| Time for a change |
|
Unfortunately FFLAG has not been able to secure further funding and as a result we have had to take some hard decisions and make some changes to the services that we provide. Over the last few years we have noticed a decrease in the number of calls we receive from parents, families and LGB people. More people are accessing information via the internet as the world has moved on since FFLAG was formed 15 years ago and we must adapt to these changes. FFLAG is not closing and we will continue to operate a national helpline. The helpline will be covered on a rota basis by a group of FFLAG volunteers, this will give availability the majority of the time as we are keen to avoid the limited opening hours that some other helplines offer. Our website will remain a valuable resource for those seeking information and support. We will look to develop the site to make it more interactive, providing support through forums and email contact as well as increasing the number of downloadable resources. The local parents groups and helplines will remain, but as independent bodies, and will continue to provide support to families and friends in their local area. Unfortunately we cannot continue to fund their 0845 numbers and these will be phased out over the next few months. The email address of This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it will remain active and emails will be dealt with by the Trustees and other volunteers. We will continue to provide copies of our booklets until existing stocks run out. We hope to attract sponsorship to allow further print runs but we will move towards using electronic versions where possible. We hope to continue to produce FFLAG News although it may become less frequent than at present. We have no choice but to close the office and lose our Executive Director. This means that from Thursday 24th January 2008 the office will be closed and all enquiries should be directed to the central helpline. The Board of Trustees will take over the day to day running of FFLAG and the tasks previously carried out be the Executive Director will be shared among us. The Board will continue to meet regularly to take FFLAG forward. Although these changes are disappointing they are the only way in which FFLAG can survive in the present funding climate where LGB issues are not seen as a priority by funders. We hope that you will continue to support FFLAG as there is still a need for our services. |