After a long summer break our Secretariat is once again working at full speed. But although things may have been quiet in Brussels we know our members have been busy in all parts of Europe. There is no summer holiday from poverty, from homelessness, from the search for a safer place to live or from the need for quality, accessible and affordable care. So perhaps it is not a return to work but a continuation of work into the autumn. And the autumn presents many challenges and opportunities for diaconal work in Europe. The Pillar of Social Rights, which should shape social policy work at EU level and national level should be adopted in November. A Social Summit to gather together EU leaders will discuss the future of EU social policy work. To be hosted by Sweden in November, we are looking at how our members can influence this discussion.  As a network we will host our Roma Network Meeting, our 4th Parliamentary Breakfast Meeting with the European Parliament, a seminar on Non Formal Education for the inclusion of people, and a network meeting for Communications officers among many other events designed to engage our members in policy work, support their capacity and learn from each other. Please join us as we continue to see social justice, bring services closer to people and transform lives.

Have a good weekend,
Heather