Chairs Report 2008
2008 has proved to be yet another successful year for Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group. The membership stands at around the 115 mark, with many members making full use of the various services available within the group.
The centre tends to be a very busy place with the regular sessions being well attended. The weekly groups, The Monday Club and Drama, have now been joined with a weekly Youth Club, which, although in its infancy, stands to be yet another well attended activity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of the group for their hard work and commitment. They manage their roles with great versatility and adaptability ensuring the centre is a place where many needs are met.
The volunteers continue to be a huge support to the group, lending their time and each individual´s unique set of qualities that bring such vibrancy and enthusiasm. Sadly some our trustees have stepped down this year, Margaret Monk, Doreen Bridson and Laura Baker. I sincerely thank them for the time they have given and the dedication shown throughout their office. They have been fantastic people to work with and their expertise will be greatly missed.
Earlier in the year, the resource centre was badly damaged because of an accident. Miraculously no one was injured on what was normally a very busy night at the centre because, thankfully, the drama group were off site. During the extensive repair work that took place the centre remained open throughout and all services continued as normal. We even used that time to do some refurbishment in the centre.
At the end of 2008 we gained 50% of our core funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation. That, together with last years funding from the Sobell Foundation, enables us to enter 2009 on a healthy financial footing.
Many thanks to all members and friends of Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group for all your support and cooperation in making the year such a successful one. Hoping for a brilliant 2009
Loraine Potts
Chair of Trustees