In a new innovation Norwood has for the first time published its Annual Review in Plain English only. This award winning format makes sure that what Norwood does is more accessible to everyone, including people who use Norwood’s services.
The Review has been awarded the Clear English Standard, passing a rigorous check for clarity, grammar and layout by experts in the field. It is illustrated with symbols to increase accessibility and has received praise from The Plain Language Commission. This year, Norwood is also proud to have been awarded ‘Positive about Disability’ recognition from the Government.
Norma Brier, Norwood’s Chief Executive said, ‘It is an exciting innovation for us to be producing our Annual Review in Plain English only this year so that we can be more accessible to those who use our services. We believe it is a first for a major charity to take this route and we are very proud that Norwood is breaking the ground in this way. Norwood is evolving and developing our services for the future. Our Plain English Annual Review is a clear sign of our commitment to putting the needs of the people who use our services, at the core of what we do.
Last year, Norwood spent more than £35m providing its vital services to the community. The total income was over £39m, of which £23m came from local authorities and health authorities. Through the generosity of our donors, voluntary income from companies, individuals, trusts and foundations exceeded £10m for the first time. Supporters responded positively to a range of community and corporate events, sporting challenges and patronage initiatives. Over 90% of what Norwood spent went on providing services to the people who rely on the charity’s support.
Norwood also raised nearly £4m from capital appeals and selling assets no longer required. These funds will go towards the construction of buildings to be used for forthcoming new services and to help ensure continuity of services in the face of the difficult economic climate.
Philip Bunt, Norwood’s Director of Corporate Services said, “Despite the deteriorating economic environment, in the past year with prudent management, we have continued to expand our services to reach more children and adults with learning disabilities and social disadvantage from the Jewish Community, and beyond. As the economic climate becomes ever more challenging we will continue to use every opportunity to save costs.”
Last year, Norwood’s services expanded to provide more support than ever before to thousands of children, adults and families. Cherie Blair, Norwood’s Patron of Children’s Services opened the new Wellbeing at Bearsted while the new integrated Norwood Nursery for children aged 2-5 years old, opened at The Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre and Pears Wing in Hendon.
In the year ahead, Norwood looks forward to receiving the Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, who will visit Ravenswood for the first time on December 11th 2008. The Queen will meet children and adults with learning disabilities and staff from Norwood’s services in Berkshire and London. She will also be opening the new Pamela Barnett Centre for 16 adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The new Tager Centre, also at Ravenswood, will be officially opened in 2009 and will be home to 16 adults with autism.
Additionally, as a further part of Norwood’s commitment to supporting its service users to move towards greater independence, a new Employment Opportunities Centre will open in 2009.
To view the Annual Review online, please click here.
To request a printed copy of the Annual Review please contact Vivienne Brown on 020 8420 6916 or vivienne.brown@norwood.org.uk.
For further information, photos and interviews, please contact Michael Siva, Public Relations Officer at Norwood, on 020 8420 6900 or email pressoffice@norwood.org.uk.
