Breakfast Meeting - Women's Refuge

Sharon is married and lives in Pencoed, initially opening the Café Petti before moving on to bigger and better restaurants. Sharon was an excellent sprint athlete holds many records on Cardiff athletic grounds. After retiring from athletics Sharon become a Management Consultant which she continues to do.

Sharon gave an excellent talk on what the Soroptimists do to support women who are transitioning from a refuge back into the community, integrating back into society and moving on in their lives. The average time spent in a refuge is between 6 and 8 weeks, but during the pandemic has somethimes been up to 12 months.

After suffering phyical and mental abuse manyof these women may have low confidence levels, lack effective communication skills and need help to enable them to live their lives independently. Such help may include parenting, financial management and basic reading and writing skills. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to.

The Soroptimists have also helped financially, raising funds for activities and items such as family trips out, tolietries and selection boxes for children at Christmas. Furnishings in the housing being provided can often be perceived as "second best" so again help is availble for this and to ensure adequate security.

Support is also provided for planning, helping women fill their days, as well as building confidence and trust in relationships. Often this includes writing down how something could be done differently next time. All of this support ensures those needing help are able to develop the life skills needed to integrate themselves back into society, have a sense of self achievement and establish the support network we all need.