Chair as the President Elects will take over from me at the October meeting as much of the content will relate to their forthcoming year. It was a very positive get together- it never ceases to amaze me that we have such a depth of creativity in the region.   I hope that you will have all received the booking forms for the September RCM. Please try to attend if you are able. The theme is The Region and we will be showcasing the best of Programme Action in Yorkshire.   I was pleased to be able to participate in the Regional Friendship Walk at Cannon Hall on the 18th. Eighteen

Regional President Susie joined 17 members from 7 clubs, and 3 dogs, for the Region's Summer Outing to Cannon Hall on Thursday 18 July.  After the full group photo, everyone completed the walk around the grounds and the walled garden before lunch together. Visits were then made to the Hall - a beautiful old country house - with a display of costumes and information about the popular recent films shot at Cannon Hall. And also to the Farm Shop for delicious local produce to take home to eat later. Everyone enjoyed the visit to Cannon Hall, especially the time together to chat and enhance friendships. Our thanks to Angela Karck, who arranged everything, including the lovely weather – warm and DRY !