Celebrating 40 Years of Women's Health in South Tyneside - our big birthday bash
Updated: Aug 11
On June 11th, we gathered at Hedworth Hall to celebrate WHiST's first 40 years, to launch our Salus Heritage Project, and to look forward to the future.
A packed function room was treated to a host of moving personal stories from WHiST members and volunteers; postcards featuring significant South Tyneside women (including our own Angela Oxberry), a performance by the WHiST Choir and videos and soundscapes drawn from the beginnings of our project's historical research and oral history recordings.
What does WHiST mean to me?
(answers on a postcard ...)
Event attendees were asked to complete a postcard describing what WHiST meant and means to them. Here is a selection of the many responses:
A unique place I can turn to when I am most in need.
WHiST reminded me who I am. I joined at the end of an abusive relationship where I had forgotten who I was, WHiST gave me courage and friendship.
I have worked for the voluntary sector for years, providing women-centred services for women in the justice system, selling sex/sexual exploration and domestic abuse. All though this time WHiST has been the best of the best as a thinking womens' centre. Always welcoming, accessible, inclusive, non judgmental – AMAZING!!
WHiST for me was a breath of fresh air . I retired in 2023 and after over 40 years of employment I found myself at a loose end. A friend of mine was a member and she introduced me to it. Its so worthwhile and for somebody who lives on their own is a godsend.
I came to WHiST just before my father died. I truly believe that with the help of the WHiST choir I pulled through and through my singing I hope to bring joy to everyone who sees us.
WHiST has been a major part of my journey of ‘coming back to me’ The support during my period of illness being medically discharged from work and everything up to my actual diagnoses has been a comfort and a lifeline. The courses they provide in a safe women orientated environment have given me the tools to thrive not merely survive. Through counselling, coffee drop ins, volunteering, tai chi, drum workshops and my much love drama queens family “I am me” Thank you for being there, the friends I’ve made and the life I now have.
WHiST means a place where I can be myself. It’s welcoming and feels safe. I have learned to gain confidence in speaking to people and supporting them.
A safe haven – support, company, an opportunity to off load. Love, joy, happiness, home from home, acceptance, encouragement, I can be me!
WHiST 40 years strong. An organisation that has taken me from despair to being comfortable in my own skin. A place to belong and find myself surrounded by others who have been in my shoes.
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