What we're up to...

Firstly can I say a huge welcome to all our new Standard members following the introduction of our additional free level of membership.

From that, can I also say Welcome to the many new Premium Members who have joined, who recognised that the additional benefits of membership accessed through the £20 per year membership fee represents great cost effective personalised support.

For anyone wanting to know more please do see here: tinyurl.com/Membership-Options

Clare and Claire have both had a 'publications' few weeks, working with many different I N UK and external fertility related magazines, newsletters, journals and books! Claire has also made the final changes to the Summer magazine and it's about to go to print so will be with you shortly.

Our newest member of staff, Cindy Charles, is also working on publications, this time in readiness for the Fertility Show. It's now full steam ahead to make sure it's the best one ever. Last years talks were all well received, with many of the speakers giving their time to speak to delegates following their presentations. If you're thinking of coming along to find out more about what's new in assisted conception or to listen to the experts speak in a way anyone can understand then you can find out more here: fertilityshow.co.uk

I've been working with books in a more virtual way, updating our online bookstore run through Amazon. infertilitybooks.co.uk has members suggested books for all aspects of your journey. But we are missing this years best distraction books, especially useful to read during the 2ww and also more books suggested by men. We've recently added a new book Test Tubes & Testosterone, which is by all accounts a great book for men to read and for women to read too to get a better understanding of what it's like from their point of view. A review will be included in a future magazine. Do let me have your suggestions and I'll add them to the store. [e-mail]

It continues to be full steam ahead on funding issues too and we are pleased to see that there is a review underway in North Staffordshire, one of the regions that currently has no funding for infertility. Gwenda and Sharon have both been visiting regional clinics and along with Fiona too organising new support gorups and planning dates for the Autumn in current groups.

Susan is planning ahead too, organising meetings in her new role as Deputy Chief Executive and working on regional funding problems.

Don't forget to see how your region compares using the interactive map on the Funding For Fertility section of the website. We rely on PCTs and Health Boards to notify us of changes to policy, including access criteria. If you've been turned down for NHS fertility treatment do use the free to access ltter templates to begin the appeal process.

Please do use the funding forum to share your progress and do ask for any help or assistance you need! We're all here ot help.

We are going to be recruiting more staff shortly, these will be home based positions, if you're interested do keep an eye on the vacancies page here: tinyurl.com/INUK-Vacancies

We don't facilitate our virtual support group during October, so the next one is Monday September 5th. But don't forget the chatrooms, like the forums are open 24/7!

Tracey