A Celebration Capacity to Engage

SEE WHO YOU CAN RECOGNISE

Just some of the images to celebrate the end of the project with just a few faces you may or may not recognise.

The event was organised by Gillian who along with Karen and a face from the past Julia all worked hard in the project that was "Capacity to Engage"
The event was held in the Lace centre at the edge of Sefton park Liverpool on 15th June 2009 and was attended by faces of the future and faces of the past.
I would like to thank all for such a good day and wish everyone well for the future

CARES WEEK AND ALEX

Sometimes you forget that you are a carer here is a picture from the recent event at St George's Hall in Liverpool held 9th June in "Carers Week"
As you can see Alex who has been working with us at Neurosupport for the last 2 weeks on work experience managed to get the job and thank you Alex for your help on the day and hope you have enjoyed your stay with us and that it has given you a better understanding of neurological conditions and how it can affect people, their carers and the whole network that makes up a family. Good luck and thank you once again.

TEA ,BUNS AND OTHER THINGS

Tea, buns and other things that make you thin
The first week in June saw the start of Volunteer Week and on Wednesday of that week we were all invited to Neurosupport to meet and have an informal chat, catch up on things and brought up to date on the new staff and certificates for everyone, make sure you got yours if you didn’t make the meeting but mostly to enjoy tea and cakes. Some like me cheated and went to the shops but I notice one or two went that extra mile as they say and baked not a word that you hear these days of our throw away society when it all comes shrink wrapped and I still don’t know how they manage to stay fresh so long sorry the cakes not us. It was nice to relax over a cuppa and listen to world of volunteering, so to the new volunteers I hope you are enjoying your stay with us and look forward to seeing you all over the coming months.

ONE OF THE OTHER ITEMS ON THE DAY WAS THE SAME AS I REPORTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO ABOUT THE TUNNEL WALK SO LOOK OUT FOR THE FORMS AND TRY AND RAISE SOME MONEY FOR NEUROSUPPORT

Wendy and myself are off to visit Amena soon and I am sure you will wish her well as she has just had another stay in hospital so we are taking the cakes and I hope she will supply the tea I will let you know how she is next week.

A walk in the Tunnel

A walk in the tunnel and a ride back on the ferry is being organised so that we can raise some funds for Neurosupport.

The event will be happening on Sunday19th July and we are hoping to have at least 10 people walking and raising money through sponsorship forms that we will giving out as soon as possible.we are trying to make the walk as regards time to be 12.00p.m so that we can all have a good breakfast before the walk starts I have a feeling we will need it.

As the walk is fully accessible and also the ferry ride back, it is hoped that some with wheelchairs and their support workers or carers will be able to come along as well.

Their is a cost for each walker of £5.00 which will needed so that we can apply before the actual date

So if you feel like this is something that you might enjoy as well as raising awareness for Neurosupport get in contact with Carolyn as she will be taking names for people who wish to walk and also she will be handing out forms for those who just wish to raise money.

We are hoping that some publicity in the form of photographs so remember your best lycra, headbands and shorts.

New Neuro News April/May and John Fox

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.

Meeting at Neurosupport 27/04/09 12-2.30pm

Don't forget the next volunteers meeting at the centre on Monday 27th April

Starting with lunch at 12 noon and the meeting to start at 12.30pm all being well and finish by 2.30pm

Their are 10 items on the agenda but if you don't make it look out for "The Neuro News" with all the minutes and discussion about the meeting and of course I will put the "News" in this Blog

Hope to see you all on the day Ta for now

Alan

5 seconds more

In some ways writing as I do sometimes thinking of what to write sometimes that just comes out in how things happen
This weekend gone Sally and me went on a weekend break one of those deals that you see in the weekend papers and a good deal it was, staying at Wetherby, not far from York and Harrogate so Betty's Teashop is always on the agenda NOT too much money to spend on a cup of tea and cakes although last year we did succumb to Betty's finest and fine they were but for a very large hole at the end of the tea in my wallet, but I am losing the thread of what I wanted to say.
The weekend was looked forward to for some time and the prospect of good weather can always be left to chance at this time of year but the forecast was good all we had to do is turn up and go driving was not a problem as York is only about 100 miles away not too long for the old man (that's me) to drive.

However things did not go to plan, we did have our weekend away but not as we thought Sally was not well and a visit to the doctor confirmed what we all know now as a virus infection congestion in the lungs the antibiotics should work in time well maybe not they only had 2 days to work on a course of 5 days although the coughing was not that bad was it?
We did make the weekend but not doing as much as we would normally do.

Well the gods on that Sunday 19th April were looking after us both on our way back we would go via Skipton and then on to Colne Boundary Mill for that last pair of shoes/dress/coat/hat you name it they have got it that we must buy. Should only take us an hour after breakfast were my words ,however I do have a nickname "Biggles" which involves a broken car/a semi-final and getting lost on the way home maybe more of that story another time it's a great one to tell over a few pints, and yes we did take a wrong turning somewhere which leads me to a crossroads in a major road at lights waiting for them to change and on a hill, I was going straight across but out the corner of my eye I saw another car as my lights changed green going very fast and heading for the junction I was crossing, I was able to stop as I was only going slow as the other car went through the red light and collided with a car that was going in the opposite direction to me.

So 5 seconds more would have been a different story as the car would surely have collided with the passenger side of our car and I may have not been writing this blog now. Luckily no one was hurt although both cars will need a bit more than a day getting repaired.

Things like that leave you wondering about life and things