2002 will see two "Connections" conferences. These will be low-cost opportunities for families and professionals to get together and share knowledge.

The first was due for January in Essex with a second for Scotland in the Autumn.

If successful these will be followed by further Connections conferences in the West Country and Ireland.

We will also be reviewing the results of the research project to look at ways we can improve our service levels while recognising that with such a small constituent membership, we are unlikely to move beyond the reliance we currently have on volunteers.

On behalf of the membership, I would like to express my thanks to the Trustees for their valuable support – all as volunteers – over the past year.

– Alan Peaford,
Chairman, December 2001