As the result of a donation FFLAG has been able to introduce 0845 numbers for each of its helplines.

This means that anyone calling a FFLAG helpline, from anywhere in the UK, will only pay for the cost of a local call. Previously anyone further than 35 miles from a FFLAG helpline was paying for a national call and as calls to FFLAG can often last over an hour and sometimes three!! this proved expensive.

It is hoped that the introduction of 0845 numbers will mean that more families are able to contact FFLAG for support without worrying about the cost. It also means that the FFLAG volunteers can call each other to share information and experiences.

The 0845 system will allow the FFLAG helpline volunteers to distinguish between a FFLAG call and a personal call and handle the call appropriately.

The administration office also has an 0845 number so that volunteers and trustees can communicate with a central point of contact at a reduced cost.

The 0845 numbers also come with internet based software that keeps a record of all the calls received (although not the number calling to maintain confidentiality). This means that FFLAG will have accurate details of all the calls received (and missed calls) and will be able to allocate resources to deal with these enquiries.

The list of new numbers can be found on page 11, but for those that prefer to use the old numbers these will still continue to work as before.

We are very grateful to the couple whose generous donation means that the cost of all the 0845 numbers is funded for a year.

At the same time as the introduction of the 0845 numbers we are also pleased to announce the launch of two new helplines. One based in Cornwall to cover the South West peninsular (see article on page 3) and a helpline for the ex-pat community in Spain.

The Spanish helpline is based in Lanzarote but because of the way the Spanish telephone system works calls to the helpline from mainland Spain or any one of the Spanish islands will be free.

The helpline will be run by Cherry & Peter who previously ran a FFLAG helpline in Suffolk before emigrating.

All the new numbers can be found in the new FFLAG information leaflet.