Newsletter Sept/October

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 Issue 11

As we approach Autumn and leave the Summer behind...what Summer? I hear you say. I am sure I remember a day or two when the sun was shining and people, me included, enjoyed the warmth of the sun. Those rays are now slowly sinking, and the dark mornings (and nights too) is fast approaching. A time of year when we all seem to go into hibernation. BUT NOT OUR COLLEAGUES AT NEUROSUPPORT!
On Wednesday, 9th September, an event took place at the Roundhouse, off Islington just outside the city centre, where Frank had organised a “Jig”. (That’s an old Billy Connolly routine.) When Billy first started doing the rounds as a folk singer, (back when some of us were younger). His dad would say “How did the Jig go?”, his question to see how his son was doing in the world of folk singing. Of course we all know it should have been “How did the gig go?” this was his dad’s way of keeping up with the language of the day. So “How did our gig go?”.

Very well, although for myself I never made it up the stairs to see the action, I was taking money and tickets downstairs. So here are a few words from our reporters for the night, Pat & Liz, who did see what went on upstairs.

THE NEUROSUPPORT ROCK CONCERT

On 09.09.09, Pat and Liz arrived at the Rock Concert venue, which had been, with a lot of hard work, organised by Frank Madarigara to raise funds for the Neurosupport Centre. He had managed to get three very good, and different groups to play at Hope University. Their names were: Xander and the Peace Pirates, Johnny and the Jazz Mags and the Arkanes. People from various organisations, including Neurosupport volunteers and many other people supported the event.

The venue was lovely, although because of the work in progress on the site it was a bit of mystery tour to get to. Thankfully, because of Frank's many direction signs I don’t think many people got lost. It must have been quite a trek, to get all the equipment to the hall. Alan and Maureen acted as front of house to greet people and try to sell more raffle tickets. The girls behind the bar were very friendly and helpful. The bands played very different types of music Xander and peace pirates played acoustic rhythm & blues, Johnny and the Jazz Mags played popular music, and Arkanes played Rock.
We were kept entertained, while the bands were playing, by a couple of people who had the nerve to get up and dance, a new form of dance we had never seen before!! We eagerly awaited the raffle and were not disappointed when the main prize was won by Carla Franc, who is on placement at Neurosupport. She was with her parents and her boyfriend at the concert. The joke prize was won by Amanda, one of our volunteers - not sure how a talking, swearing parrot went down, but we all had a good laugh about it. We all went home (although by now slightly deaf!!) after having a very enjoyable social evening and looking forward to the next one, when it is organised. Pat and Liz: Ace reporters from reception.


Our ‘An evening of excellence’ held on 17th September 09.
Some of our clients, their friends, family and supporters were treated to music, poetry and Stuff!! by Bob along with our resident poet Gordon Milward, who read one the poems from his forthcoming book “Days of Hope”. It is hoped that his book will be launched at our AGM on 14th October, and will be available to purchase Check Gordon’s website for more details-
http://gordonmilward-compo.blogspot.com/


Volunteer Meeting Minutes Tuesday 30 September 2009
Welcome and introductions.
Maureen welcomed and thanked those present for attending. Those present introduced themselves and their role.

Staff Update The group reviewed the minutes. Capacity to Engage project is no longer running, other options to carry out this work are being explored. Gillian Eyo is now working in Finance + admin, which has nothing to do with Capacity to Engage. Alec Hughes will be the new member of staff and will be working with Working Life Services on a part time basis as an Engagement Worker.
Events. Narrow boat trip is now fully booked and will take place on Wednesday 7th October Mental Health Event. Talk on depression and wellbeing. Open to client’s staff and volunteers. Will take place on Saturday 17th October. Lunch is included. The AGM will take place on 14th October and will include a presentation from Neurolife client about their work. All volunteers are invited Christmas Meal. Volunteers have decided to go out for a Chinese meal as opposed to a meal at Neurosupport. Carolyn asked for ideas for the day i.e. bingo, Quiz’s etc. Volunteers to decide. To be held Thursday 3rd December. Volunteers may like to car share on the day to get to the venue. Volunteers requested a Secret Santa, which will be set up for the next volunteer meeting. Volunteer induction will take place on Wednesday 21st October. Diane requested this date to be put on white board on reception. Tunnel Walk The current total collected stands at £1387.00, still with some to collect. Neuo09 Concert went very well; possibility of doing another event is being explored. Celebration Evening Maureen reported the event went very well it was well attended. This was mainly organised by Neurolife participants. Reception The reception Desk has become a bit of a dumping ground; it will have a good tidy. All staff who have appointments to please enter names times etc into the diary on the desk. Volunteers were happy for staff to ring reception to have appointments entered. Signing out at Lunch time is also not happening, staff will be reminded. Clear instruction of tasks give to volunteers would be appreciated, especially if the job runs onto the next shift. The volunteer file is to be updated and volunteers reminded to look in it at the start of a shift. Volunteers requested that Reiki appointments not be requested to be booked in next week by them as they have no control over this.

Fundraising A committee has been requested for this and any ideas should be put to Maureen. A date will be set up for a first meeting. Volunteers who wish to be involved should give their names to Maureen. Santa Dash We are trying to get involved in the Santa Dash this year on Sunday 6th December. Anyone who can raise sponsorship should let Alan Clark know.
Friends of Neurosupport. Leaflets are now in and everyone can help to spread the word. A database of Friends will be set up.
Health and Safety It was decided for the meeting to be held after the next volunteer meeting at 3pm on 26th November 2009
Training. Telephone training will be carried out once new phone system is installed. First Aid and disability/cultural awareness will probably be carried out with staff so dates have to be investigated.
Any other business Alan Clark gave some feedback on Walton Trust which has reached over 70000 members. He gave a talk at the AGM last week. If anyone has any questions concerning The Walton Centre Foundation Trust I will try and answer them. If anyone is involved in a support group or any other type of group I am willing to go along and talk about The Walton Centre and Neurosupport. You can contact me in the usual way : email alan.clark200@hotmail.com or check out our website http://neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com/ You can find the link through Neurosupport’s website as well.
A discussion regarding placements was had, Maureen to investigate and report back Volunteers asked how best to inform Neurosupport of holidays and time off. An enquiry form with the details in Maureen’s pigeon hole was agreed as the best way. Janet, Library volunteer, gave some information regarding the brief guide to Neurological conditions as an information guide for volunteers, not to be used for medical advice purposes. It is nearly complete and should be ready for the next meeting. Having some of the volunteers trained to give tours of the library was raised and agreed interested volunteers should let Maureen know.

Date and time of the next meeting Thursday 26th November Lunch 12noon and meeting 1-3pm.


Disclaimer-The opinions expressed in this newsletter are personal and do not reflect the opinions of Neurosupport