It’s our birthday, I can’t really believe it but it was 12 months today that the FSI, as you know it, came into existence.  It’s been a rollercoaster of a year but we have come through, we have done some things really well and others not so well.  But at the end of it we are all really pleased with where we are, what we are offering and the impact we are making. 

Most importantly we are ‘over the moon’ with excitement and passion for the causes we are supporting plus its been great making lots of new friends – that’s you guys - whether just meeting you all at the Forum or hosting you at a training day.

Its amazing that after only one year we have also launched our first FSI Scholarship – watch this space for the lucky person who is chosen by the panel to take this up.

Particularly pleased that on our 1st Birthday we are launching our first coalition.  Through UNITY launch today 2nd April 2008 and from tiny acorns I hope to see a huge oak tree grow.  The coalition brings together families of those who have been murdered by gun, knife and gang crime in the UK and also many other organisations who have for some time been out there trying to raise awareness of this issue.  The Through UNITY coalition will strive to bring resolution to the issues that face our children and young people and impact hugely on our communities.

In a nutshell we have worked with over 120 organisations to improve their long term stability.  Trained over 60 delegates from more than 40 charities and we currently mentor 15 charities in close partnership to significantly improve their bottom line.

As we set out on year two I know things will change, they often do but we are a young organisation with huge ambition that is not frightened of change.  So wish us well for year two and I hope that whoever you are reading this you will, in some way, be able to take advantage of what the FSI has to offer.