News

Lots to talk about in this month’s Newsletter!

We have (scroll or click on the link to jump to a topic):

• Black Box update

• The New Finance Video

• Update on DLA

• Events

  • EFCA AGM

  • Colchester Swimming

• Staying Put – is it a viable option?

• Raising funds for the EFCA

This is everyone’s News so let’s get started!

Do you know there is a Facebook group specifically for Essex Foster Carers? It is a closed and private group that you must be invited to join. It is a brilliant platform for asking questions and meeting like-minded people. If you wish to join, just send us an email with a name of another foster carer who can verify you to info@essexfca.org.

Remember we are here for you, if you need the EFCA for questions, queries, problems or just need a chat! Find us on the Facebook page or email info@essexfca.org

Your quadrant EFCA representatives are:

Sue Bell (North) suebell@essexfca.org
Amanda Stevens (South) treasurer@essexfca.org
Cheryl Cousins (Mid)  cherylcousins@essexfca.org
Lucy Tanner (West) lucy.tanner@essexfca.org

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Black Box Update

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Finance video

The meeting with Jenni Hoad – Finance Team Manager went very well and there were some very good questions from Foster Carers. This was recorded and is now available on the EFCA YouTube Channel. /finance-myth-busting/

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Update on DLA (Disability Living Allowance)

Disability Living Allowance has been causing much confusion amongst some Foster Carers. Some Carers are saying that they work very well with the CSW to get this for their children and some are not. As you know the minimum standards state that Foster Carers should be encouraged to apply for benefits. Amanda Stevens and Lucy Tanner are hoping to work with Essex to gain some guidance so that Foster Carers and Social Workers are clear on criteria that is required.

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Staying Put – is it a viable option?

When a young person reaches 17 conversations start about what will happen when they turn 18. Carers can be unsure of what to do next and how it will affect them, especially financially. Lisa Goodman – Lead Officer for Staying Put has made a Video to help answer some of your questions. This should be available shortly.

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Future Events

• AGM
• Colchester Swimming

Our Annual General Meeting

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Swimming Family Fun event - Organised independently by Sue Bell and friends, not EFCA

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Help us to help you - Fundraising - Karen Reynolds

Here are this month's fundraising activities

• Help us by using Gift Aid whenever you make a donation: GiftAid.pdf
• Giving Lottery :  https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/essex-foster-carers-association
• Adventure Island tickets : Email grantandgift@essexfca.org
• Father's Day raffle

Gift Aid

Have you or your partner made a donation (including Gofundme) to EFCA in the past four years?  If you have and you have paid tax, please complete the Gift Aid Form at the link GiftAid.pdf, as EFCA are able to boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donated.  Once you have completed the form, just return it to grantandgift@essexfca.org.

It's going to be pretty difficult to remember how much you donated in the past 4 years, so please estimate an amount.

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Giving Lottery

Join the Giving Lottery and support EFCA using this link: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/essex-foster-carers-association

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Adventure Island - Southend on Sea

To get your tickets please contact grantandgift@essexfca.org

To get your tickets please contact grantandgift@essexfca.org

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Father's Day Raffle

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