Summary
- Many meetings are being cancelled until further notice.
- A few branches may be able to continue to meet.
- Look out for information about online meetings on the Local Branch Meetings listing of our website.
- People should not rely on this being fully up-to-date due to the fast-changing situation and it is best to obtain confirmation from meeting organisers, by phone or email using details provided in the Local Branch Meetings page of our website.
- Call our Helpline 0300 0300 363 for support, preferably between 6pm and 10pm Monday-Friday.
- Messages to the Helpline will be responded to as quickly as we can - additional resources are being put in place.
- Help is also available to FNF Members via our online Forum.
- We are asking branches to keep us updated with any contact details or meetings status changes.
Background
Advice from the Prime Minister is that people should stop holding meetings whenever possible in pubs, clubs and social venues so as to slow down the spread of this virus. The advice is also to avoid travel whenever possible. FNF believe that the responsible thing for us to do is to follow those recommendations to protect volunteers, service users and the public. It is therefore recommended that branches stop holding meetings until further notice. Some have no choice as their venues have closed. We will monitor the situation and provide further guidance.
Some of our volunteers and service users are elderly and hence that much more vulnerable. Some branches are considering Skype meetings and our Helpline is looking to increase support with more volunteers offering to make call-backs as increasing numbers of messages are left.
Nevertheless, a number of our local branch volunteers have expressed a determination to continue to hold meetings and to continue to be available face-to-face to those who prefer that. Our website will indicate which branches have told us that they will ATTEMPT to continue to meet. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting, please refer to the Local Branch Meetings page of our website. However, please note that the situation is changing every day and it is recommended that people phone or email the local branch organisers and double-check to avoid unnecessary travel and disappointment.
We are asking branches to keep us updated with any contact details and meetings status changes so we can publish these. Some branches may provide phone/email help even if meetings are not taking place.
It seems probable that the current situation may last for some time and we will be exploring ways of further developing more online support.
Going to Court, Child Arrangement Orders and Child Maintenance
The official advice presently offers few details. It should be assumed that court hearings are on unless you receive notification of cancellation. The best thing is to check with the local court.
We will let you know if we obtain further clarification on a range or relevant issues from HMCTS and Cafcass about court hearings, Child Arrangements Orders etc. We will also seek advice on dealing with Child Maintenance matters.
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