News and Events
SFE News and Events October 2011
News: Information and Connection Service – Nears its target
When the Information and connection service was launched in February 2010 it was anticipated that some 350 clients might be recorded as taking advantage by March 2011. That did not happen probably through under recording – clients usually come before paperwork.
That said, SFE records show some 325 clients have now taken up the service and because of the demand and perceived value of the service the SFE is currently looking for funding to update the information packs and maintain the service. As previously intimated the issues raised during the delivery of the service make very interesting reading and illustrate the range of issues SFE wrestle with most in the course of their lives.
The pattern has certainly changed since the early months. At the launch of the service few anticipated that the problems faced when dealing with the Utility Companies would outstrip all others. Soon after recording began the SFE Information and Connection service records soon pointed to the significance of this issue well before it became such a talking point.
The issue now on the rise is housing. As the SFE operates on the frontline it has a good understanding of what is impacting on the most vulnerable in our society and what in due time will impact on those in the mainstream.
The table of issues the SFE has assisted its clients with now reads:
| New to area | 22 |
| Housing | 23 |
| Dealing with Utilities | 68 – The hot and very challenging issue. |
| Furnishing | 55 – The SFE now sources from FRNe |
| Health | 18 |
| Welfare and advocacy | 15 |
| Finance | 28 - Less than expected but grown recently |
| Personal safety | 13 |
| Property Security | 15 |
| Employment | 27 |
| Education & training | 31 - Clients do want to improve themselves. |
| Transport | 21- The SFE serves some rural clients |
| Family Relationships | 13 |
| Local social connections | 23 |
| Support for others | 13 |
| TOTAL | 385 |
NEWS: SFE Sales up on previous years:
Like so many Charities the SFE continues to face many challenges in securing the funding required to maintain, let alone develop, its services. The Charity therefore continues to do all it can to secure increased income from its services. Progress in this regard is illustrated below where you will note monthly income from deliveries continues to improve over previous years.
The income from furniture deliveries for the period January to October 2011 stands at £38,767 compared to £25,824 in October 2010. While it is a substantial increase we have remember that 2010 was a disappointing year as sales were down 10% on 2009.
News: Record numbers of clients receive support from the SFE
In tandem with securing a record level of sales the SFE has, in this calendar year to day (January to October), supplied a record number of clients in a year namely 546 some 10% above prediction with two months of the year still to go.
Staff and volunteers at the SFE therefore feel that, in these challenging times, the organisation is both very relevant and moving in the right direction in terms of its internal development.
Event: Come & Meet the SFE Stone 22 November
Gemma Hilton and volunteers will be available to meet and chat furniture recycling matters over with interested parties on Tuesday 22 November. If you want to find out more about the SFE come along to the van display.
Event: SFE One day Sale Guildhall Stafford Friday 25th November
Later that week Nick, Gemma and Gareth have planned a one day sale of quirky items kindly donated but not meeting the immediate needs of the SFE’s core clientele but likely to be of interest to a wider audience. If you are looking for that unusual Christmas present do come along and have a look at what is on offer.