NESTA AGM – Wednesday 20^th May 2009

Acting Chairperson’s report

 Overview of the Year

After a very difficult year (2007-2008) NESTA has begun to organise courses once more!  Over the past year the following courses have been offered:

Social Stories	Carolyn Ellis	November 2008	Successful
Counselling skills	Kate Laws	January 2009	Cancelled
Parent Child Interaction	James Faraday & Imelda Woods	February 2009	Successful
PALS	Hayley Fawcett	March 2009	Postponed
Nuffield	Jill Bulmer	April 2009	Successful

 Reps

We have reps from most North East trusts and organisations.  Thank you to all NESTA reps for their hard work over the past year.  I realise that the demands on SLTs seem to be increasing so your continued involvement in NESTA is very much appreciated!  Welcome to any reps attending the AGM for the first time or returning after a break!

 Committee & Support

Thank you to Lynn Watson (Treasurer) and Fiona Menger (Vice Treasurer) for taking on these somewhat undesirable roles!!! 

 Particular thanks should also go to Gillian McCreesh who will be stepping down as secretary after several years!  A new secretary will hopefully be appointed at the AGM.

 Thank you also to Hayley Fawcett for standing in as rep while Nicola was on maternity leave and being an acting Vice-Chair.

 Marj has continued to be the cornerstone of NESTA, especially during this year which saw many reps take on new committee roles. 

 The website continues to be a vital source of information for NESTA reps and members – thank you to Rajan for his continued work.

 Looking forward

There are several courses planned for the year ahead and I hope we will be able to extend the number and range of courses organised.  Please continue to promote NESTA courses within your departments/organisations and encourage all SLTs to attend and suggest courses wherever possible.

 Kate Laws - Acting NESTA Chair