1997
TOP |
January - Family Information Group founded.
Autumn - Secured Peace 2 funding from the Childhood Fund to initiate the project.
October - Group began to work full time in the community.
|
1998
TOP |
Development of the Group with contact made with key individuals and organisations in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
"You and Your Child" leaflet published, in partnership with Foyle Health and Social Services Trust. Introductory leaflet for parents seeking information/support.
May - Visit by three young disabled people from the Group, to New York Physically Challenged Games hosted by Physically Challenged Irish and American Youth Group. |
1999
TOP |
March - “Laying the Foundations” published.
“Laying the Foundations” Conference at Foyle Arts Centre, reviewing the early work of the Group.
Summer - Initiation of "Time Out Club" for disabled children/young people and their peers, in Foyle Arts Centre, until 2000.
November - “Time for You” workshops for parents, in Creggan Day Centre (10 weeks into 2000) in partnership with Mencap. |
2000
TOP |
April - “Time for You” continued until the end of April.
May - “Professionals Together” Conference at Creggan Day Centre.
Summary report of role of parents as experts/professionals.
June - Video of “Time Out Club” produced.
June - Launch of “Time Out Club” video at the Nerve Centre.
Summer - Family Launch in London, Cardiff, Belfast and Derry of Homes Fit For Children.
December - "Bridging the Gap" published on theme of "user involvement".
December - "More Than Just Time Out" published, highlighting the innovative two year club project which gave opportunities for young disabled people and their peers to enjoy a short break together. |
2001
TOP |
February - Homes Fit For Children Workshop, Derry with Frances Heywood at Foyle Disability Resource Centre.
May - Workshop exploring information issues.
June - “Adults/Children Behaving Badly" Workshop.
October - “Parents Stories” published in partnership with Contact a Family.
October - Conferences “Supporting Parents” in Stormont and in Derry to launch “Parents Stories” with Contact a Family
Autumn - "Time to Act" published, highlighting several key issues affecting families of disabled children.
December - “In the Telling” published, highlighting issues around diagnosis and disclosure.
December - “In the Telling” Conference launching publication. |
2002
TOP |
January - "The Handbook" published - first information handbook from the Group.
January - Reprint of "Parents Stories"
June - “Professionals Together” weekly workshops (three in total).
June- "From Issue to Politics" published, first book on housing campaign.
June - "From Issue to Politics" Conference, at Junction Derry with Frances Heywood and Parent (Homes Fit For Children).
October - “Beyond Words” published, highlighting issues affecting families of disabled children.
October - "Beyond Words" Conference in City Hotel, Derry with launch of publication. |
2003
TOP |
March - “Turning the Key” published, highlighting care co-ordination and keyworking of services to families.
March - “Turning the Key” Conference in the Junction, Derry, launching the publication.
December - "Where do the children live?" Conference, City Hotel, Derry with Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
4th December -Announcement at Conference of abolition of the means test in NI from February 2004. |
2004
TOP |
16th February - NI means test abolished.
May - Huddersfield, Cardiff & London hosted events, Homes Fit For Children, facilitated by Family Information Group as part of the housing campaign.
November - Information at Hand" published. A handbook for parents in Armagh, commissioned by SHSSB Wraparound Project. Produced, designed and compiled by parents from Parent Group in Armagh and surrounding area in partnership with Family Information Group.
November - "More Than a Handbook" published with support from DHSSPS. Group's second handbook.
December - "More Than Just Time Out" Conference in Foyle Hospice on theme of short breaks. "More Than a Handbook"
launched at this conference. |
2005
TOP |
March - "The Impossible Took a Little Longer" published on NI aspect of housing campaign - second book on campaign.
30th September -Abolition of means test in Wales.
December - Abolition of means test in England.
December 2005 - Attendance at conference and leaflet launch of "Caring for Carers" at Saint Eithne's School, Hazelbank, organised by Families Caring Together, assisted by Family Information Group and others, including WHSSB Health Promotion. |
2006
TOP |
3rd March - "Words are not Enough" Conference in Saint Mary's Community Centre, Derry, on theme of partnership.
"Making the Impossible Possible" (history of housing campaign) published and launched at the conference the third book on the housing campaign.
March - "Finding a Way Through" published in partnership with Western Health and Social Services Board - information handbook for parents and those who work with families in Foyle and Sperrin Lakeland Trusts.
April - Initial development of "Finding a Way Through" project aimed at making information more accessible for parents, through an information sign-posting service. |
2007
TOP |
March - Launch of Derry City Council sponsored website.
Development of Finding a Way Through Project (if funded). |
