International Women’s Day 2021 event is a success

Our Women’s Staff Network hosted its first virtual International Women’s Day conference on Wednesday 10 March which was a great success, thanks to a range of interesting speakers, presentations and workshops. 

Trust Chairman Beatrice Fraenkel set the tone for a morning of great personal stories that also included accounts from Gemma Bodinetz, out-going Artistic Director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse;  Amanda Oates, Mersey Care’s Executive Director of Workforce; Karen Jobson, Chaplain in Secure and Specialist LD Division and Pauline Rowe the Trust’s Poet in Residence. 

Network member and Equality and Diversity Lead in Secure and Specialist Learing Disability Margaret Brown said: “They spoke with such candour which moved, entertained and inspired everyone; they held us all enthralled and the feedback has been tremendous.

“The afternoon followed with workshops on a range of topics that were designed to be informative, supportive and fun.  Our thanks to our colleagues in Staff Support, Health and Wellbeing, Psychology, Safeguarding, Local Solutions, Citizen’s Advice and ‘Laughtercise’ who all so generously gave of their time, talent and skills to support the day.

“Our thanks go to all those who took time to join us in ‘Women Supporting Women’ events across the Trust especially all those who worked so hard and so enthusiastically to create a day of celebration for our service users.”

Celebrations to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March were also held across at a number of inpatient settings – there was the ritual-raising of the International Women’s Day flag at both Whalley and Maghull sites, plus creative, art projects and afternoon teas on wards in Whalley, Rowan View and Liverpool.  These pictures were taken by staff of some of the celebratory creations on Eden Ward at Rowan View.

Throughout the week the Network has been encouraging staff to recognise female colleagues through the Mersey Care yourThankYou acknowledgement system on the staff intranet home page (bottom right hand side) via our intranet using the value ‘Support’ to show your support for women colleagues.