Today, volunteers have received an email from our Chair of Directors, Jen, which reads as follows:
Dear All
I hope you’ve had a good summer, even if it has been limited by coronavirus.
I am disappointed to tell you that the other FOPP directors and I have decided to cancel the annual meeting due to be held on 13th October. You are probably not surprised by this, but it is a shame that we are still not able to meet up. Government guidance still discourages/prohibits gatherings of large groups, unless it is necessary for work, voluntary or charitable services, and I do not think that we can argue that the meeting is necessary. In any case, I think there would be practical difficulties in holding it. I will, however, send something round giving you a round-up of the year – it might be quite short as half of that year has been in lockdown. Having said that, things have been going on, which I will be pleased to update you on.
As I hope you know, I regard FOPP as an organisation made up of all of you. We would not exist without you and your willingness to give up your time for people who often have very little. I know we’ve not been able to do this for the last 6 months, but I much appreciate your continued support and interest. I’m sure lockdown has not been easy for you, but we know that it will probably have been much harder for the residents of HMP Peterborough.
It is so difficult to say when we will be able to return and how that return will be managed to reduce risk to volunteers, residents and staff. However, I do feel confident that it will happen and that the Director, Damian Evans, wants it to happen.
I will put more information in my report, but for the time being keep well and stay safe.
Very best wishes,
Jen.