UPDATE FROM TOWER HAMLETS OPPORTUNITY GROUP
Dear Parents, Families and Supporters,
It is with great sadness that the Trustees and Management have reached the decision that THOG will be closed in September 2024. This means that we will cease to operate as an early years provision from the end of the summer term in July 2024.
Over the past few years we have faced a number of challenges as an organisation which we have sought to find creative solutions to address and to ensure that THOG has been able to continue to serve children and families in Tower Hamlets. However, having carefully reviewed the risks facing the organisation, and in conversation with THOG management and staff we have reached this difficult decision.
We are sure that you will have a range of emotions to process as we reach the end of the era for this amazing charity. However, this isn’t an end to the THOG impact which will continue to exist in the lives of so many. Closing a charity is not a failure, THOG has delivered for nearly 40 years and been through so many changes, including multiple changes of government, policies, childcare models and funding and yet the core values of THOG have remained the same – to include all and enable all children to thrive.
As trustees, it has been a privilege to be part of the THOG community, and to have our own children’s lives changed through their interaction with THOG. Whenever we visit, we can’t help but be inspired by seeing the quality of work that happens in THOG and the impact on children and families. We are sure you will agree that it is no exaggeration to say that lives have been transformed through the love, compassion and welcome that families and children have received, unconditionally, through coming to THOG.
THOG pioneered the way in inspiring inclusion and challenging other organisations to think about how they supported and enabled children with special education needs or additional needs to access the same high-quality play, education and support that was available to other children.
Since THOG first opened its doors more than 37 years ago under the leadership of Lorraine and Kim, hundreds of families and children have come into contact with the organisation. Our families and children have shaped the organisation over the last four decades and we are grateful for your support – so we also thank you for the role you have played in making THOG the organisation it is today.
There are quite a few formal things which need to happen over the next few weeks, but THOG will continue to run as normal until our final day in July 2024. We will be providing you with further information on other services or support which you will be able to access after THOG closes.
We will be planning a way to thank staff and management more formally before the end of the summer term and will be in touch further about that over the next few months. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to one of the team. Abigail and I will be dropping by over the next few weeks if you would like to speak to us in person.
With best wishes,
Hannah Harniess Abigail Randall Vivien Thomas
Chair of Trustees Secretary & Treasurer Trustee
Registered Charity No:1009252