Jill Burridge finds out from Stuart Falconer, one of those who established The OLLIE Foundation, why and how this local charity raises funds to enable professionals to go into schools and wherever else young people can be reached (eg sports clubs, youth clubs).  The Foundation seeks to raise awareness of why young people may consider taking their own life and to help teachers and youth workers understand more about the risks and how to approach them. (OLLIE is an acronym for ‘One Life Lost is Enough’.)

 

 

Sarah Wren, Chief Executive and founder of Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS), explains to Rob Pearman the commitment of her team to help local residents remain healthy, happy and independent in their own homes by providing a range of support including Meals on Wheels, but extending far beyond that core service.  At a time when more of us are living longer and most of us are keen to remain in our own homes for as long as possible, this sounds like good news.

Rosemary Hobday, a member of the West Herts team of the Hertfordshire Fostering Services, explains to Jill Burridge the ongoing need for foster parents, especially for young children and teenagers.  A foster parent with experience of fostering both a teenager and younger children provides a picture of what its like, how it works, what support is provided – and above all how rewarding the experience has been and remains for her and her family.

The Crescent will next year celebrate its 30th anniversary, having been founded on the first World Aids Day (1st December 1988).  This drop-in centre in St Albans provides a wide range of advice, information, services and support by and for those living with HIV as well as their families and friends.  It also provides HIV testing and guidance for those at risk.  All its services are confidential.  In this interview, the man who runs The Crescent (Iain Murtagh) tells Rob Pearman about its history (and the history of HIV/AIDS) and then describes the services offered by professionals and volunteers.  He also explains how The Crescent has managed to survive despite its loss of major funding by NHS and Hertfordshire County Council as a result of budget cut-backs.

The Evening Rehearsal Orchestra (ERO) brings together local amateur musicians who wish to maintain and develop their ability without having to commit to public performance.  In this interview, Roger Barnes tells Rob Pearman how the ERO was created, when and where it rehearses under the direction and guidance of its professional conductor Martin Georgiev, and the link it has established with a local Primary School.