As a valued member, our commitment as an organisation is to you. So we’re writing to share news that the National Survivor User Network (NSUN) is experiencing the difficulties many service user and community organisations are facing in the context of austerity and an increasingly competitive sector.
While we are continuing with network development, influencing work and survivor research projects, and despite many fundraising efforts over the past year, we do not have the core funding to sustain the organisation as it is presently constituted past the end of June 2018.
As we know, this is a situation that has been faced by many of NSUN’s members. At our last AGM and in our Annual Report 2016-2017, we discussed the fact that in 2016, over 150 of our member groups had closed.
In December last year, we had to make the very difficult decision to close the office, and to become a virtual organisation. NSUN staff reduced their hours following a consultation and we are now operating within very limited means.
We maintain the strong belief that as a uniquely diverse network of service users, survivors and activists, we are a force to be reckoned with. So, guided by our core belief that ‘together we are stronger’, among other things, we are exploring all possible options, including talking to funders past and present, looking at our organisational model and exploring partnerships and back office sharing options with other organisations.
Be assured that NSUN leadership, staff, Trustees and associates are working very hard to keep the organisation operating, and we are currently considering a number of options for survival and transformation. Closure is not a decision we want to make but we need to be honest with you about the possibility in case that is the decision the Board are forced to make
On behalf of the Board I acknowledge this may come as a surprise to you, but we want to assure you that we are working intensively and strategically to support NSUN’s continued operation in a renewed form, for the benefit of you, our members.
Sarah Carr, Acting Chair (Vice-chair)
NSUN Board