What we're up to - weeks commencing 18th and 25th April...

With so many Bank Holidays coming up I've collated what we're up to for the next 2 weeks...

It a sad start to this weeks blog as it will be the last one that includes Kate as our fabulous London Regional Organiser - Kate leaves us next week and will be MUCH missed.  We all wish her well.  She is currently making sure she's got things ready to hand over to the new RO; we're currently in the process of recruiting for the role - do get in touch for more information of this and other vacancies if you're interested.

Clare, Tracey, Sheena & Susan have been exploring a new online initiative - exciting times in the world of community blogs!  Do keep an eye out for updates and to see how you can get more involved as one of our online volunteers.

Clare is also working on NHS fertility funding with meetings planned in London and with  a Commissioning Group.  Clare's also meeting with a MP to look at funding in his constiuency. 

Claire is on annual leave this week, she's picked a great week to enjoy the sunshine, as Claire returns Ali then goes off next week for 2 weeks annual leave.  We hope she has a great time too!

Sharon is this week meeting with MTL volunteers, we'd love ot have more information from regional members on the MTL site - and I N Uk & ACeBabes too, do get in touch if you'd like to get more involved.  Sharon is also working on grant applications and finalising a report on the Think Positive workshops. The next Stork support group is coming up too - do keep an eye on the NI forum for info and updates from Fiona & Sharon.

Sheena has been working on new funding streams and getting everything in place to welcome a new Business Development Manager when they come on board.  It really is an exciting time when new people join the team. 

Gwenda has been meeting with local volunteers, planning new support groups and active members getting more involved.  Do get int ouch with Gwenda if you'd like to know about regional support services.  We are happy to have regional chats if members are keen - for I N UK, MTL and/or ACeBabes.  All it takes is members to make it happen! Gwenda's also been helping the BBC  - taking part in a radio documentary and planning future mail outs.

Helene has been working on ACeBabes events and regional funding.  Do see the ACeBabes forums for information.  Helene is also promoting our support servides at a Women & Mental Health event and working on raising awareness of local I N UK & MTL groups too!

Diane will be on the PAL on line & on the phone on Wednesday this week and then back to normal from Wednesday 4th May, please do remember the Helpliners and Linkliners are here to offer telephone support when the PAL is closed. (PAL = Professional Advice Line for those who think I N UK is 'just' a website.  With those in mind, do you know about the magazine too? There really is a lot more than the website!

We all hope you have an eggstremely good Easter and happy flag waving for the 29th.  A quick reminder to sign off - infertility can feel incredibly isolating, especially when families & friends get together. Do be kind to you and check out the Coping Strategies factsheet for quick fixes and longer lasting ideas too 

Infertility services reduced as NHS cuts costs

Childless couples are being denied infertility treatment as NHS managers try to cut costs, according to GPs.

A survey of family doctors has found that 77 per cent said that their local Primary Care Trusts, which currently buy treatment, had restricted procedures such as IVF.

Women are supposed to be able to access three cycles of infertility treatment – costing more than £4,000 each - on the NHS but many areas have stopped providing it altogether.

The poll also found that four in 10 GPs (40 per cent) said eyesight services were being restricted while almost a third (30 per cent) said orthopaedic surgery, such as hip replacements, had been cut.

Some doctors (6 per cent) had even seen restrictions placed on cancer care while a tenth had seen waiting times lengthen for such services.

As a result, 39 per cent of GPs said more patients were starting to ask about going private while 31 per cent plan to make more private referrals. Even more would do so if more patients had medical insurance.

The poll of 500 GPs, carried out on behalf of the private hospital firm Spire Healthcare, provides the latest evidence that the NHS is rationing services in order to make savings of £20billion by 2015.

It comes after figures showed that patients are being denied drugs for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, as PCT managers put more expensive treatments on “red lists” that only hospital consultants can prescribe.

Leading surgeons have also warned that trusts are delaying operations or denying them completely in order to save money, leaving patients in pain.

The situation is likely to worsen as the NHS tries to make unprecedented efficiency savings, even though it has escaped the budget cuts affecting other public services.

However it could help the Government justify its controversial reforms to the health service, which are intended to help GPs get the treatment their patients need by handing them the power to commission services as scrapping the PCT middle managers.

Dr Paul Silverston, a GP in Newmarket, said: “It is apparent that we are seeing waiting times for surgery and other services starting to increase and the recent changes in the NHS can only accelerate this trend.”

Portcullis Public Affairs

What we're up to - week commencing 11th April...

It a mixed week this week - lots of us working on different projects, in different places, at different times with a common theme.  Making things easier, better, simpler or to give greater understanding to anyone experiencing or interested in finding out about infertility. 

Another full week then!

Clare is working with an infertility publications company, attending meetings to discuss regional funding for IVF, meeting fertility nurses and meeting with a local MP.  A very busy week, but one which will hopefully be very productive too.



Claire has been working on the next editions of the MTL Newsletter and the I N UK magazine.  We are collating member stories for a future ACeBabes newsletter too.  Please do send in your stories, members frequently share it reading 'real life' experiences that can be of real benefit.  Claire has also been promoting our current vacancies, we've got three posts recruiting at the moment, if you're interested do have a look and get in touch with Claire.

Sheena, our Business Development Manager is busy ensuring she's ready for when the additional BDM comes on board and exploring grant sources to apply for to enable us to recruit additional staff members to further enhance the services we can offer.  Sheena is also covering media enquiries whilst Susan is away.

Susan is enjoying the last week of her holiday - we hope she's having fun, though the thought of skiing in this beautiful sunshine seems a bit strange.

Gwenda is preparing for a radio interview being recorded this weekend, do see the Scottish forum for updates and to see when you can listen in.  Gwenda has also been working her local Council for Voluntary Services, continuing the Scottish Health Board project, working on regional funding issues and still had time to have a chat about assisting in moderating the forums and website with Tracey this morning.

Helene has been busy with the Nottingham Support Group, last nights meeting included a Life Coach as a guest speaker.   Helene is planning an ACeBabes get together at Easter, bumps, babies, big kids all welcome to attend with parents - ACeBabes is for all parents who have experienced infertility, regardless of how you came to be a family. Do keep an eye on the ACeBabes events page for info.  Helene's also finalising for a seminar next week and venue finding for a new support group. 

Kate is working to ensure her desk is cleared before she goes, she will be a much missed member of the team. But in amongst finishing things she is off to a meeting at the RCOG and writing a couple of pieces for future magazines.

Sharon is preparing a presentation to deliver to Fertility Nurses at a meeting with her local Fertility Nurse Advisors and the Fertility Counselling Service.  Ensuring professional understand how it feels for patients is a really important part of the work we do, aiming to make patient's journey's through treatment one in which they do feel understood and empathised with. Sharon is also preparing her 6monthly report to the Health & Social Care Board and liaising with Fiona on local support initiatives and groups.  Fiona will be attending the Omagh group this week, do get in touch if you want to know more!

Diane our PAL - Professional Advice Line is available online 24/7 with replies being sent during the 'open times' Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10-4pm. Members can call Diane during those time and also have access to our 24/7 telephone support LinkLine and our fabulous HelpLiners too.

Much more than a website...

The website is only a small part of the services we offer to members, if you've not joined yet do let us know why not!  We want to get it right for you.

We're recruiting...

Voluntary and paid jobs added - work from home or at the office in Bexhill on Sea. 

Deputy Chief Executive – Salary c. £23,000 per annum

A full-time post working 35 hours per week. The post can be based either at Head Office in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, or home based.
The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.

Working closely with our current Chief Executive, who is based in Liverpool, the job will involve the following:

 Working alongside, supporting and deputising for the Chief Executive, executing agreed delegated activities as required
 Leading on all aspects of organisational policy development and to ensure that all policies remain up-to-date and relevant
 Supporting the Chief Executive on issues such as change management, organisational structure and development
 Contributing to the strategic direction of the organisation
 Supporting the Chief Executive in the management of the charity finances
 Supporting the Chief Executive in the delivery of the objectives within the business plan
 Maintaining and developing robust partnership arrangements with external agencies
 Assisting the Chief Executive in the management of staff and resources

The successful applicant should:
 Have worked in the charitable sector
 Have a proven track record in a leadership role
 Have delivered information and/or internal/external communications programmes
 Have worked with and influenced a wide range of groups and individuals
 Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence and collaborate with others
 Demonstrable track record in a range of promotional and media activities
 Experience of leading a geographically dispersed team
 Financially astute, with a strong understanding of company accounts
 Have an understanding of infertility issues
 Be able to travel extensively
Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011
Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.

Business Development Manager – £10.20 per hour

A part-time post working 20 hours per week initially with a possibility of increasing hours dependent on funding and affordability.
The post can be based either at Head Office in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, or home based.

The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.

Working closely with our current Head of Business Development, who is based in Scotland, the job will involve the following:

 Work with the Head of Business Development to implement and update the fundraising strategy
 Research, identify and pursue all short and long term fundraising opportunities that match I N UK’s aims and activities and generate additional income outside of the current income model
 Research and identify potential corporate partnership scheme members
 Play an active role in the management of the charity particularly in the area of external relationships
 Research and identify potential grant-making organisations
 Support in the research and identification of potential advertisers, selling advertising opportunities on the charity’s websites as well as within the charity’s written publications

The successful applicant should:
 Have worked with and influenced a wide range of groups and individuals
 Have sales related experience, including cold calling and opening new opportunities
 Have a demonstrable track record in networking and building successful relationships with supporters and in identifying opportunities and closing them
 Have excellent written and verbal communication skills; organisational skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to influence and collaborate with others
 Have an understanding of infertility issues
 Be able to travel extensively – in particular around the London region
Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.
Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011

Regional Organiser for London and the South East – Salary c. £17,500 per annum

Infertility Network UK provides emotional and practical support to those facing difficulties in conceiving and campaigns on their behalf, and has the following vacancy:-

Regional Organiser for London and the South East

A full-time post working 35 hours per week. The post is home based within the region.  The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.
You will be required to:

 Promote I N UK, More To Life (MTL) and ACeBabes within the region
 Provide moral support and advice for existing I N U K support groups and their members and assist in setting up new support groups;
 Promote and co-ordinate fundraising initiatives within the region
 Organise regional events
 Co-ordinate activities within the region by liaising with individuals, local groups, relevant agencies, hospitals/clinics
 Work with the regional media
 Provide regional representation for the charity

The successful candidate will have excellent computer skills in Windows applications, including MS Office,  Powerpoint and use of Internet; proven ability in arranging meetings and travel; well organised with excellent decision-making and inter-personal skills as well as the ability to work unsupervised or within a team environment. He/she would be expected to be committed to high standards and using initiative with efficiency and discretion.

Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.

Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011

A 'pause' in the health reforms

Dear All,

Yesterday the Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley travelled to Frimley Park hospital in Surrey to try and rescue the Government’s health policy. In front of an invited audience of health professionals and hospital staff, and flanked by his two colleagues, the Prime Minister announced what he called a period of pause and reflection in the legislative progress of the Health & Social Care Bill, which many had feared was being driven through Parliament at breakneck speed. The pause in the process of health reform was signposted as a time for the Government to ‘listen’ to the views of doctors and patients by undertaking a series of public meetings around the country. However, the announcement had much more to do with political choreography between the Coalition partners in the face of widespread Lib Dem dissent, than a sudden desire for wider consultation. It was clear from the tone of the announcement that this ‘listening exercise’ is not going to lead to a change in the overall direction of the Bill.

In his speech yesterday, Cameron admitted that staying with the Health & Social Care Bill as it currently stands was not an option. However he outlined his support for the broad goals of the policy which would include giving more control to GPs and patients, reducing bureaucracy, and giving greater freedom to hospitals. Cameron was firm that the NHS needed to adapt to meet the burden of an ageing population and warned the public that in order to keep the NHS free at the point of use, it would have to be made more efficient.  He announced the creation of a panel of experts known as the NHS Future Forum, headed by former chairman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Steve Field. The Forum will take the lead on the exercise over the next two months. In addition, Chief Executive of Acevo, Sir Stephen Bubb will chair a panel on competition and choice. By bringing in ‘experts’, the Government is trying to temper speculation that the reforms are ideologically motivated and to protect themselves against any future controversy by being able to say that the plans were reviewed and amended by independent experts.

Some aspects for reform have already been earmarked by the Health Secretary, most notably opening the NHS up to private sector providers. In his speech, Lansley observed that the previous Labour Government had given preferential deals to private providers and that, unlike Labour, this Government would take steps to protect against so-called ‘cherry-picking’ by the private sector. The Prime Minister also indicated that the Government would take seriously suggestions to improve the accountability of GP consortia.

The main issue for the Government, as highlighted in previous updates, is that Andrew Lansley has failed to communicate his vision and has allowed the public debate to plunge into a panic at the perceived privatisation of the NHS.  Furthermore, the policy heaps a great deal of extra work on the shoulders of NHS staff and GPs in particular, at a time when they are trying to make cuts and continue to improve quality. The timeline for the reforms had clearly been drawn up on the basis of the next general election rather than on the timescale necessary for them to be properly implemented. As with all radical change, shrieking headlines were always going to dog the policy but it was the lack of any concerted effort on the part of Lansley to counter the arguments and be clear about the intentions of his policy that has led to this dramatic intervention. Lansley has repeated the mistake of previous Labour governments which failed to get buy-in to their policy from NHS staff, culminating in the need to bring in Lord Darzi to re-sell health reforms to the health service. It was as result of this that in 2008, there was speculation in the press that Labour was no longer the party to be trusted with the NHS.

Although there was no great detail, the policy was in the Conservative manifesto. The manifesto said ‘We will strengthen the power of GPs as patients’ expert guides through the system by giving them the power to hold patients’ budgets and commission care on their behalf... putting them in charge of commissioning local health services.’  It would have been highly irresponsible for David Cameron to have expended so much energy during the 2010 election campaign in trying to prove the Conservatives could be trusted with the NHS if he had not read the policy proposed by Lansley and fully endorsed it. The Grand Overseer of Government policy, Oliver Letwin, gave the reforms his backing in the autumn 2010 after their announcement produced a frenzy of protest in the media. Ultimately, this indicates that the Conservatives are happy with the policy and the Government will try and achieve the intended outcomes, one way or the other.

Cameron will happily tinker with the Bill to save face, while Lansley is wedded to his plan as it was originally conceived. However, having been forced to make an intervention Lansley will have to accept whatever revisions to the Bill Cameron deems politically expedient. The pause may save enough face for the Bill to be salvaged with a few reasonable amendments such as the extension of deadlines and the qualification of language.

A Government memo has been leaked to the Guardian outlining some red lines that will not be changed, essentially the broad principles outlined above such as establishing GP consortia and making all hospitals Foundation Trusts. However, it also suggests that the expansion of the role of Monitor and the abolition of Strategic Health Authorities will be delayed until July 2012.

It has been a difficult episode for Andrew Lansley, who was not supported by a single Cabinet Minister on the front bench when he gave his statement to the Commons on Monday. David Cameron has publicly stated his support for Lansley, but that was probably for the sake of presenting a united front and in reality, Lansley is now firmly out in the cold. Giving the Opposition ammunition to accuse the Conservatives of wrecking and privatising the NHS is an unforgivable offence for a Conservative team who had dedicated all their energy to making the Tories look caring.
Portcullis Public Affairs

Health & Social Care Bill - Summary of expected statement

It has been an extremely difficult week for Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and his proposed health reforms. First came reports that Prime Minister David Cameron was preparing to take personal control of the Health & Social Care Bill in order to limit the potential political damage to both the Coalition and Tory brands in the run up to local elections. Then came additional coverage speculating that Cameron was now listening to David Nicholson, not Lansley, over the direction of reforms.

This intense media speculation coupled with a cacophony of criticism from all manner of health groups and political commentators led to Lansley taking the unusual step of making a statement to the Commons on Monday afternoon in which he outlined his proposals to appease critics and defend his policy against not only those openly opposing the reforms but also his colleagues and the Prime Minister. Today the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Lansley are expected to make a joint statement outlining the initiation of a ‘listening exercise’. The exercise will collect the views of doctors and patients over the next two months. The aim of this unusual consultation, right in the middle of the progress of the Bill, is to regain some of the confidence they have lost among NHS staff and also repair any damage to the Coalition in the public’s eyes.

On Monday, Lansley’s statement began by outlining why the reforms were necessary for the modernisation of the NHS and that the progress made so far was “very encouraging” with nearly 90 percent of the country now covered by pathfinder commissioning groups. However, he went on to admit that the “speed of progress has brought with it some substantive concerns”. While arguing that some of these concerns were “misplaced or based on misrepresentation” he did recognise that “some of them were genuine.” As such, Lansley announced that the Government was taking the “opportunity of a natural break in the passage of the Bill to pause, listen and engage with all those who want the NHS to succeed, and subsequently to bring forward amendments to improve the plans further in the normal way.”

This is an astonishing turn of events considering Lansley’s single-mindedness since the reforms were announced in the autumn last year. He has ploughed on with the reforms outlined in his White Paper, despite the level of concerns voiced in the public arena.  It is therefore questionable to what extent the Health Secretary jumped in making his statement and how much he was pushed. Newspapers have been full of comment about what it means for the future of the Health Secretary and the reforms. The Guardian commented that not “a single voting member of the Cabinet lent their support to the Health Secretary by sitting alongside him on the frontbench yesterday”, the Telegraph meanwhile ran an article by Dr Sarah Wollaston MP, Member of the Health Select Committee and a Conservative MP, who suggested that the Health Bill would require “emergency surgery” if it was to regain the support of patient groups and organisations.

Wollaston’s comments came as the Health Select Committee struck another blow to the reforms. The publication of the Committee’s report into commissioning came at the worst moment for Lansley. It was heavy in its criticism of the proposed GP commissioning consortia instead suggesting that the remit of commissioning be widened to include a range of medical and political stakeholders.  It also called for amendments to the Bill to ensure greater levels of accountability for what it called “NHS Commissioning Authorities” (otherwise known as GP consortia plus). It has been speculated that this report could lead to the appointment of Committee Chair Stephen Dorrell MP if Lansley is forced to resign over the debacle. Dorrell was formerly a Health Secretary so he is more than qualified for the post.  However, speculation of the removal is looking premature with the Prime Minister widely expected to use today’s statement to emphasise his support for Lansley. To remain publicly committed to the reforms seems to be the Government’s only option to salvage some credibility out of the situation, a position Lansley clearly took when he first announced his plans in 2010.

In the joint statement today, the Government is expected to argue that change is necessary and to rule out any complete U-turn. Even now, Lansley is reportedly still keen not to sacrifice parts of his plan to political pressure. Chancellor George Osborne is also concerned that to go pick apart the reforms would be an admission that the Conservatives are a risk to the NHS – a reputation he strove hard to put to bed in the election campaign. Ministers at the Department of Health reportedly believe that the reforms are greatly misunderstood and therefore Cameron, Clegg and Lansley are going to try to present a united front, supporting minor tinkering as opposed to backtracking. Arguably the concerns of Ministers are correct, Lansley has never clearly articulated his vision to the public or the NHS and perhaps the communication skills of more senior colleagues will be enough to get the message across. However, having opened themselves up to an unprecedented consultation on the Bill, mid-legislative passage, the Government will have to make some changes in order to prove it is ‘listening’. Professor Chris Ham of the respected health think tank the King’s Fund has said that ‘the real choice is not between the status quo or change, but between the right reforms, executed well, or poorly planned reforms that could undermine NHS performance.’ The Government is expected to announce the creation of an ‘NHS Future Forum’ headed by a supporter of Lansley’s reforms, Professor Steve Field, former head of the Royal College of GPs. It will include a choice and competition panel chaired by Sir Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive of Acevo.

The Bill will and must progress if the Coalition is to continue to be seen as authoritative. David Cameron, who spent so long trying to detoxify the Tory brand, will go to great lengths to ensure this. The “natural break” indicated by Lansley is seen by some within Westminster to mean after the local and devolved elections in May, with the Coalition hoping that the reforms will be off the front page by then. As for Lansley, it seems unlikely that Cameron will shuffle him out of the Cabinet just yet. After all, getting rid of the Health Secretary would be tantamount to admitting that the reforms were wrong - something that the Prime Minister will want to avoid considering the difficult first year in power that he and his colleagues have faced.

Summary of expected statement

• Creation of an ‘NHS Future Forum’ headed by Professor Steve Field with a competition and choice panel headed by Sir Stephen Bubb
• Deadline of April 2013 for abolition of PCTs will not be an ‘absolute cut-off’
• NHS Commissioning Board to take control of local services where consortia are judged ‘not up to scratch’
• More accountability within GP consortia
• Measures to introduce ‘fair’ competition and prevent private firms cherry-picking the best services

Sam Blyth and Georgina Seagrave
Portcullis Public Affairs
St James House
13 Kensington Square
London W8 5HD

Information resources:
BBC news article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12962003The Times article: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2974476.ece

What we're up to this week....

This week has got off to a busy start, an exciting weekend saw two new fundraising events added to the website.  Brad is running the Paris Marathon and the gorgeous Orla is having donations to the charity that supported her parents through their infertility journey in lieu of presents.  We can offer all sorts of things on the website for our fabulous 'fun'draisers.  Do keep an eye on the fundraising forum and pages for info.



Clare has been on the phone a lot this week with four conference calls under her belt before heading off to London for the BFS/RCOG Meeting from Wednesday to Friday.  She is speaking on Thursday, giving a talk on Patient Support Groups, we hope she breaks a leg - not literally of course!

Sheena has been collating information ready to share with the new Business Development Manager, a part time position that can be home based - could it be you???  Do read about this and our other vacancies here

You'll see we have both paid and voluntary positions currently available. All employed vacancies cover all three parts of the charity; working with people experiencing infertility, involuntary childlessness and parenting following infertility. 

Click here for info on job vacancies



Gwenda has an admin week this week, it's been a busy time in Scotland with ongoing funding projects and working on fundraising applications as well as working with local members and groups.  Do get in touch if you're keen to attend a group, interested in setting one up or just to speak to your branch co-ordinator.

Kate was at the RCOG Meeting (wo)manning our stand on Monday, she had great feedback about the charity and thought she'd like to share...
 

"Our work was described by one person as "fantastic", a doctor from the Middle East was amazed by what we did and kept saying what a wonderful source of support we must be, two people said how useful our leaflets had been in their clinics and finally a consultant came up and announced that the work we do is "highly honourable"!" It's great getting feedback, both from patients and professionals.  Please do send in your comments, we're keen to get it right for you!  Suggestions for improvement are always appreciated as well as comments letting us know we're getting it right.

We are pleased to have Helene back at work, she's been in London today, (wo)manning the stand at the BFS/RCOG Meeting, it does provide a great opportunity for individual members of the team to meet clinic staff and raise awareness of the support services available in addition to the website.

Susan is having a fabulous time on her holiday, she's skiiing and I'm now regretting mentioning 'break a leg' earlier in the post - come back safe Susan :)

Sharon is having an ACeBabes focussed week; she's off to Belfast Hospital tomorrow, delivering a presentation to Midwives and then on Thursday is meeting with an adoption charity.  Fiona and Sharon are both also working with the regional MTL group and finalising the report on the Think Positive series of workshops delivered as part of the Infertility Network UK support services offered to regional patients.

The past week has seen IVF funding in the news  - do keep an eye on the the news feed for regular updates. 

Individual PCTs and Health Boards each have their own page on the Funding For Fertility Interactive Map.  This allows you to see what funding is available in your region and includes news items, contact information and access to funding criteria.  Do let us know if you're aware of any changes, we'd love to hear from you.

We are now in the final stages of working to make our online communities busier and more inclusive across all parts of the charity.  We're doing this by reviewing our premium membership services to ensure we remain much more than a website, able to offer exceptional levels of support to our members whilst making the forums free to access.  We hope this will encourage more of the people viewing posts to reply and become part of the charity. More details will follow once we have a time plan and an idea of when the changes will be implemented fully. 

Exciting times are ahead, with that in mind I've just remembered another new addition to the website, details for this years Moonlight Colouthon...

A real 'fun'draising opportunity for a great night out!

Find out more by clicking here

Hoping everyone has a positive week. 

Do get in touch - we're here to help!