Lunch time ZOOM meeting - Natalie Thomson from Fife Women's Aid

One Rotarian apologised for non-attendance.

Our speaker this week was Natalie Thomson from Fife Women’s Aid which is a charitable company with their registered office at the old tax office, Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes. Fife Women’s Aid (FWA) is a free and confidential service which offers support, information and refuge to women and children who actively seek to eliminate discrimination, harassment or victimisation from domestic abuse perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner. Natalie is part of the children’s section. The organisation which was previously individual groups in Dunfermline and East Fife merged with Glenrothes to form one group in 2014 which is now the governing body for Fife. They provide the following services in Fife: One to one support Outreach work - work with women who come to FWA for support, who may remain in their own home, or have not been admitted to refuge Follow on work - this service enables women, children and young people to receive support once they have been re-housed into their new community Training, development and awareness raising - FWA strive to raise awareness, locally and nationally, on the effects of domestic abuse on women, children and young people, including talks to community groups. The organisation also promotes personal development of its members and service users Refuge accommodation Individual support, and group support. Confidential counselling service Independent advocacy service Court support for women Confidential support for women and children - they listen to you and support you in the choices you make information about your rights, legal issues, housing and benefits, and liaising with other agencies on your behalf Safe temporary refuge accommodation, they have refuges throughout Fife an offer a 24-hour emergency helpline Our Christmas appeal contributed over 20 bags of Toiletries, Selection boxes, Clothing and Toys to support their Christmas appeal. Going forward they are looking to support families in refuge with Reuters and laptops to help with home schooling.

The Rotary vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Wilna Roger.

Secretary Anne Sampson mentioned the forthcoming Burns Supper being held on ZOOM by Burntisland and Kinghorn and the Race night being organised by Cowdenbeath Rotary Clubs

Into the New Year Iain Oates will be lead Rotarian in pushing the Old Tools project and Wilna Roger lead Rotarian in pushing the Books abroad project.

This coming week Thursday 14th January 2021 at 1pm on ZOOM. We will be given a talk by Ian Gilchrist on A Lot of Hot Air (Hot air ballooning)

The Rotary vote of thanks will be given by Jim Boyd.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome[GS1] .