Editorial Comment

10th Anniversary Celebrations

Many will not probably realise, but in 2005 we will have been on the go for nearly ten years. Issues 19 and 20 of the Newsletter are nearly upon us! How do you think we should mark and celebrate this momentous occasion? A special demonstration highlighting the plight of the severely affected – I could perhaps tie myself to the railings of the House of Commons and get arrested, that would be interesting!! Do you have any thoughts or suggestions, then please let me know. And NO, I do not mean suggesting “free subs for everyone for 2005” Ha ha!

Lottery Money Making A Difference

It also seems strange that the three years of Lottery funding has passed so quickly but, equally, it is sad to announce that it has. I feel it’s been a great success and a tremendous support to me and the Group.

I believe that many will agree with me that the introduction of paid workers (Linda Conner -Development Officer for the last three years and, latterly, Ann Blair -Admin worker) has been of wonderful benefit to the Group in many ways, but especially in providing support and information to the membership and raising awareness of our work to many other statutory and voluntary organisations. Hopefully, we should soon hear about future funding. Special thanks to both our staff members for all their hard and dedicated work from everyone in the 25% ME Group.

25% Group Monthly Mini-draw

Please continue to support your Group by ‘signing-up’ to this fund raising activity and you may actually win some money in return! Some have not signed up because they do not agree with the ‘gambling’ principle. If this is so, can I suggest that you still make a one off or make a monthly donation to the Group, as it will greatly help to support us? Thanks.

AGM

There has been a slight change in office bearer structure since the election of the committee. Ciaran Farrell has resigned his position as secretary of the management committee in order to stand for election as an MEA Trustee. Greg Crowhurst has now been elected to this post by the committee. I wish to thank all those who took part in this important process.

Subscriptions for 2005

Renewal is now due for 2005 for everyone (except if you have paid in advance). If you see a renewal slip attached to the front of your newsletter would you please complete it as soon as possible and send along with your subs to the office. Thanks.

Simon Lawrence, Co-ordinator

Progress Report

Lottery Bids

Oh no, not another feedback form, I hear you scream!!! Many grovelling apologies for the enclosed Evaluation Feedback Form, but this one is a very necessary evil, I’m afraid!

As explained within the covering letter (page 1 of the form) our bid for an advocacy project is now being considered by the Lottery Board Committee. We will find out at the end of November whether this bid has been successful or not.

3 Year Funding Package

If successful, this will mean a much more substantial three year funding package for the group with the addition of a dedicated advocacy service, 1 full-time position and one part-time position and new office premises for the group – Simon will at last have his house back!

Following a recent meeting with the Lottery, we have been advised that we may, in addition to the new project bid, also submit an application for continuation of the current project – again, if successful, this would lead to a further three years funding for the group.

We feel it is very worthwhile to submit both applications to the Lottery (hopefully doubling our chances of success and, if one bid fails, we still have the other to fall back on!)

The Lottery did advise us however, that a bid for continuation of an existing project would not be considered under any circumstances unless accompanied by a full project evaluation. Most of this process is simply a matter of drawing up a report based on a statistical analysis of the work carried out in the last three years; time consuming but easily achieved!

However, the Lottery also require part of the evaluation to be based on customer feedback in order to analyse the quality of the services provided. This is why we have drawn up the enclosed Members Evaluation Feedback Form.

Please take the time to read the form carefully and complete it as fully and as honestly as possible. If we receive enough honest and valuable feedback, we can provide the Lottery with a better idea of the differences this group has made, and continues to make, to the lives of severely affected sufferers. This should therefore enhance our chances of securing future funding. In addition, it will help us to analyse our shortcomings in a constructive way and hopefully improve our services for members.

Many thanks for your support with this. Hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a healthier New Year!

Linda Conner

Development Officer