Our AGM took place at Brockenhurst Village Hall again this year on the 14th June.  The Annual Report and accounts were approved and elections to the committee were held.  We are delighted that Val and Angie were voted on to the committee as full members, having been co-opted last year.  Val has become our new secretary.  

After a short break for hot drinks, homemade cakes and conversations, we reconvened to hear our guest speaker, Jacki Keable.

Jacki is the chief executive of the New Forest Disability Information Service (NFDIS).  She gave us an illustrated talk about the work of her charity which is based in New Milton, but also holds outreach sessions in other parts of the New Forest area.  

NFDIS has volunteer advisers who can help with issues such as benefit claims, equipment advice, housing issues and many other problems affecting people with disabilities and their carers.

Jacki was particularly pleased that in 2010, for the first time, NFDIS helped clients to receive over half a million pounds in benefits, and over £3.5m during the last 10 years.

Her talk was followed by a very lively discussion on various topics.