Dianne Watts - Embrace Child, Child Victims of Crime - ZOOM

Despite the ‘lock down’ Penrith Rotary Club continues to meet using Zoom on Monday nights. They have even inducted new members during the lock down. The Monday meetings now start earlier with members being allocated to a ‘break out’ room for an informal chat and gossip before the meeting proper starts at 7pm.

Being in lock down has enabled the club to invite speakers from across the country. Last week’s speaker, Diane Watts, is based near Leeds and is the North of England organiser for Embrace, a National Charity whose vision is to ‘be there’ for  children and teenagers who, through no fault of their own, are victims of crime. She explained how they work closely with the police and provide a metaphorical hug for those who are hurting.  Members heard how the society had been set up to support victims of the 1993 Warrington bombing and how the society works to support vulnerable youngsters who have often witnessed horrific crime and abuse, including murder. The society offers a wide variety of help including cash grants and tickets to theme parks to support these traumatised youngsters. 

Penrith Rotary Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month and new members are always welcome.