MAYPOLE NEWS

[Alison J Stevens]

A message from Maypole Women Email not displaying correctly? Can’t see the Maypole logo? View it in your browser

Hello. There are lots of changes on the horizon for separated families. You may have seen several announcements in the press in the last few months about changes the Government is considering. But there is still a lot left undecided, and you can have your say in how the system can be improved (see links on the right). Please don’t think that your opinion doesn’t matter – you really can make a difference. If women do not speak up our side of the story, our opinions, will appear as the minority view. Research shows that mothers’ concerns for their children have a direct correlation to children’s well being – so your views are very important! So please do send your comments to the links provided – you don’t have to answer every question. Do be aware that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Whilst this may be off putting, you can ensure your story is anonymous by changing any details that would identify you. Remember, if women do not speak up, we won’t be heard, and changes could be made that are detrimental to women and children. A world of difference We are delighted to announce that Rosalind (co founder of Maypole) is a winner in Vodaphone’s World of Difference competition for 2011. The competition offers 500 people the chance to work for the charity of their choice (guess which one?!) for March and April this year, and get paid. This is good news as it is the first time Maypole will have funds for paid staff. Rosalind’s application was based around developing the new Maypole web site which will be launched in the spring. There was strong competition for places, with 11,000 entries, so this is an exciting start to 2011.

Maypole E News Have your say in changes to family law Help save legal aid! The Government is proposing to make changes that mean legal aid will no longer be available for private family law, and other types of legal support. Rights of Women is campaigning against these changes and needs your help. They have developed three surveys to collect vital evidence on the effects the proposed changes will have on women’s access to justice. Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey relevant to you. For individual women For professionals who deal with violence against women For legal professionals, judges, solicitors and barristers Please send in your answer by 31 January if possible. (Apologies for the late notice – but if you miss the deadline and want to contribute contact Rights of Women directly.) Changes to child maintenance The Government has also published a report about child maintenance called Strengthening families, promoting parental responsibility proposing a new child maintenance scheme. The proposed changes include charges for child maintenance. Victims of domestic violence will be exempt from the application charge. The Government is also considering the extent to which maintenance and contact should be linked. Parents who are separated are invited to send in your comments to [e-mail] by Friday 4 February. Please note the policy on disclosure of personal information.