A number of people have asked about money and supporting us recently, so I thought I'd share some bits about finance...

Technically FMSupport is in debt right now - though as I've not yet claimed any expenses our accounts show a nil balance rather than a deficit :-)  It's been really ensouraging to have had so many people phone and email to share their story and ask for more information, and great that some people have offered to place posters  in their locality... but the costs of printing and postage are adding up!

We'll shortly be sending out membership forms.  Annual membership will be £10, and this will help to cover some of these costs and also any expenses that are incurred at future meetings (though there will probbaly be a nominal charge at meetings also), for example speaker's expenses, venue hire, refreshments.

We are wanting to get many more posters displayed throughout South Essex, and are considering having them properly printed.  Whilst we have some excellent, competitive quotes, we don't yet have the money to go ahead.  We'd also like to get some information leaflets produced... again, it all costs money.

Our website and phone services have been provided free of charge, and we also currently do not pay for any phone calls we make.  Steve and Helen give their time, experience and expertise for free, which helps keep costs down, and we do not have to pay for our insurance as it is covered by FMAUK.

The information packs cost about 50p each to put together and mail out.  At present we're getting 2-3 enquiries a week and sending out info as a result, though with the press campaign at present this will increase - we're sending out a dozen packs this weekend as a result of the radio interview.

The posters will cost about £100, and we've not got quotes yet for other materials we are trying to get produced.

If you want to make a donation to FMSupport you can send cheques to FMSupport, PO Box 1942, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0WU.  Alternatively you can make BACS payments directly to our account - number 01537570 - at LloydsTSB - sort-code 301834.