SI Lewisham and South East London 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 Lewisham and South East London:
St Christophers Hospice
ST CHRISTOPHER'S HOSPICE St Christopher's Hospice was founded by Dame Cicely Saunders in 1967 and her extraordinary contribution to alleviating human suffering has resulted in the hospice being considered a centre of innovation and insight ever since.
President Zazia has chosen to support St Christopher's Hospice during her presidential year.
Handicap International
Since it was founded, Handicap International has recognised that supporting disabled people requires more than direct care such as orthopaedic and rehabilitation services. Disabled people are often further disadvantaged by social discrimination or politic
President Zazia has chosen to support the work of Handicap International during her presidential term.
Lewisham Fairtrade Steering Group
SI Lewisham & SE London are members of Lewisham Council's Fairtrade Steering Group.
As Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 approaches, Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, is encouraging residents to help change the lives of people in the developing world by choosing Fairtrade products.
To mark the event, Lewisham has been running a competition to write a song about fairtrade issues for anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough. The finalists have been chosen and they will be performing their work in front of a panel of judges at Blackheath Halls on Friday 7 March.
The winning prize is a day in a studio to record the song and the chance to perform it live at Lewisham People’s Day on 12 July 2008.
Fairtrade involves paying farmers and other workers in poor countries a fair price for their goods and produce – and means communities can afford to invest in healthcare, education and more sustainable methods of production.
Sir Steve said: “By choosing Fairtrade we can allow others to make changes towards a better life as it enables producers in developing countries to lift themselves, their families and their communities out of poverty.
“Lewisham is proud to be a Fairtrade borough and will continue to encourage consumers to make a small change in what they eat, drink and wear.”
Lewisham achieved Fairtrade status in 2005, with many shops, cafes and community venues all offering products certified as Fairtrade. Each year the borough renews its commitment to Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight.
The finalists of the Fairtrade music competition will perform at Blackheath Halls on Friday 7th March 2008 at 7pm. Limited free tickets are available. If you are interested please email your name and address to: lewisham4fairtrade@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 7778.