The year has been one of expansion and restructuring our service to meet the current identified needs of our clients. I am pleased to report the following:

A successful new Day Centre in the middle of a lovely park situated within London Borough of Brent. The project focuses on the Irish Community, including for the first time, Senior Citizens.

A dedicated Development Manager to focus our core activities to provide a culturally sensitive and appropriate service provision to our clients needs.

A new Outreach Support Scheme for Young Care Leavers in Barnet living inthe community.

An expansion of our Residential Support Scheme for People in Care in London Borough of Richmond, now with a contract value of £512,000

A new pilot project with Jane Thorne Residential Estate Agents which will target landlords with a view to persuade them to offer accommodation to our single young people when they are ready to move on from the Safe Start Foyer.

Our Foyer in Cricklewood continues to excel itself in its work with some of the most isolated, often distressed and sometimes challenging people.

Although sadly, there is still not enough affordable housing available, more people were successfully moved on to longer term accommodation than ever before, thanks to the sterling work of our whole staff team and stronger campaigning with the Local Authority and Housing Associations on behalf of our clients.

I am pleased to welcome 4 new staff members – Tony Sargeant, Kelly McQueen, Fiona McGeever and Jean Carroll - All of whom I am sure, will enhance and improve our caring support service to the disadvantaged members of our community.

My thanks as usual goes out to our funders and partners, both in the business and the statutory sectors, and to individuals who attend our fundraising events such as our Gala Ball and Golf Days.

Safe Start is a team effort and I thank you all for being part of our team.