It was apparent to both Kate and Lesley separately, that the privilege of the healthcare environment in which they both worked in the UK – which offered continuing education, ready access to journals, speciality (perioperative) education and a professional association (in which they were closely involved, at home) as a ready made network…. was indeed a huge privilege which should be shared.

So they raised some funds, used whatever contacts they could make, find or encourage and the first course in Uganda became a reality! Thanks to all those early supporters, they are on the road to many more travels and sharing experiences and knowledge with their African Nursing colleagues albeit on a very small scale.

The organisation continues to grow and thanks to continuing financial support and encouragement particularly from Denis Robson from Johnson and Johnson Professional Export, from these small beginnings FoAN gained charity status in 2006.

Previous Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnel made a significant target of Malawi as an aid centre for Scotland to share resources (there are many historical ties) and often the media have talked about this decision as if it is wayward and speak of ‘missing millions’ i.e. where did all the money go?  FoAN has been empowered by that Scottish aid budget (and many other donors) and is a clear example of how willing and professionally run and resourced teams can deliver expert targeted projects with the minimum of administrative cost (and I do mean minimum!) which build other people’s capacity for health, wealth and happiness in a self-reliant way.  We need to celebrate successes in this difficult environment.

FoAN are building their capacity, and are connected into a world-wide network for publicity and further support (as I write Kate is addressing a conference in Canada).  I urge you to consider adding your voice and support to the cause.

Update 31.3.09

Now we are Seven !

On 9th May 2009 we are celebrating the fact that it is seven years since FoAN was conceived by Lesley Fudge and Kate Woodhead.

Over this time FoAN has visited more than 7 countries in Africa. FoAN has reached out to over 700 nurses either through training sessions or via visits to their hospitals.

Nurses in Africa – especially those in operating theatres -  are exposed daily to blood and therefore blood-borne diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

• They have very limited equipment

• They re-use as much as possible including all of the swabs used for mopping up blood from inside a wound

• They have no means of protecting themselves from exposure to blood from patients, particularly eye-splashes

Much of what we use in the operating theatre in the UK is disposable. UK staff wear eye protection and two pairs of surgical gloves if dealing with a high risk patient. In much of Africa, these are undreamt of luxuries. They use chlorine to decontaminate instruments which damages the metal, burns holes in linen and hence most of what they use is not sterile. The chances are high that HIV and AIDS are passed from one patient to another and certainly the nurses are put at considerable risk.

FoAN seeks to help African theatre nurses achieve the best possible basic practice whilst avoiding any increase in costs to the hospitals. FoAN also seeks to train the next generation of trainers. FoAN backs this up by shipping books and equipment to hospitals in Africa.

We need your help to continue this essential work

FoAN is actively seeking birthday presents:

• Send us a cheque (payable to Friends of African Nursing) for a multiple of £77

• Buy some of our beautiful cards painted by Lesley Fudge – use them yourself or sell them through work or your local contacts – see the website for details

• Buy colourful HIV awareness brooches made by Masai women in Kenya – again, see the website. Sell them on or give them to friends and family.

• Run or take part in a sponsored event. Hold a car boot/garage/plant/cake sale.

• Become a Friend of FoAN – or Phone a Friend if you already are (Thank you)

• Send us surplus equipment, books, supplies.

We think we are worth £7,777 of presents

Please help us to have a Happy Birthday

Contact  jackie.younger@ntlworld for further information and/or send donations to Friends of African Nursing, c/o Jackie Younger, 5 London Street, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambs PE29 2HU

Contact: Friends of African Nursing

I think it’s a travesty that anyone is homeless in this day and age and an indictment of a supposedly civilised society.  What I like about the Cyrenians is the work they do to deal with the causes of homelessness.  Make no mistake, official figures vastly under-estimate the scale of the problem – especially amongst young people – there’s an unknown number of younger people who are ’staying with friends’ or want to move out their parents’ home but don’t have the means.

The multi-disciplinary approach of the Cyrenians team is designed to catch all and to deal with the underlying issues.   Yep, these guys really can make a difference.  Here’s some extracts from what they say about themselves.

Homelessness can and does happen to anyone. It is the most vulnerable, however, who are most at risk – young people coming out of care, those with mental health difficulties, asylum seekers and refugees and those affected by  family breakdowns.

What we do
We create opportunities that weren’t there before and we provide practical help and the sort of support that enables people to help themselves. In this way we empower those who are excluded to take control of their lives and to fulfil their potential with outcomes such as better housing, employability, health and well-being.

Update: November 2008
I’m de;ighted to hear the effectts of the training have been beneficial and that some advances have been made in public awareness.  Cyrenians have brought out a great Christmas present – Christmas Hampers put together with produce from the Farm.  Another excellent piece of joined up thinking!  Have offered to help further, so we’ll see what transpires…