SI Heswall and District Projects
Each Soroptimist International club identifies the needs of its community, then establishes specific projects to address these needs. All our projects relate to one or more of the six Programme Focus Areas: Economic and Social Development, Education, Environment, Health, Human Rights and the Status of Women, and International Goodwill and Understanding.
More information is available in the Our Work pages, where you can read more about the current Programme Focus aims and the Quadrennial Project, supported by all clubs in the Federation.
The projects listed below include some of the local and international issues we research and support in SI Heswall and District:
Garden at Wirral Breastcare Centre
Service project. Club members developed and maintain the garden outside Elm House, the Breast Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital. It always looks well cared for and brightens up the entrance for the many women who have to go through the doors.
Day of Service 2007
On the day of service we choose to undertake a specific project for the community. Talbot Rd, Thornton Hough was cleared of unsightly and illegal tipping rubbish. 16 huge sacks were cleared and it was apparent that someone was regularly dumping certain i
Beach Cleaning at Thurstaston
Our 7th Year of this project. Heswall and District Soroptimists have been regularly cleaning and surveying the stretch of beach from the Dee Sailing Club to the steps at Thurstaston Country Park. We carry out this task about 6 times a year whatever the
The rubbish collected is recorded and results are sent to the Marine Conservation Society.Items cleared include bags, bottles, cans and food containers from picnics, plastic and polystyrene debris dumped overboard from boats, fishing line and net, parts of wrecked boats and even cars. Wirral Ranger Service collects the filled bags and larger items which are dragged to a prominent position. Rubbish is particularly bad after very high tides and hot weather.
Friendship Links
Our friendship links with other Soroptimist Clubs are in all parts of the globe-England, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia and The Gambia.
Kuring-ai in New South Wales (1984) was an early link which lapsed and then resumed some six years ago. When Barbara remarried and came to Britain on her honeymoon we were able to meet and spent a very happy time together. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, she is no longer a Soroptimist and her club hasn’t chosen to continue corresponding - so far!
Maidstone, Kent here in England (1987) instigated a link which continues today. They invited us to join them for their 50th celebrations and we were entertained in members’ houses, a trip up the River Thames and to their formal dinner. We don’t correspond by letter very frequently but hurrah for the telephone, as this enables us to catch up with all the news very quickly.
Trinidad and Tobago (2005) This link came about quite by accident. A group of us were manning the SI tent at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen (on a very hot day) when a choir came to sit in the tent shade opposite. I went to talk to them and they sang a number of their favourite songs for us. Their trip to Wales had been partly sponsored by Soroptimists back home and they very kindly agreed to take a letter back. One of the stalls sold cards and a hurriedly written note was despatched with them. Some months later we received a most welcome reply and are hoping to meet at the International Conference in Glasgow.
Banjul, The Gambia. (2007) is our newest link. As Heswall SI is working hard for the Gambian School’s Trust, we felt it would be ideal if we could establish a link with Soroptimists over there. The Banjul President, despite being deeply involved with their own celebrations and entertaining the Federation President, took the time to send me a most friendly e-mail. I am sure this will be the start of a good link as we seem to ‘chatter’ easily and our two clubs contrast and combine in similar ways. (edit or remove)
Regulation of Sunbeds
SKIN CANCER THE TICKING TIME BOMB DID YOU KNOW ?? - The fastest growing cancer in the world is Malignant Melanoma (skin cancer) which has a high mortality rate and is increasing year on year!
Some alarming facts and research statistics about the dangers of skin cancer from the use of sunbeds can be found in our 'News' section of our website
Our motion for 2007 Conference at Harrogate can be found further down in this section of the website.
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Updates
Dear MP
I am writing to you with regard to the danger that unregulated sunbeds and tanning machines represent to the young people of this country.
The effect of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, either from natural sunlight, or sunbeds, on increasing the possibility of skin cancer is well documented. About 65,000 cases of skin cancer are reported in the UK each year, with approximately 2,000 proving fatal. In addition excessive exposure to UV radiation causes premature skin ageing, eye damage and can damage the immune system. Childhood exposure to UV radiation is known to make an important contribution to the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Locally the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network have been gathering information on this situation and they have statistics that show that 38% of females and 15% of males aged 13-14 years are using sunbeds, as are 60% of females aged 14-15 years. 63% had not been asked their age before using the sunbeds; 90% did not receive any advice about their skin type and 68% hardly ever or never used protective goggles. In addition some salons actively market to children by offering children’s parties and “Two for one if you have your school uniform on”.
Malignant Melanoma incidence is increasing faster than any other cancer, cases have doubled over the last 20 years, 20% of cases in England and Wales occur in 15-39 years olds and there are 1700 deaths per year, at least 100 of which can be directly attributed to sunbed use (according to Cancer Research UK). These figures are only likely to increase unless the Government takes action urgently.
The World Health Authority in 2003 produced a report on this subject “Artificial Tanning Sunbeds Risks and Guidance” in which they recommend that Governments should introduce comprehensive, legally binding legislation which is capable of local enforcement. This should emphasise providing better information for consumers, restricting access to those under 18 and reducing the number of automatic tanning parlours working without an operator.
In view of this the UK Government should pass measures to ensure that children do not use tanning machines, or if they do so, there are stringent precautions put in place and strong advise given to them. In addition there should be greater public awareness of the dangers, so that parents do not allow their children to use such machines.
It is accepted that using the age limit of 18 may be difficult to enforce, but I consider that the Government should certainly legislate to protect under 16 year olds. There are supposed to be guidelines issued to such salons, but it seems that very few take any notice of them.
I do hope that this is a matter you will take up with the appropriate bodies, and I look forward to hearing that some action is being taken to educate the public and to introduce legislation on regulation.
Yours sincerely
Dear MP
I am writing to you with regard to the danger that unregulated sunbeds and tanning machines represent to the young people of this country.
The effect of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, either from natural sunlight, or sunbeds, on increasing the possibility of skin cancer is well documented. About 65,000 cases of skin cancer are reported in the UK each year, with approximately 2,000 proving fatal. In addition excessive exposure to UV radiation causes premature skin ageing, eye damage and can damage the immune system. Childhood exposure to UV radiation is known to make an important contribution to the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Locally the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network have been gathering information on this situation and they have statistics that show that 38% of females and 15% of males aged 13-14 years are using sunbeds, as are 60% of females aged 14-15 years. 63% had not been asked their age before using the sunbeds; 90% did not receive any advice about their skin type and 68% hardly ever or never used protective goggles. In addition some salons actively market to children by offering children’s parties and “Two for one if you have your school uniform on”.
Malignant Melanoma incidence is increasing faster than any other cancer, cases have doubled over the last 20 years, 20% of cases in England and Wales occur in 15-39 years olds and there are 1700 deaths per year, at least 100 of which can be directly attributed to sunbed use (according to Cancer Research UK). These figures are only likely to increase unless the Government takes action urgently.
The World Health Authority in 2003 produced a report on this subject “Artificial Tanning Sunbeds Risks and Guidance” in which they recommend that Governments should introduce comprehensive, legally binding legislation which is capable of local enforcement. This should emphasise providing better information for consumers, restricting access to those under 18 and reducing the number of automatic tanning parlours working without an operator.
In view of this the UK Government should pass measures to ensure that children do not use tanning machines, or if they do so, there are stringent precautions put in place and strong advise given to them. In addition there should be greater public awareness of the dangers, so that parents do not allow their children to use such machines.
It is accepted that using the age limit of 18 may be difficult to enforce, but I consider that the Government should certainly legislate to protect under 16 year olds. There are supposed to be guidelines issued to such salons, but it seems that very few take any notice of them.
I do hope that this is a matter you will take up with the appropriate bodies, and I look forward to hearing that some action is being taken to educate the public and to introduce legislation on regulation.
Yours sincerely
“60% of 14-15 Year olds are using Sunbeds”
Key Health Findings from 2005/6 Health Awareness Days Sunsafety and Sunbed Behaviour Amongst 13-15 years Olds.
During 2005-7 Skin cancer PKey Health Findings from 2005/6 Health Awareness Days
Sunsafety and Sunbed Behaviour Amongst 13-15 years Olds.
Further information can be found below and in the 'News' section of our website.
Women's Refuge
Support for our local women's refuge in a variety of ways.
This year we have been collecting cleaning items for our “EXIT BUCKETS” – these buckets are given to women who are leaving the Refuge to start their new homes and lives and may need to use cleaning materials before moving into their homes. We also provide Christmas presents,household items and clothes during the year to the Refuge.
Gambian School Trust
Our main project this year has been the collection of school resources and equipment for the Gambian School Trust. The Trust has been in operation for over 6 years and collects money and resources from all around the North West and ships them over to th
The Heswall club are all now busily collecting items ready for the shipment in November 2007, together with support from some other clubs in our Region.
We have contacted local firms, some of whom have been able to supply us with stationery items as well as providing items ourselves and from friends. A local school, which sadly had to close, was able to provide a wonderful assortment of nursery and infant equipment as well as school books, dictionaries, exercise books and other stationery which should be invaluable.
Updates
Programme Action
Welcome to Programme Action. Heswall undertakes many community and fund raising programmes throughout the year and you will find details in the projects listed on this page of our website.
During the year we arrange a wide range of fund raising activities e.g Champagne & Strawberry Teas, Sponsored Walks and raffles and an evening at Gordale Garden Centre to raise money for good causes including the Presidents three charities and the projects listed here.
Come along and get involved in our busy year of activities and fun.
Bible Lands Child Sponsor Scheme
The Bible Lands organisation supports young people to help them with their education
For many years we have been sponsoring the education of a child through the Bible Lands Society and its project partners in Lebanon. The club is currently linked with an 11 year old boy who comes from a poor family and attends the Armenian Evangelical(Shamlian Tatikian) School in a suburb of north-east Beirut. Throughout the long and terrible civil war the school has remained a beacon of hope to many in the Armenian Community.During the recent troubles the school has continued to care for and educate these needy Armenian children.
Every year we exchange greeting cards and letters with the child and in return receive photographs and school reports.We also receive magazines and newsletters of the work of the Bible Lands Society (with its 150 years of such work).
Sponsorship is an important part of Soroptimist International work and the money we send is very much appreciated by the society and the family of the child.
Social Committee-community action
The Social Committee organises two social events each year, in the spring and autumn, for elderly people who live in the local community.
The events usually take place in the afternoon and entertainment is provided. This can range from music provided by a local choir or concert party, who donate
their fee to charity, to a bingo session. Members provide and serve an
appetising afternoon tea which is always much enjoyed while taking every opportunity to extend a warm warm to everyone who attends. Table decorations are raffled at the end of the event at no cost
and taken home by the lucky visitors.
Invitations are sent to people who are mostly housebound and appreciate the
opportunity to have a change of scene and socialise. Transport is provided by club members. It is not easy finding a pleasant and comfortable venue which offers good parking, disabled access, good kitchen facilities at
reasonable cost. We are fortunate in being able to use St. John's Church, Hall Greasby which meets all these criteria.
CAMPAIGN TO REGULATE THE TANNING INDUSTRY AND PROTECT OUR CHILDREN
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF HESWALL AND DISTRICT
OUR CHILDREN
THE FRIGHTENING STATISTICS
132,000 MALIGNANT MELANOMAS OCCUR GLOBALLY EACH YEAR
OVER 70,000 REGISTERED CASES OF SKIN CANCER EACH YEAR IN THE UK
SUNLIGHT IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN 90% OF CASES
MALIGNANT MELANOMA IS INCREASING FASTER THAN ANY OTHER CANCER
CASES OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED IN 20 YEARS
8,000 NEW CASES OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA PER YEAR IN THE UK
MALIGNANT MELANOMA ACCOUNTS FOR 1,700 DEATHS PER YEAR
MALIGNANT MELANOMA IS THE SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER FOR 15-34 YEAR OLDS
20% OF CASES OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN ENGLAND AND WALES OCCUR IN 15-39 YEAR OLDS
ONE IN EVERY THREE CANCERS DIAGNOSED WORLDWIDE IS A SKIN CANCER
SUNBED USE
AROUND THE WORLD YOUNG CHILDREN ARE USING SUNBEDS:-
APPROXIMATLEY 50% OF 16-24 YEAR OLDS IN THE 5 NORDIC COUNTRIES USE SUNBEDS EACH YEAR
IN 2003 IN AUSTRALIA, 9% OF 14-29 YEAR OLDS HAD USED A SUNBED IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR
IN THE USA, 10% OF 12-18 YEAR OLDS WERE USING SUNBEDS, 7% OF 14 YEAR OLDS, 16% BY AGE 15 AND 35% BY AGE 17
IN THE UK 38% OF FEMALES AND 15% OF MALES AGED 13-14 ARE USING SUNBEDS, 28% OF CHILDREN HAVE USED A SUNBED WITH 5% USING THEM REGULARLY MORE THAN TWICE PER WEEK
IN THE UK 60% OF GIRLS AGED 14 AND 15 ARE USING SUNBEDS
SURVEY RESULTS OF UK 14 TO 15 YEAR OLDS RE SUNBEDS
• 93% ARE AWARE SUNBEDS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SKIN
• 63% HAD NOT BEEN ASKED THEIR AGE BEFORE USING THE SUNBEDS
• 90% OF GIRLS DID NOT RECEIVE ANY ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SKIN TYPE
• 68% HARDLY EVER OR NEVER USED PROTECTIVE GOGGLES
• 63% WILL USE SUNBEDS IN THE FUTURE
BAD PRACTICE
CHILDREN ARE RARELY ASKED THEIR AGE BUT THOSE WHO WERE EITHER FORGED A LETTER OR GOT THEIR PARENTS TO TELEPHONE THE SALON GIVING PERMISSION FOR THE SESSION. (SO THE PARENTS NEED EDUCATING TOO)
CHILDREN DID NOT KNOW HOW MANY SESSIONS WERE SAFE. THE CHILDREN RECEIVED VERY LITTLE INFORAMTION ON THE DURATION AND FREQUENCY OF RECOMMENDED SUN BED USE BY THE SOLARIUM. SOME CHILDREN USED THE SUN BEDS FOR BETWEEN 4 AND 8 MINUTES WITHOUT ANY GUIDANCE ABOUT THEIR SKIN TYPE.
SUN BED HORRORS
• MOTHERS TAKING BABIES INTO SUN BED BOOTHS
• TWO FOR ONE IF YOU HAVE YOUR SCHOOL UNIFORM ON
• SUN BEDS MAKE YOU SLIM
• YOU GET PICKED ON IF YOU DON’T USE SUN BEDS (SO THAT EVEN DARKER-SKINNED CHILDREN GO ON THEM)
• SALONS OFFERING CHILDREN’S PARTIES
• “CLEARS YOUR SPOTS UP”
• “GOGGLES GIVE YOU PANDA EYES”
CONFERENCE MOTION - Harrogate 2007
FINANCIAL/GENERAL MOTION FOR SUBMISSION TO FEDERATION GENERAL MEETING 2007, HARROGATE Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland in Conference, moves that: All members work to raise awareness of the health risks of tanning machines, par
EXPLANATORY NOTE:
The evidence that ultraviolet radiation cause skin cancer is overwhelming and convincing. Despite this information the use of indoor tanning devices which emit ultraviolet (UV) light , both in tanning parlours and at home, has never been more popular, particularly amongst young women. About 65,000 cases of skin cancer are reported in the UK each year, with 2,000 proving fatal. Most cases are linked to sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun and it is believed that tanning machines, such as sunbeds, play a role too.
In addition to increasing the possibility of skin cancer exposure to excessive UV radiation cause premature skin ageing , eye damage and can damage the immune system. Childhood exposure to UV radiation is known to make an important contribution to the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. For this reason particular attention is required to ensure children do not use tanning machines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend (amongst other things) that no one under the age of 18 should use a tanning machine.
Some machines have the capacity to emit levels of UV radiation up to five times stronger than the midday Australian summer sun. Such intensity in a largely unregulated industry where training of staff is not mandatory increases the health risks considerably.
Where government controls exist in relation to commercial tanning parlours they are usually limited in their application and scope. Unlike some commercial sectors, the indoor tanning industry has not shown significant capacity to self-regulate effectively.
The WHO recommend that Governments should introduce comprehensive, legally binding legislation which is capable of local enforcement. In countries that have implemented such regulations the emphasis has been on providing better information for consumers, restricting access to those under the age of 18 and reducing the numbers of automatic tanning parlours working without an operator. If the political will is against legislation, Governments should consider a comprehensive set of standards in conjunction with the tanning industry that reflects the WHO recommendations and guidelines.
We have chosen the age of 16, rather than 18, as we feel we are more likely to gain support, and enforcement will be easier.
Soroptimists should lobby to draw Governments attention to these recommendations and should publicise the problems so young people and their parents are made aware of them.
Proposed by Soroptimist International of (Club Name) HESWALL AND DISTRICT…
Name of Member proposing: ………GLENYS HUNT…………………………………………………
Seconded by Soroptimist International of (Club Name) ……WALLASEY……………………………..
Name of Member seconding: ……HILARY ANDREWS…………………………………………………
I confirm that the above Motion was approved by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the voting members present of Soroptimist International of (name of Region/National Association).
………………………………………….. at a meeting of its Council held on ………./………./……………..
Signed: ……………………………….. Regional/National Association/Country/Club Secretary(ies)
We agree to abide by the procedural governing Motions as set out in the Federation Constitution and Standing Orders, and, where necessary, to consult with the Technical and Advisory Committee.
Proposer to sign …………………………………. Date: …./…./…. Office held: ……………………..
Seconder to sign …………………………………. Date: …./…./…. Office held: ……………………..
GM Motion 2007