Annual Report
Chairman’s Report
It is almost ten years since the launch of the Project and it is pleasing to say that we are still in business, despite a journey with its fair share of ups and downs, uncertainties and disappointments.
This is not, of course, surprising. After all, it appears to be the nature of life for many voluntary sector organisations these days. Despite these challenges, it does not appear to dampen the spirit and commitment of those engaged in the work of ensuring that business continues.
As usual, the staff have worked very hard over the past year and I want to thank them for their dedication and efforts. Our thanks also to those members and supporters who have contributed so much. Every little effort adds strength, which has made it possible for us to survive over the years.
In terms of achievements over the past year, I am almost tempted to say just to survive is itself an achievement, but that would perhaps be simplistic and would ignore the gains made in furthering the cause of widening public knowledge and awareness of sickle cell and thalassaemia. By this we feel it has gone some way to placing the issues on the agenda for professionals and decision-makers.
Yet, as we speak, there remains uncertainty regarding secured funding for our future. Many may be surprised to hear this, especially given that we have been successful in securing further funding from the National Lottery Charities Board. We need to emphasise that this is only part funding and for developmental work. For all its worth, our survival remains vulnerable as decisions have yet to be made about continued funding for core staff and activities.
It is somewhat ironic that at a time when Wolverhampton has been identified as an area with particular health needs, and has been designated funding to address inequalities within its services that hear we are, struggling for recognition and survival.
We remain optimistic and look forward to a better and more secured future, especially with the many supporters out there. Thanks again to everyone for their support over the year and past decade. I trust this will continue and look forward to a more successful decade ahead when services to the minority ethnic community will not be an option, but a right for all those concerned.
| 
