Soroptimist International Canterbury

23/08/2026

Our sisters Dawn and Carol glowed in the early morning sunshine at the Macknade Boot Fair, raising money for the club.

A lovely example of sisterhood in action, giving their time and energy to support the work we do. Thank you, Dawn and Carol, for your commitment and for flying the flag for our club.

19/08/2026

30 YEARS IN POLICING

Jennifer McLelland has proudly built an extensive career as a senior public sector leader specialising in safeguarding, vulnerability and partnership working.

Throughout her service, she has led cultural change across policing teams while working closely with Local Authorities, Community Safety Partnerships and Local Resilience Forums to deliver long-term solutions that protect vulnerable communities.

Further information about the conference is on the conference website: sigbi.org/cardiff2026.

19/08/2026

HOW IMPORTANT IS READING TO YOU?

Refuge In Literacy UK began when children’s author Anne Stairmand donated signed copies of her books to a local domestic violence refuge at Christmas 2020.

The response from families was immediate and heartfelt. Many shared how much it meant to receive something personal and thoughtful during a time of intense uncertainty. Anne wondered whether families in refuges across the United Kingdom might feel the same and from this, the non-profit organisation was formed. Come and hear Anne’s story.

Further information about the conference is on the conference website: sigbi.org/cardiff2026.

25/07/2026

🌿 We’re at the Canterbury City Show! 🌿

If you’re visiting the Canterbury City Show today, we’d love to meet you!

Come and say hello to the Canterbury Soroptimists and find out more about how we’re working to improve the lives of women and girls, both locally and around the world. Whether you’re curious about volunteering, looking to connect with your community, or simply want a friendly chat, you’ll be made very welcome.

The City Show is packed with entertainment, family activities, community groups, local traders, food and drink, and live performances, making it a fantastic weekend out for all ages.

📍 Westgate Gardens & Westgate Square
🗓 Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 July
⏰ 10am–5pm

If you’re there, do pop by and say hello – we’d love to see you!

25/07/2026

🌿 We’re at the Canterbury City Show! 🌿

If you’re visiting the Canterbury City Show today we’d love to meet you!

Come and say hello to the Canterbury Soroptimists and find out more about how we’re working to improve the lives of women and girls, both locally and around the world. Whether you’re curious about volunteering, looking to connect with your community, or simply want a friendly chat, you’ll be made very welcome.

The City Show is packed with entertainment, family activities, community groups, local traders, food and drink, and live performances, making it a fantastic weekend out for all ages.

📍 Westgate Gardens & Westgate Square
🗓 Saturday 25 & Sunday 26
⏰ 10am–5pm

If you’re there, do pop by and say hello – we’d love to see you!

16/07/2026

If you're visiting Canterbury, be sure to stop by The Beaney Museum and Art Gallery to see this portrait of Keji by the incredibly talented Oliver Enwonwu FRSA.

Oliver generously gifted the portrait to The Beaney, where it is currently on display as part of the Be Connected exhibition.

The portrait can be viewed in the Canterbury: Our Community exhibition before becoming part of The Beaney's permanent People and Places gallery when the exhibition closes in early September.

16/07/2026

Soroptimist Canterbury will be taking part in the Canterbury City Show!

Join us at Westgate Gardens and Westgate Square on Saturday 25 and Sunday July for a weekend of music, arts, food and community.

Come and visit our stand to meet the team, learn more about our work.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Canterbury City Show

24/06/2026

24 June | International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Women’s leadership is essential to peace, progress and lasting change.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy reminds us that decisions about peace, security, human rights and development must include women’s voices at every level.
Across the world, women continue to lead in diplomacy, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, advocacy and international cooperation. Yet too often, they remain underrepresented in the rooms where decisions are made.

As Soroptimists, we know that representation matters. When women are included, different priorities are heard. Communities are better understood. Solutions are stronger, fairer and more sustainable.

Through our advocacy at local, national and UN level, Soroptimists continue to stand up for women’s leadership, internationalism, human rights and equal participation in shaping the future.

22/06/2026

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention – for women and for men.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Almost everyone will get it at some point in their life. For most, it clears naturally. For some, it leads to cancer.

We already know the HPV vaccine works – Scotland hasn’t recorded a single case of cervical cancer in vaccinated women since 2008. Now, we must make sure boys are equally protected.

Soroptimists are calling for increased awareness, stronger public health messaging, and urgent uptake of HPV vaccinations for men and boys.

Find out more https://sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-work/health/cervicalcancer.

19/04/2026