Hear Our Voices We Stand Up for Women.

I hope that you are all keeping well. We are in the midst of unprecedented and uncertain times not only in our country but worldwide. The Corona Virus outbreak which started in China in December 2019 has now hugely impacted us in Ireland since our first case was confirmed in early March. This has led to many of our Club and National Association events having to be postponed for the safety of all. This includes the final of the Girls Public Speaking competition and the National Association AGM. We hope to reschedule these events in due course. Unfortunately, at this time we are not in a position to make a decision regarding the North South Conference. We will update you on this as soon as possible.

On the 27th March the Government and HSE “Stay at Home” Order came into effect. Many of our members are cocooning at home or working from home. The vital importance of social distancing has been clearly highlighted in the chart below. By remaining at home, we can reduce the stress on our health service and save lives. Soroptimists can encourage others through our actions.

Many of our members are essential workers in health care, retail, pharma and support services which are critical to us all at this time. Whether you are remaining at home or carrying out an essential service thank you all.

Whilst our Club and National Association meetings cannot be held in person, some Clubs are experimenting in the use of Zoom for online meetings. We also have the availability of teleconferencing for meetings including your Club AGM’s. Please explore the different mediums to help you to keep in touch. Soroptimists worldwide are very active on Facebook and Twitter so now may be a good time to try them out. For members who are not so comfortable with computers and may be at home alone, phone calls and a letter or card in the post can help keep members’ spirits up.

This is a very stressful time for all of us. Aware has some good tips on minding our mental health https://www.aware.ie/information/mental-well-being-during-covid-19-outbreak/.

Women’s Aid and other Domestic Violence support services have reported an increased risk of domestic violence during the Corona Virus outbreak. The Women’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1800341900  www.womensaid.ie.

Details of local refuges & services are available on www.safeireland.ie. (Continued......)

(Read President Catherine's February interim report >>)

What an honour to be President of this amazing organisation.

it is our vision and mission that lies at the heart of who we are. What excites me is the idea that this is even a possibility and that we can work with others with the same intent to make it happen.

My theme is ‘We Stand Up for Women’ My hope is that this can be a platform for us to clearly articulate the difference that we make to the lives of women and girls.

Isobel Smith
SIGBI President 2019-2020

The project target is to raise £105,000 over 3 years to:

• Educate and train 45 girls per year, providing them with education and vocational training, including basic and advanced tailoring skills and a silver jewellery training workshop that can lead to gainful employment and enable them to return to society.
• Create a sustainable 30-bed facility which will act as a safe and secure halfway house, a home during transition and a stepping-stone for these girls. (more...)
  

SIGBI Benevolent Fund:

Eligibility

To receive help from the Benevolent Fund, an applicant must have been a member of a Soroptimist Club for at least 3 consecutive years.  Assistance is given in the form of grants, either as a one-off payment for a specific need, or as a regular quarterly grant to supplement the beneficiary’s income. The fund does not make loans.

To apply

Application Forms for financial assistance from the Benevolent Fund may be obtained from your Regional Representative, Clare Comerford (Clare.comerford1@gmail.com) or from the Benevolent Fund Secretary (sigbi.benevolentfund@yahoo.co.uk). All information is treated in absolute confidence.  The only person with whom the applicant will discuss her circumstances is her Regional Representative, who will help her complete the form and ensure that the reasons for the application is made clear.  The form is then sent to the Secretary of the Benevolent Fund.