It’s often difficult to find something new and exciting to say in our Annual Review about what we do here at Safe Start but this year is different because we have much to be pleased and excited about. The difficulties haven’t gone away and in a sense nothing has changed, we still can’t secure enough “move on” accommodation and have too many applicants for our vacancies etc. nevertheless, I’m not complaining because this year it was all brought into context when a difficult case whose rebellious slow progress was up for much debate at management level spontaneously told her story to the Mayor of Barnet during one of his visits.

She told of her hopelessness at arrival and of her elation at the prospects of moving that very week into her own flat with a secure job and a brighter future. This now confident young lady made me realise that even if we can’t save the world we can and do make a difference in most cases. I was pleased and humbled that we succeeded with her in particular and proud that our staff had patiently kept faith and worked through her difficulties until they won her over. My sincere thanks and appreciation to them for the hope they bring to so many lives in so many different ways – well done.

We acquired a new building in Alperton Wembley where we have plans for the expansion of our existing services and accommodation for young people as well as an Irish elders club. This is a very exciting project with much potential for the future – so watch out for further developments.

The Richmond Contract, which began earlier in the year, continues to do well and I’m pleased that we have plans to extend it to other boroughs shortly. It’s a further demonstration of our innovation and progressiveness. Well done.

We have plans for a record breaking golf day in Ireland 22nd June 2007 in aid of the elderly Irish in Britain. It is an exciting prospect which has huge potential and should prove a great success. Details available shortly, please support it in any way you can. This just leaves me to again express my sincere gratitude to Mahesh and all our Staff, they have been brilliant all year. Also, I am conscious that we have been fortunate down the years having Committee members and Trustees who give so much of their time to support the Foundation, my sincere thanks to them also.

Finally, a massive thank you to all our sponsors and supporters. Without such an active and enthusiastic bunch we simply could not exist - it really does make the difference.