Department of Health and Social Care

On 22 October 2018, 26 participants took part in what is many believe to be the first FASD stakeholders meeting convened by the UK Government. National FASD was approached by Professor Gina Radford the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health and Social Care England to host an event with her and service users and stakeholders to discuss the future policy development on issues relating to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This followed on from a meeting held 17 September with a panel of health and care experts to get their perspectives. Many important points were raised by stakeholders throughout the meeting. A very powerful session involved six adults and young adults with FASD who shared their personal experiences trying to access diagnosis, support and services. This was the core of the session and a reminder that these issues deeply affect the wellbeing of individuals and families across the UK. Online feedback from 22 individuals with FASD also was distributed.

The agenda included presentations by:

• Martin Butcher, East Hertfordshire and Area FASD Support Network introducing a statement on behalf of the FASD UK Alliance;
• Pip Williams, on behalf of the UK-EU Birth Mothers Network-FASD;
• Brian Roberts, a former virtual school head who discussed Looked After Children, FASD and education;
• Andy Jackson and other adults with FASD;
• Sandra Butcher, NOFAS-UK offered brief closing comments.