Services commissioned by the Children’s Fund Partnership will fall into one of five categories:

• Mentoring and counselling
• Family support and parenting
• Building self esteem and personal resilience
• Access to play and leisure facilities
• Information and advice.

During the autumn and winter 2001-2002, the various working groups developed their baseline data, targets, budgets, action plans, and service specifications.  The Programme delivery team was appointed, with most staff in post by the end of February 2002.  Children have been involved in each of the appointments and we will continue to include children in all aspects of the Programme - and to have some fun in doing so.

Offers have been made to Providers for the services:

• Identification
• Signposting
• Engagement with Children
• Evaluation.

Providers are currently being commissioned for a range of services within the Theme Group’s remit. Children will be involved in all these appointments.

During April and May, the area co-ordinators and theme project workers are to be recruited.  Their jobs will be to work directly with children and their families and relevant community groups, to develop relevant activities and services that children find helpful and enjoyable.