SI Wallasey 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 Wallasey:
WIRRAL MUMS TO BE
p.o.p.s - people, opportunities, places, skills. Lynne Waterhouse and Lisa Gent offer help and support to young pregnant women aged 16 - 19 on the Wirral.
SI Wallasey have supported the Premature Baby Unit at Arrow Park Hospital since 2003. Teenage Pregnancy Midwife/Researcher/ Co-ordinator Camilla Davies came to our club and gave an extremely informative talk. Since then we have have visited the teenage mums during their courses and provided them with gifts of baby clothes and equipment. The course offers the young women:
Healthy Eating
Confidence Building
Self Esteem Raising
Make a Baby Book
Creative Arts and Crafts
Midwife Talks
Hospital Visits
Labour and Birth
Parenting Skills
Meet new friends and share their experiences.
For more information contact: Lynne or Lisa 0151 638 9599
Updates
Dear Mrs Andrews
I would like to thank all the members of the Wirral Soroptimists for their kind donation of premature baby wear, blankets and towels to the Young Women's Antenatal Clinic (YWAC) at Arrowe Park Hospital.
As your members are aware teenage mothers are among our most socially and economically deprived patients and any help during their pregnancy is gratefully received.
The incidence of premature delivery is higher among very young mothers and often they have nothing prepared for such tiny babies. These donations will help them to feel more like the older mothers on Special Care because they will have something other than hospital gowns/second hand clothes with which to dress their little ones in.
Once again I'd like to thank you on behalf of the staff and patients and look forward to seeing you soon at your annual conference.
Yours sincerely,
CAMILLA DAVIES
(Teenage Pregnancy Midwife/Researcher/Co-ordinator)
Marine Conservation Society Beachwatch
Members of Soroptimist International of Wallasey adopted the beach at New Brighton 2 years ago and clean and survey the stretch beside Perch Rock every 3 months. The results are sent to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
NEW BRIGHTON - HOW CLEAN IS OUR BEACH?
On Sunday September 17th a group braved the rain and surveyed the beach as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch 2006. This is the UK’s biggest national beach litter survey and clean-up. The MCS will use the survey results from this, and the hundreds of other surveys that were carried out over the same weekend, to tackle the sources of beach litter at the national level.
We removed rubbish from a 120metre stretch of beach, collecting everything from the line of the last high tide to the top of the beach. Natural material such as seaweed and driftwood is left in place as this provides a habitat & food for animals and birds. The rubbish collected was also recorded, so that the main source of litter could be identified.
Our Beachwatch this year recorded a total of 999 items and plastic made up 70%.
The 5 most common litter items recorded on the 17th September were:-
plastic pieces, (size between 1 & 50 cm) 299
wrappers from crisps & sweets 138
cotton bud sticks 105
plastic bottle caps & lids 100
very small (less than 1cm) plastic pieces 60
Our previous surveys have shown that plastic forms 49%, 60%, 43%, 69%, 54%, 45% and 48% of the rubbish we collect. It comes from such as bags, pens, crisp & sweet wrappers, bottles, caps & lids etc.
Litter is more than just an eyesore as it is potentially harmful to humans and wildlife. Many species of marine animal are known to mistake the litter for food and it can block their digestive systems. Plastic does not break down easily and therefore accumulates in the marine environment, perhaps remaining on the beaches and at sea for many years.
Cotton bud sticks are part of the Sewage Related Debris and appear on our beach as a result of being flushed down the toilet. Again they are made of plastic so remain in the sea and are washed up by the tides. (Previous surveys have counted and removed 161, 163, 40, 29, 150, 141, 42 cotton bud sticks.)
New Brighton beach is one of only 7 beaches in the North West that are Marine Conservation Society recommended for good water quality.
AQUABOX
AQUABOX is a Charitable Company providing a supply of safe drinking water in the event of emergency or disaster.
THE PROBLEM
Disasters come in many forms: earthquake; cyclone; flood; refugee displacement etc., but all share a common factor.
The most urgent single problem facing the relief agencies is the provision of a supply of safe drinking water.
The lack of, or disruption to, safe water supply or sanitation creates an ideal breeding-ground for water-borne disease. Cholera and typhoid are the most virulent of these but they are not the whole story. Often the problem can be a simple infection causing diarrhoea and leading to dehydration, particularly in the very young.
In some cases, it may be possible for the relief agencies to supply water from outside the affected area. In others, there is clearly a need for those suffering in the aftermath of a disaster to achieve and early, if temporary, self-sufficiency in the supply of safe drinking water.
THE SOLUTION
The standard AQUABOX has two functions. It is filled with a selection of useful hardware, hygiene items and educational materials and clothing. It also contains a filter cartridge and matching supply of water-treatment tablets. Once the welfare items have been removed, each standard AQUABOX can be used to purify up to 1,100 litres of polluted water, making it safe to drink. As an example, 1,100 litres is 5,000 cups - enough say, for a group of four people drinking ten cups a day for about four months.
The AQUABOX system has been exhaustively tested by an independent body proving it to be "exceptionally effective in providing clean water" and meeting World Health Organisation standards.
AQUABOXES have been used to fight disease in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia, Cameroon, Chad, Croatia, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Georgia (Russia), Ghana, Grenada, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Kosovo, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, St. Lucia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Northern Sumatra, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The boxes are checked, logged in and held in store until a suitable emergency arises. Aid-agencies are responsible for transportation to the point of use and distribution to people in need.
Updates
WaterAid
WaterAid's vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and effective sanitation.
WaterAid is an international non governmental organisation dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people.
Updates
£47.20 was raised for WaterAid in a week or two! This small project highlighted how much we take for granted the high standard of sanitation we have in this country as well as constant access to clean drinking water.
To find out more about WaterAid click on the link to the official website in our Links page.
Tools With A Mission
An organisation who send refurbished tools all over the world to those in need.
TWAM is an independent interdenominational charity sending new and refurbished tools all over the world to whoever needs them regardless of Nationality, Creed, colour or anything else providing they have a bone fida need. These tools are used for work which enables families to clothe and feed themselves.
At SI Wallasey we have collected sewing machines for TWAM,
Updates
Mercy Ships
A global charity operating a growing fleet of hospital ships, bringing hope and healing to the poor, mobilising people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender or religion.
Since its foundation in 1978 they have impacted over 5.5 million people; delivered more than $21 million of medical equipment, hospital supplies and medicines; completed close to 350 construction and agricultural projects including schools, clinics, orphanages and waterwells.
Updates
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your special gift of £200.00 towards the Africa Mercy. Your support is vital in helping to complete the conversion of this ship, which will enable Mercy Ships to impact many additional people every year with its crucial medical and community development services.
Once complete, the 17,000-tonne Africa Mercy will contain six operating theatres, a 78-bed hospital and berths for over 480 volunteer crew, including families. In recent months, Mercy Ships crew members have been busy preparing for the installation of medical equipment in the hospital!
The Africa Mercy will join the Mercy Ships fleet in bringing lasting change to individuals and whole communities. She will begin with a 10-month assignment to Ghana. An estimated 900 patients will receive free surgery in Africa Mercy's operating theatres, to remove tumours and cataracts, and repair cleft lips and damage caused by obstructed childbirth. These operations will enable marginalised people to be accepted by society, instead of being shunned.
A further 4,500 men, women and children will receive dental treatments and basic dental education in Western Ghana, where there are only two dentists. Many more will benefit from community development programmes, improving health and helping people out of poverty.
The need is great and there is so much to do. But launching this ship will make a huge difference. So thank you for catching the dream and helping to make it a reality. Please do keep up to date with Africa Mercy's progress on our website, www.mercyships.org.uk
Thank you for your ongoing friendship and support.
Yours sincerely,
JUDY POLKINHORN (Mrs)
Executive Director
Mercy Ships UK
Ockenden
Their vision is 'A world where all displaced people have access to opportunities.'
Ockenden International works with some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. They provide opportunities to rebuild lives torn apart by conflict or natural disaster, helping restore self-reliance to diplaced people. They believe that all people should have access to the necessities of life such as food and water, health care, skills training and education, and hope and respect.
Visit Ockenden International website via our Links page and the UKPAC website for more detailed information.
Updates
The current project is to support building and equipping the Sare-Torgan Girls Secondary School in Afghanistan. UKPAC & SI have raised £4000 and building can start.
Dear Mrs Duff
I am writing to thank you very much for participating in Ockenden Internationsl's Foreign Currency Collection Appeal. The total raised to date from all of our supporters is an incredible £114,362!
The currency that you collected from bags numbered 117764;117806;117813 and 117814 has raised £266.45.
Our Foreign Currency Collection Appeal is still going strong. If you would like to collect more foreign currency to benefit Ockenden International, please let me know and I will send you another blue bag.
Once again, thank you for supporting Ockenden International. It makes a huge difference to the lives of many refugees who are undoubtedly some of the most disadvantaged people living in some of the most dangerous and difficult parts of the world.
With best wishes
MANDA FOSTER
Database Administrator
Vision Aid
A 'grass roots' non-profit organisation which raises funds to support programs which promote the welfare of visually impared people in under-served areas of India, helping them to lead their lives with independence and dignity.
Vision Aid specifically supports programs that foster:-
1) improved awareness about low vision rehabilitation issues and solutions in developing countries.
2) improved ability of low vision services in under-served areas of India through their grant program.
3) improved accessibility to electronic information.
DIARY OF A CONFERENCE VIRGIN
A booklet / diary written to share one members first experience of attending a Federation Conference and to also raise funds for Project Independence, Women Survivors of War.
SI Wallasey’s DIARY OF A CONFERENCE ‘VIRGIN’
Share the ‘Conference Experience’ and help raise funds for:
The SI Quadrennial Appeal.
71st Federation Conference
27th – 29th October 2005 Nottingham
President Janet Garnons-Williams
Together We Are Strong
DIARY OF A CONFERENCE ‘VIRGIN’
GISELLE TAYLOR
SI WALLASEY
Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral
£4.50
All proceeds to Quadrennial Appeal
After being asked by so many what I thought of my first time at a Conference I have written a diary of what I did, felt, thought and learned in the three days, over 36 pages, my total experience in Nottingham:
DIARY OF A CONFERENCE ‘VIRGIN’
…My diary actually starts on Saturday 15th October at the Blossoms Hotel in Chester. A meeting arranged to inform members who have never attended a conference before…
…Told how everything would happen, from meeting the coach, to where I should collect my delegate pack on arrival. In it would be my ID Badge with yellow ribbon attached for first timers and blue ribbons for everyone else…
Friday 28th October 2005
…Walking into the auditorium was a sight to behold….
Saturday 29th October 2005 am
….The next hour was spent in the presence of one of our key speakers, Juliet Colman, President of UNIFEM UK….
Saturday pm
……. The anticipation and the excitement were almost palpable. I have to confess, I didn’t make as many notes during the next hour or so, how can one look down at a sheet of A4 paper when there is ‘eye candy’ in the form of George Alagiah in front of you? A former BBC foreign correspondent and current presenter of the Six O’clock News, George is amongst a lot of other things also a specialist on Africa and the developing world.
Sunday 30th October 2005
…I arrived home feeling enriched, inspired and fulfilled. It struck me. Have I found a fragment of what it’s like in Paradise, here on earth? Globally we are women working and playing together without racial or religious prejudice for the good of humanity…
I hope these excerpts from my diary have sparked an interest for you and that the diary may prove to be an asset for promoting newer members to attend their Federation Conferences. Ann Dawson told us to take our dreams and make them happen. My dream is that you will buy copies of this diary and together we can raise even more money for the Quadrennial Appeal and ease the suffering of so many.
FOR ORDERS PLEASE APPLY TO GIZ TAYLOR
e-mail giz@giztay.wanadoo.co.uk
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT - IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Updates
All proceeds from sales to be sent direct to Project Independence in your own clubs name.
SI BANGOR & DISTRICT
SI BEBINGTON
SI BIRKENHEAD
SI DOLGELLAU & DISTRICT
SI ELLESMERE PORT & DISTRICT
SI HESWALL & DISTRICT
SI HOYLAKE & WEST KIRBY
SI LLANGOLLEN & DISTRICT
SI NANTWICH & DISTRICT
SI NORTHWICH & DISTRICT
SI RHYL & DISTRICT
SI RUNCORN, FRODSHAM & DIST.
SI WREXHAM
SI PORT TALBOT
SI EAST GRINSTEAD
SI SOUTHAMPTON
SI NOTTINGHAM
SI MAIDSTONE
SI EASTBOURNE
SI TUNBRIDGE WELLS
SI MEDWAY TOWNS
SI CROYDEN & DISTRICT
SI BECKENHAM & DISTRICT
SI GRAVESEND & DISTRICT
SI SEVENOAKES
SI LEWES
SI STOURBRIDGE
SI DENBIGH, RUTHIN & DISTRICT
Soroptimist clubs sharing and working together. Good luck with your sales and raising awareness.
SI Wallasey have received this letter from a lady who lives in London, it shows how the booklet can achieve the two aims of the project:
Dear Giselle,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book Diary of a Conference 'Virgin'. It is very interesting reading. I enjoyed reading it, the detail of what took place and what went on each day. I am enclosing a cheque for £4.50 for a copy for my friend.
I have asked the Chairman in our Women's Fellowship to invite a member of the Soroptimist organisation in our area to come and speak to us about the work they do. Thanks again. Hoping to hear from you soon.
I am
CLARICE EMMELINE SIMON
We are very honoured to have received a letter from our International President Lynn Dunning, written to SI Wallasey President Hilary:
Dear Hilary
Thank you for the copy of the 'Diary of a Conference Virgin'. I do, as you can appreciate, have a great deal of correspondence and it does take a while for me to have the space to read longer documents.
I have read Giselle's account and found it a really interesting view of the Conference as seen from the perspective of someone attending for the first time. Whilst reading I have had a smile to myself as I recall feeling exactly the same many years ago. Giselle has written with perception and insight and made some very good points.
I hope that it has been a 'best seller' and made all that you had hoped for in proceeds for the Quadrennial Project. Thank you for thinking to send me a personal copy.
In friendship
Lynn
International President
Soroptimist International
Forum Housing
'FORUM HOUSING creating opportunities for brighter futures' is one of our President Jacque Webster-Dicks' chosen charities for her year in office. Their Deputy Chief Executive Peter Brandrick gave us a very informative talk on the work of Forum Housing
"Forum Housing Association has a Christian Foundation and will reflect this in all of its activities and areas of work. This Association will strive to expand provision for young people in housing need throughout the Mersey region."
Mission Statement.
Forum Housing Association have provided supported housing to young people on the Wirral for over 35 years, in Sefton since 1994 and in Ellesmere Port and Neston since 2004. Work began with a number of small dispersed properties offering limited support to young mothers, mainly in the Oxton area of Birkenhead. A strong partnership with Social Services and the Housing Department in the early 80s increased the Association stock. The Association also developed new areas of support for young people in care, those at risk of offending and an expansion of its services to the street homeless and young people in need of help with basic life skills. Today the Association offers a full range of support and services to Merseyside's homeless and vulnerably housed young people.
Each of the Projects vary, some with 24 hours support, others with a limited amount. This is dependent upon specific need and the range of services required to those housed. The Association works with over 80 partners to deliver services to their residents and in addition, residents and staff are involved in local community initiatives.
Forum Housing Association's Board ensure the Association is governed according to all relevant law and regulations. All the Board members are volunteers and are recruited to serve on specific committees according to their qualifications, skills and experience. Committees include Strategy and Policy, Housing Services, Resources and Risk and Audit.
The Association has gained credibility over the past 10 years for its delivery of a range of diverse services alongside accommodation provision to young people.
They offer:
A range of interactive workshops covering the themes of Housing, Homelessness and the Prevention of Homelessness amongst young people and families.
Workshops, talks and individualised interactive programmes on engaging young people and families in community. Addressing subjects such as, Inclusion, Participation, Citizenship, Equality and Diversity, Neuro Linguistic Programming (supporting positive outcomes and personal growth), Fundraising.
Storytelling is a skill underused and can support groups to consider the Moral, Social and Economic implication of Community Action.
Themed sessions and workshops looking at the impact of Substance Misuse, Alcohol, Modes of Behaviour, Anti-Social Behaviour on communities and neighbourhoods.
Practical activity encouraging children, young people and families to consider the landscape of their community, engagement with public services, environmental issues and community safety.
To find out more please visit the Association's website via our 'Links' page.
Project Independence Women Survivors of War
S.I's current Quadrennial Appeal - Project Independence is Soroptimist International & Women For Women International in partnership helping women around the world face the devastation of war.
Through Project Independence, thousands of women will have the opportunity to reclaim their lives. The partnership provides direct aid to help women provide basic needs for themselves and their families; skills and leadership training to give women the tools they need to rebuild their lives; and microcredit loans to help women start an income-generating project or business as they look toward a new future.
80% of all refugees and displaced persons globally are women and children.
Rape is consciously used as a tool of genocide and weapon of war.
70% of the 1.2 billion people living in desperate poverty are female.
20,000 Bosnian women were raped during the Balkan war between 1992 and 1995.
One of six women under Taliban-controlled Afghanistan tried to commit suicide.
500,000 Rwandese women were raped in the 1994 genocide.
Today, thousands of women in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Rwanda are survivors of war and violence. They have lost their homes, their security, and their livelihoods. They are exhaused and living on the margins of hope. Together Soroptimist Int. and Women For Women Int. are amassing the resources needed to reach out to these women - women who have nothing. Through Sponsorship Program, Renewing Women's Life Skills Program and finally through the Microcredit Lending Program they will have something for the future.