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Smart Works – Dress to impress for that job interview

Smart Works – Dress to impress for that job interview

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SI Richmond and Dales members met at the Scotch Corner Hotel for our July meeting. SmartWorks Our PA Officer gave a presentation "Learn about SmartWorks", which is one our charities for this year.  SmartWorks is a UK Charity that has helped over 35,ooo women with free career coaching, interview dressing and preparations for them to help get a job.  The charity started in North London in 2013 and has spread out across England and Scotland.  Leeds was opened in 2019.  The charity provides not only the free coaching and clothes for the interview, but they also continue the relationship with the client.  They help to provide a wardrobe for the 1st month, to get through to their first pay day. Leeds SmartWorks has over 100 referral partners in Yorkshire, including HMP Askham Grange. They have supported 888 clients in 2023/24.  Wendy showed the video story
President’s July Newsletter

President’s July Newsletter

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  I begin this month’s newsletter with my visit to Bingley Community Kitchen. I am sure that many of you will have heard about the amazing work there, but it was a privilege to actually visit. The Kitchen now operates in partnership with Food Savers Network and Inn Churches. Volunteers include Soroptimists, Rotarians and church members. From the original “Cook and Eat “sessions it has developed into a space where clients can meet for coffee and for £5 (£1 of which is invested in a credit union to encourage saving), choose 15 different foods (from a large choice of high quality groceries) plus fruit and vegetables. In addition, the ingredients and method for the week’s chosen recipe may also be taken. The Kitchen is welcoming, akin to a shop layout and full of chatter, fellowship and hope. An inspiring model that endeavours to alleviate poverty

Regional Council Meeting June 2024 – Askham Grange Women’s Open Prison

Regional Council Meeting June 2024 – Askham Grange Women’s Open Prison

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This quarters RCM was held in Askham Richard, a lovely village within the York environs. It is home to Askham Grange the women’s open prison and Yorkshire Soroptimists meet there once a year where we are looked after wonderfully well by the staff and the residents. The main items on the agenda were a presentation by Erica Amende of Spen Valley Civic Society who told us all about the creation of the Jo Cox wood planted in memory of the murdered MP and a presentation with questions from SIGBI President Ruth Healey about the plans to modernise the organisation. We also heard from SI Halifax, SI Bingley, SI Hallamshire about their programme action and the joint library project with SI Blantyre Malawi, great work and very inspiring to all. In addition, we had eleven members attending the RCM for the first time – this is

World Environment Day – 2024

World Environment Day – 2024

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Yorkshire Soroptimists had a two pronged attack on litter for World Environment Day.  Seventeen members from six Yorkshire clubs, Leeds, Ilkley, Dewsbury, Selby, Scarborough, Malton & District and Wakefield met in Scarborough for the beach clean.  Ana from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust explained the importance of picking up cigarette ends and small pieces of plastic and polystyrene.  In Sheffield, members of SI Sheffield and SI Hallamshire joined forces to tackle the litter at Forge Dam.
President’s June newsletter

President’s June newsletter

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PRESIDENT’S JUNE NEWSLETTER     The Bank holiday and first week of May were calmer for me after the hectic end to April and I was able to spend some quality time with my family. The first Soroptimist event of the month was my New Presidents’ Lunch on the 11th which was kindly hosted at the home of Linda Phillips with other members of my club in attendance. The weather was glorious and we were able to sit in the beautiful garden. I was able to welcome new presidents, officers, other club members and there were 11 clubs represented. The food was delicious and I will definitely be asking for some of the recipes! The photo below is from this event.   The following day I was pleased to attend SI Halifax 96th Charter Lunch, the club being the 3rd to be formed in our

President Susie’s May Newsletter

President Susie’s May Newsletter

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The busy month of April began with my planning meeting. The agenda items are becoming less as my year progresses – I can’t believe how the weeks are flying by! On the 7th, I was delighted to attend SI Skipton in Craven’s 75th Charter Lunch at High Corn Mill in Skipton. A beautiful meal was followed by entertainment from a talented duo of teenage singers, one of whom is soon to be on stage in London’s West End.   On the 17th I was present at SI Harrogate and District’s AGM in the Crown Hotel. I was made most welcome and it was a privilege to hear about their activities and the Programme work that they have undertaken during their 90th year. I was able to present 6 Long Service Awards – Janet Hutton having given 45 years of service. Incoming President Christine Anderson has

What Yorkshire Soroptimists did on International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion

What Yorkshire Soroptimists did on International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion

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All across the region Yorkshire Soroptimists were involved in a number of activities, here are just a few.  Bingley at their Community Kitchen.  Dewsbury, Garforth Elmet and Wakefield plus other community groups rallied together  through Dewsbury.   Harrogate held a 'Young Woman & Woman in the Community' awards.  Keighley held a careers event.  Richmond held a 'Women of Richmond' event.  Scarborough & Malton gave a number of talks on the History of Soroptimism.  Sheffield impersonated Emily Pankhurst on the Town Hall steps.
President Susie’s April Newsletter

President Susie’s April Newsletter

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March has been a busy month! It was very appropriate that my first Charter Event should be my own Club’s 90th Celebration. At the Inaugural Dinner in 1934 members from Bradford, Halifax, Harrogate, Leeds and Sheffield had been present. It was fitting that these Clubs were in attendance again at the recent celebrations in addition to several other clubs from around the Region. SIGBI President Ruth Healey was also able to be there.   On the evening of International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of attending Harrogate and District’s Young Woman and Woman in the Community Awards. The nominees were truly inspirational. Presentations from Ruth Healey and Ruth Smith   (High Sheriff in Nomination North Yorkshire) were followed by a stirring performance from the Stray Notes Choir. During the daytime I had joined SI Dewsbury and District walking from Dewsbury Railway station to the Town

Have you seen a Soroptimist Orange Cafe?

Have you seen a Soroptimist Orange Cafe?

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  The UNiTE campaign has proclaimed the 25th of each month as “Orange Day”, a day to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls. Orange Day calls upon activists, to mobilize people and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls, not only once a year on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, but every month.  We asked members to wear Orange when they are out and about on the 25th.   And they did!   Have you seen them in a cafe near you? To find out more click on the link here.   

Welcome from President Susie

Welcome from President Susie

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Thank you for taking the time to view our website. As you are looking, I am sure that you are interested in making a difference. Soroptimist International is a Worldwide Women’s Service Organisation with 66,000 global members who aim to improve the lives of women and girls through giving service locally, nationally and internationally to educate, enable and empower. Soroptimist means “the best of sisters” and to be a Yorkshire Soroptimist also means to be part of an amazing group of passionate, motivated and proactive women who have an important identity. We also have a lot of fun. In July 2023 over 40 members travelled together by coach to the International Convention in Dublin where 1500 Soroptimists gathered from all over the world to be inspired by the presentations and talks and to chat with like minded people from some of the 120 countries with