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At a recent meeting, members brought in festive goodies, to be added to the foodbank’s bags in the run-up to Christmas.

South Sefton Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust’s nationwide network. Each foodbank gives three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred as being in crisis.

Soroptimist Chris Chua-Short, a volunteer at the foodbank, said “Our club supports the foodbank all year round. However, we always try to donate special items at this time of year. People who are going through tough times need to feel that someone cares, and this is one way we can help.”

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Firstly, Lele Seasman gave a lively account of her recent trip to Canada. A local Guide, Lele went through a long selection process. Finally she received the news that she had been chosen to join the UK group for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lele then spent many months fundraising – which is when SI Crosby members decided to offer some financial support.

This summer the British Guides stayed at a lakeside Girl Scout camp in Quebec province. In the action-packed week, daily challenges tested the girls’ stamina, teamwork and sense of adventure. From swimming in the lake to ziplining, Lele tackled everything, acquiring new skills along the way.

Following hectic camp life the Guides took in the sights of Toronto and Niagara Falls. Plus, they all enjoyed the novelty of shopping in a new country. All-in-all, the trip made lasting memories.

Lele’s enthusiasm for everything she encountered was obvious. The Crosby Soroptimists were therefore delighted to have played a part in enabling her to make the most of this amazing opportunity.

The evening’s second welcome was to new member Julie Shields, enrolled by President Jill.

As a former director of HR, Julie is hoping to put her years of experience to good use both with SI Crosby’s practical projects and in the local community. Julie’s mentor, Pam McKee, is on hand as she settles in.

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Susanne Rogers is a chemist at Unilever working extensively in the consumer goods industry. As an Ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), Sue aims to attract more girls into science-based careers. “The world needs scientists”, she said.

President Jill, and mentor Pat Murphy, were delighted to welcome Sue as Crosby Club’s newest Soroptimist.

Later President Jill took the opportunity to thank all members for their magnificent response to her plea for donations to Sefton Baby Baskets.

Members gave dozens of items of baby clothing, hand-crafted blankets and toys, all of which will go to new mothers facing tough times.

This local charity is a feature of the Club’s service work, and is being highlighted this year. The demands on the charity’s services are expanding as it becomes more well-known in the community and as economic pressures increase.

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Professor Balch works in the Department of Politics at the University of Liverpool. His research concerns politics and policy, with a focus on immigration, forced labour and human trafficking.

He has collaborated with the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool on the legacies of slavery and how they may affect modern society. Are we implicated today? Exploitation makes money!

Recently the professor’s team have been researching the concept known as ‘modern slavery’ by engaging with those who have lived experience of exploitation. Findings show, for example, that there is significant regional variance in the meaning and understanding of terms such as ‘modern slavery’ and ‘survivor’. Blanket – insensitive – use can alienate affected communities and negate well-intentioned policies.

He explained to the Soroptimists how his methods of collaboration and partnership work effectively. He feels this process is more successful than the UK Government’s current Modern Slavery strategy which, from his standpoint, doesn’t fit the needs of the countries involved. He is trying to engage with the Government in an attempt to persuade them to revise their approach.

On behalf of SI Crosby, Vesna Levi (Programme Action Officer) presented Professor Balch with a donation which he is passing to the national charity ‘Causeway’. This organisation supports marginalised and vulnerable people who are caught up in cycles of exploitation and crime.

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