Just a catch up on our latest Neuro News with all the goings on at the last volunteer meeting 27/04/09 Hope you all enjoyed the meeting
I think the canal boat might look good for "OUR DAY OUT" I will keep you informed as to how it all ends up
Just a quick catch up on people sorry to see John Fox move on and soon we will have a replacement interviews later this month and also 2 new posts aswell so lots of new faces to remember Also Ameena has not been too well and myself and all other volunteers wish her well to a speady recovery
Jessie on the right of the picture who I feature in this months newsletter has received our card and some flowers for all her hard work we all wish her well in the future
NEURO NEWS
A NEWSLETTER FOR
VOLUNTEERS OF
NEUROSUPPORT
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this newsletter are personal and do not reflect the opinions of Neurosupport
Issue 9 April/May 2009
It with some sadness that I write this today as I want to tell you about Jessie who has left the centre to go on to do different things.
As we were sending out the latest Neuro News to everyone Jessie was telling me that she was leaving, I know she talked about it before Christmas but in the new year she came and went as we all do working to help others but it must of been at the back of her mind all along to leave.
Jessie and I started on the same day were we attended that same course that will now be taking place for some new volunteers and if you see them introduce yourself, we were all new once. 10+ years have passed by for me and Jessie and last year we received our 10 years of service to the centre at the AGM in October 2008. Where have all those years gone since we both stepped through those doors?
The course went well for both of us and we decided to stick with Tuesday as our day to volunteer and over the years I have known Jessie I have always enjoyed her company with lots of laughs along the way some tears as well but mostly laughs, she will be sadly missed by us all.
Jessie on the right of the picture with Mary on the left at the 2007 AGM.
I thought I might include a poem from your friend and mine Gordon Milward.
An Ode to a ParkinsonionI am a Parkinsonion I jump about you see
It’s not that I’m trying to dance it’s the tremor in my knee
I shuffle about like Fred Astaire my feet are out of control
I’d be a night club dancer if I could climb the pole
I go from bad to worse my feet stick to the ground
People think I’m acting or I am messing around
I stand and stare into space hoping for a cure
But when I try to walk I can’t get through the door
My head is starting to shake into the cupboard I bump
I try to get into my pocket to find the Apo-go pump
To reach it can be a struggle my hands they go all tight
Especially if I’m tired and it’s the middle of the night
Trying to talk is a problem the words I can’t get out
I stutter dribble and get annoyed then begin to shout
The wife she says “don’t worry” but sometimes I’ve had my fill
I often sound like Ronnie Barker try to open his till
I suppose I should be grateful no use having a moan
And that’s another problem trying to answer the phone
The wife asks “Did you get that message who was it do you know”?
I say “No I’ve forgotten” she says “you silly so and so”
Life becomes a daily struggle you take the pills on time
That’s if you remember when the memories in decline
The Apo-go pump stops working didn’t you hear the bleep
No I was sitting at the computer I must have fallen asleep
Well life’s so topsy turvy we will never work it out
Our loved ones try to do their best of that there is no doubt
If it wasn’t for their caring ways in helping us to cope
And thank goodness for the medical staff who always give us hope.
But I’ve still got my sense of humour it helps me through the day
To all my fellow strugglers to give up there is no way
We may not win the war but we will battle on
We are from Parkinson’s Central Branch Liverpool’s number one.
G.W.Milward March 2009
Volunteer Meeting 27th April 09
Welcome and introductions.
Maureen welcomed and thanked those present for coming.
Those present introduced themselves and their role.
Volunteer Week.
Maureen asked the volunteers to consider activities for Volunteer week in June.
Lunch or Tea Coffee morning was mentioned, possible invite chair of Trustee’s.
Display up for the week surrounding volunteering
Danny has secured 6 tickets for Lost Monsters at the Everyman, he is trying to get a meal thrown in as well.
Group discussed other possibilities, Chester Zoo, Canal Boat ride, and Stapley Water Gardens, some have been done previously. Canal boat to be checked out
DAD event is also on for 12th July and a minibus will be going from centre at 9am volunteers welcome.
Directions and Map to be given to volunteers. Check list will also be posted out with all options to get opinions from all volunteers.
Some details on the event
An Independent Living Exhibition with a Difference
“Absolutely inspirational” that’s was the expression used by one visitor to last years Northwest Disability Awareness Day (DAD). Many of the record number of exhibitors and 22,000 visitors travelled from across the Northwest and UK.
DAD 2009 will be supported by a week of complimentary events leading up to the exhibition on Sunday 12th July. The events will be held in a tented village located in the picturesque setting of Walton Hall Gardens situated off the A56 in Warrington Cheshire.
Eighteen years of experience goes into producing an event that boasts something for everyone, with over 300 exhibition stands promoting independent living, with areas dedicated to Arts, Sports and family entertainments.
DAD covers all disabilities, ages, carers and families, and if you work in the field of health, social care or disability there will be plenty to interest you.
DAD offers a free and accessible park & ride service, free admission and programme.
For more information visit
http://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk/ or telephone Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064.
Carers Week
Maureen gave information on event, which Neurosupport have a stall, at St George’s Hall for carers’ week on Tuesday 8th June.
Idea will be to hold a coffee morning on Wednesday 10th June.
We have already secured some vouchers for cakes, supplies etc
Poster need to be done and all invited
Training
Several courses were discussed and volunteers wishing to attend should complete checklist to be circulated with minutes.
Possible courses discussed are Food Hygiene, Telephone training, Health and Safety, First Aid.
Cultural Awareness, Disability Awareness and Deaf & Awareness (basic signing) were requested by volunteers to be added to programme.
Once numbers for courses are know a programme will be devised and delivered.
Friends of Neurosupport
Maureen gave an overview of the thought behind the Friends for those people unable to fully volunteer and who may be willing to become a friend and contribute via a membership and other skills.
It is thought we may launch this at the DAD event in Warrington
Handbook
New Issue
Carolyn circulated a revised handbook for volunteers (those not at the meeting should call up to see Carolyn for a copy). Any comments additions or other submissions for the next review of the content should be given to Carolyn
Conditions
Maureen discussed the format of this old information which gives basic information on a wide range of conditions. Kathryn and the Library are looking at the content and if volunteers will find it useful it will be updated.
This should not be used as a basis for volunteers to advise callers about symptoms etc it is purely for volunteer knowledge.
Visitors Sign In
Carolyn informed the group of the revised information for visitors to the centre. The Visitor book was proving too costly. Therefore a standard form is completed and a general ‘visitor badge is circulated’
Marketing
Maureen asked if volunteers would be willing to put up posters to advertise events or the centre’s services in locations near to their homes e.g. doctors surgeries, libraries community centre’s etc.
Events Sub Group
Maureen informed the group that some staff were forming and events sub group, which will come up with ideas for events throughout the year, they will meet occasionally to discuss and plan such events. Volunteers wishing to join should speak to Maureen.
Any Other Business.
Tom asked if anything more has been planned about the cooler for the kitchen. Maureen informed him this is in progress and electrical work will be carried out to install.
Maureen gave the volunteers information about the 3 jobs advertised, one of which being John Fox’s who is leaving on 8th May. Other two posts are to be based in Working Life Service.
Alan Clark gave an update on Foundation trust status for Walton Centre. There are currently 6300 Members signed up, anyone who wants to become a member can contact Alan. The latest business plan has just gone off to Monitor the government regulator for Foundation Trust last week and in the very near future another inspection to follow and hopefully by July The Walton Centre will obtain the license to become a Foundation Trust. It has also just won an award were it was named as one of the 40 leading hospitals by independent health information provider CHKS. Mel Pickup, chief executive of the Walton Centre said:” That we are delighted that the quality of services provided at the Walton Centre has been recognised in this way”
Check “Liverpool Echo” 01/05/09 for full article
Maureen gave volunteers an update the additional staff and new faces about the building.
Maureen informed the group about the £2000.00 raised by West Derby Golf course for the centre.
John Evans gave the group some information on the funding secured to put up a small memorial plaque for Dr Hart from the Walton centre that sadly died suddenly age 50. It was agreed this could be included in the Glance.
Date and Time of the Next Meeting.
Tuesday 21st July 2009 11am-1pm
Everyone may have noticed that on the whiteboard on reception that news of our coming meeting in July is very visible to all, so we should not forget.
Just a reminder for everyone if you have any news, views or anything that you might think that could be included in our newsletter and I am also looking for someone who doesn’t mind talking about themselves to be featured in the “Neuro News” as a volunteer feature and don’t forget our very own Blog: www.neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com were from time to time I will include things of interest that might not be in our “Neuro News”
STOP PRESS
As at writing this on Bank Holiday Monday, yes I have no life I have just remembered a conversation I had with Maureen on Friday last and the cooler has been ordered and an electrician is coming to look at the power point for the new cooler, who says our meetings don’t bring change.
Another date for your diary is 14th October for the AGM for Neurosupport time to be confirmed watch this space as they say.
