Women musicians combine to help the homeless
MUSICIANS are teaming up to help homeless women across Halton by collecting essential supplies including sanitary products and toiletries.
The first Women Shall Overcome gig night will take place this Saturday, October 14, at The Studio on Lacey Street, organised by Laura Bevan and venue manager Louise Nulty.
Performing on the night are Little Jo Waldron, Catherine Hardman, Jenny Colquitt and Mondegreen, and punters can also enjoy a fashion show featuring original designs and produce from Maggie Moos and Frank & Biscuit, plus contributions from Liverpoolbased Moon Cup Theatre, crafts and art stalls, food and teapot cocktails.
Funds raised will be used to help homeless women and items are being sought to giveaway to those enduring tough times: tampons, sanitary pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, face and body wipes, first-hand socks and knickers.
Laura said: “We wanted to celebrate women and highlight the issues and needs of homeless women, I came across an amazing charity run by the women in one family who wanted to help homeless people – Hearts 4 Homeless.
“We are asking people to ● donate products that you would need to spend a night homeless and be able to stay clean and healthy. As a woman the thoughts of sleeping rough while having your period is horrific.”
Louise said: “I was so glad Laura came forward wanted to do a women-focused event.
“I had thought about it many times and have had all-female line-ups at gigs before.
“It is very easy as a woman to get your head down and just ignore the difficulties you might encounter and sometimes not even realise that you are being affected.
“Linking it to the We Shall Overcome movement seemed the best way to highlight that women do suffer due to casual sexism on a daily basis and it isn’t always meant or understood but nevertheless it will wear you down.
“Women need to support each other, not excluding men but acknowledging that we can stand up together and there is still more to be before we really see equality in this country, never mind the rest of the world.”