Express & Star

Cannock Soroptimists support specialist maternity unit at New Cross Hospital

Cannock Soroptimists recently collected items of clothing for women in need at New Cross Hospital Maternity Unit. The club set up the campaign which was advertised on social media, in the press and of course by word of mouth from all club members. Some members of the club had donation boxes outside their homes whilst other members were happy to collect donations if needed.

By contributor Trish Mellor
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They were simply overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of local people who not only donated nearly new items which had been requested but also many brand new items as well as cash donations.

Tracey Stokes, the Club’s Programme Action Officer, has been liaising with Rebecca Emery who is part of the specialist midwifery team.

Tracey Stokes with staff of the Specialist Midwifery Team: Rebecca Emery, Zoe Smith and Philippa Abbis.
Tracey Stokes with staff of the Specialist Midwifery Team: Rebecca Emery, Zoe Smith and Philippa Abbis.

Rebecca said: "The specialist midwifery team support women with complex social needs. The women are referred to the team for a variety of reasons including substance and alcohol misuse, a history of learning difficulties, mental health complexities, previous experience of the care system, or any other factors that could make it difficult for them to safely care for their baby. The team provides enhanced care for the duration of the women's pregnancy and the postnatal period to ensure a positive outcome for mum and baby."

Some of the filled comfort bags made by Cannock Soroptimists for the new Mums in the Specialist Maternity Unit at New Cross
Some of the filled comfort bags made by Cannock Soroptimists for the new Mums in the Specialist Maternity Unit at New Cross

The team was immensely grateful for the clothes and for the items purchased with the monetary donations: breast pads, maternity sanitary ware, changing mats, cold water steriilsing units, sterilising solution and wet wipes.

Cannock Soroptimists will continue their support of this unit. Anyone wishing to donate new or nearly new women's clothes, such as T-shirts, leggings, nightwear, underwear (new) in sizes 8–14, newborn baby clothes or baby equipment: it will be gratefully received! Please contact us at si_cannock_donations@hotmail.com

If you would like to find out more about how Soroptimists support women and girls, please visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/SICannockor their website: sigbi.org/cannock-and-district

Soroptimists Lynne Tuckley, Jill Mason, Elena Bratu with some of the donated items
Soroptimists Lynne Tuckley, Jill Mason, Elena Bratu with some of the donated items
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