In the last newsletter we told you that if you introduce a possible carer to HFBU, and that person is successfully linked, you will receive £50 in vouchers of your choice. The results have been astounding! We owe you all a big THANK YOU! for your efforts. We have many FSVs and a few possible carers that will soon be ready to support you and your family!

Deborah is our new (p/t) Office Manager! She has 9 years experiences of working with children and adults with special needs. She worked at Federation of Artistic and Creative Therapy (FACT) for 9 years as a volunteer, Multi-Sensory Facilitator and Project Manager. She holds an honours degree in Sociology and has completed a project management course.

Elizabeth is our new Family Placement Social Worker. She has experience working with children with and without disabilities, families in crisis, grieving children, young mothers and unaccompanied minors. She holds a Bachelors degree in social work and a Masters degree in international social work and refugee studies.

Goodbye and Good Luck to Mary and Carol!

Don't miss out! The Mousetrap Foundation has set up a programme for families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go to the theatre. From 24 July to 28 August your family can get top seats at many of London's musicals, plays or productions for children - for just £5 a ticket!

By now you should have received the application from us but if you didn't receive one or simply mislaid it, let us know and we'll send out another. The deadline is 21 July, so you must act fast!

The childcare review forms must be completed every six months! We will send them to you with a prepaid envelope before they are due, but we really need your help to get them back on time!

The Government has launched a review of services provided for children and young people with disabilities and their families. They will be looking into the following areas:

1. Which services have the biggest impact on life outcomes for disabled children?
2. Which services could be better integrated to improve outcomes for disabled children?
3. What factors act as a barrier to families and children gaining access to quality services?
4. What are the key future challenges in delivering effective services for disabled children and their families?

We've Passed!

We have just come to the end of our annual inspection with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Bernard was our inspector this year and he met with a few of our carers to ensure that we provide the support necessary and that our services are adequate. Thank you to those of you who met with Bernard - we appreciate your support!

Bernard offered us praise on the services we provide, and also offered advice on areas he thinks we might improve. We'll continue to work hard and keep our standards high, but we also appreciate (and need!) your feedback - so keep it coming!

It's confirmed! We've received the funding we need to start a Saturday Family Club, and the whole idea came from you! On one Saturday per month we'll provide the opportunity for entire families to come and enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Children and young people (including siblings) can play and mingle with each other, with the guidance of sessional play workers and volunteers. Parents have the opportunity to meet with other parents and discuss their own trials and tribulations - or they can join the play!