Ashiana was pleased to attend the 98th Charter Luncheon hosted by Soroptimist International Sheffield on Saturday, 14 March at Tapton Hall. The event brought together community leaders, partners, and advocates committed to supporting women and girls across Sheffield.
The luncheon marked an important milestone for the organisation and welcomed a wide range of guests from across the city’s civic and voluntary sectors. The formal proceedings were led by Mrs. Daphne Cawthorne alongside Professor Keith Jackson, with speeches reflecting on community work, leadership, and the value of collective action.
Among the distinguished attendees was Safiyah Saeed, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, who delivered a speech highlighting the importance of community engagement and supporting local initiatives. Other speakers included Giselle Rodrigo, a former senior leader within the Cutlers’ Company, and Jackie Short, Honorary Member of Soroptimist International Sheffield. Their contributions reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening communities and supporting vulnerable individuals.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with members of the Soroptimist network and other local stakeholders. During discussions, Ashiana Sheffield shared an overview of its services and highlighted some of the challenges currently faced, particularly in relation to funding limitations and the impact this can have on maintaining open referral pathways and delivering services effectively. These conversations encouraged a positive exchange of ideas around collaboration and strengthening support for those in need.
Ashiana Sheffield and other invited guests were formally recognised during a toast by the President, reflecting the importance of partnership working across organisations.
Following the luncheon, an invitation was extended to attend a future Soroptimist meeting, providing a further opportunity to build relationships and explore potential collaboration.
Overall, the event was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Ashiana’s work, strengthen connections with civic leaders and community organisations, and continue building meaningful partnerships across the local area.
