Over the last few years Rett UK has invested heavily in developing the communication and education project helping people with Rett syndrome of all ages find a meaningful way to communicate. I am sure many of you have seen the wonderful stories that have been shared not just on Facebook but in the media about the difference this is making to many families. We are continuing to develop the project to ensure it stays fresh and moves people on with their communication which is why we have made some changes in 2020/21 to the training programme. We are moving from the 2 day ‘Getting Started’ training events to a round of 4 hour workshops delivered by our Regional Communication Champions in 6 regions around the UK, plus two larger events one a literacy camp in Scotland and the other a conference in Northampton. We will also have the local ‘Out and About Groups’ running too.  Clearly those face to face meetings are on hold for the time being but they will go ahead as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime please look out for the resources including webinars and videos we are creating to fill the void and keep your communication skills developing.

 We also have some changes in the project team this year (not as a result of the current situation with Coronavirus). From 1st April, Callie Ward will be working with us on a consultancy basis so she has time to develop her teaching and 1:1 work which she really enjoys. We are very grateful to Callie for all her hard work over the last few years in helping us develop the project alongside Gill and Abigail and we wish her the very best in this new development for her.

 We are delighted that Abigail Davison Hoult will be stepping up into the role of Communication and Support Coordinator on a part time basis, working from home, initially for 10 hours a week during March and then up to 16 hours a week from 1^st April. Abigail will be working closely with Gill and the office team coordinating the workshops, the out and about groups and the two larger events. We are also delighted that Tracey Campbell (in Scotland) will be providing some additional support to the project.

 Callie’s focus with us going forward will be on preparing for the Scotland Literacy Camp (new date to be confirmed) which she will be delivering. She will also continue to support in the Herts, Beds and Bucks Regional Group  when we can pick up the face to face work there too. Alongside all of this we will shortly be working on plans for the next couple of years of the communication and education project. It is very much hoped that Callie will continue to work with us on a consultancy basis and/or special projects.

 Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to helping as many families as we can unlock the communication potential of their daughter/son in 2020/21.

 Becky Jenner, CEO, Rett UK