NEURO NEWS— NEWSLETTER November / December 09 Issue 12

You need to work out where all the pictures go call it a quiz for Christmas

Have a good one

Well here we are with the festive season upon us, with all the balls and the glitter. (I mean balls that you hang from a tree, what did you think I meant?) Will Santa be delivering your favourite present? Or will he just be waiting for his mince pie and sherry?
Myself, well along with the rest of (sometimes seems like all of) Europe, Sally and I will indulging in our favourite (well Sally’s favourite) pastime, enjoying the Christmas markets of Prague, although the hot wine does have it’s compensations for me. Looking at the webcam of Prague, to check the weather, just now there is snow about, I think we will need a bit more than hot wine to keep us warm!!!
I hope you have all had a good year, in lot’s of different ways and are looking forward to the festive break, and getting ready to take on what next year has in store for us.
What does life has in store? for most us, working as we do, in a centre that helps people with neurological conditions, (along with those who have a condition, plus others, like me who are carers of someone with a neurological condition). We have all learnt that sometimes life can knock you down, but a bit like the logo of Neurosuuport (it looks forward, not backwards), we try to keep on looking forward.
Thank you to all those people who have helped me over the years (now 2), a special thank you to my little elves, who work all the year round for no pay, who have recently joined this little enterprise we call NeuroNews. Have a look on the right and see if you can see yourselves in the picture? no prizes though.
You can contact me in the usual way by email: alan.clark200@hotmail.com or check out our website on http://neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com/ . You can also find the link through Neurosupport’s website.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Alan Clark



Welcome to our new volunteers - Speaking of new volunteers!
(not more I hear you say) yes, we are still short of recruitments for around the reception area. I, along with Maureen, welcomed 10 prospective new volunteers on 21st October, although! there was also someone who you may recognise from time gone by. I will leave you guessing as to who, but the name begins with a P. The induction went well and no one left after lunch, (always a good sign). The day covered the usual subjects of confidentiality, diversity, what makes for a good service and last , but not least what Neurosupport is all about and what makes us tick. Some of the new volunteers will be starting soon, or by the time you get this, they will have completed some training in the form of shadowing for a few weeks, so good luck to them. Please make them welcome, introduce yourself, you will (as a new starter, once) have been in their shoes, and will know what they may be feeling.

OUR CANAL TRIP — On Wednesday, 7th October, the volunteers were given a memorable day out. We met at the Neurosupport Centre and went by coach to the Cheshire Cat pub, where we had lunch and some lovely puddings! before setting off on the canal boats. We were split between 2 narrow boats, the Westminster Abbey and Rainbow’s end. The boats were manned by volunteers from Wirral Community Trust. A very good time was had by all, with a lot of singing led by Tracey on the first boat and some ballroom dancing led by Brenda on the 2nd boat – great fun. We were fortunate to see mum and dad swans feeding their babies and coming back they were all out on the water, having their afternoon exercise. We also saw (a big bird, can’t remember what it was----can you help my memory?) a h-r-n, which kept flying off whenever the boat came near. The houses were very picturesque and all the other narrow boats had some wonderful names including the Elizabeth and the Patricia Rose (named after us of course). All too soon we were on our way back to the Cheshire Cat and the coach home. I think everyone agreed it had been a very successful day out and look forward to the next outing. Many thanks to Carolyn for organising the trip and for all her hard work in making it such a success.
Pat and Liz

Can you spot our intrepid reporters? and name the big bird? (fill in the blanks), no prizes though.
To see more pictures checkout our website



Here is a picture of an event that happened on 6th
November, concerning our very own Poet Laureate, Gordon W. Milward. I, along with about 70 others, attended a Parkinson’s meeting. After a buffet lunch, Dr Alusi gave a very informative talk about Parkinson’s and then took the time to answer questions from the floor, concerning tremor drugs and how to cope with Parkinson’s, following which, I introduced Gordon, who read from his book “Days of Hope”.
For anyone who doesn’t know yet, Gordon, with the help of others, has produced a book of his poems, which is on sale for a very reasonable sum of £3.00. All monies raised will be going to charity. By the time you read this, he will have read at the Da Da Fest at the Bluecoat Chambers on 24th November

Minutes from Volunteer meeting 26/11/09
Maureen welcomed and thanked those
present for attending.
Those present introduced themselves and their role.
Staffs updates
Maureen informed the group that Helen
Munnerly has left the organisation and introduced a new member of staff Alec Hughes.
Alec informed the group of his role to promote and raise awareness of Neurosupport and its services via GP’s and hospitals. Maureen informed the group that Alec’s role is for three days per week and is funded through the European Social Fund. Hayley from Alzheimer’s is also leaving on 11th December.
The next volunteer induction is scheduled for Tuesday 9th February 2010.
Volunteers requested that all new volunteer names and pictures should be added to the blue folder on reception.
Tenants should also remember to give names of visitors to reception.
Volunteers are reminded they can ask staff to sign in and out whenever they leave or enter the building if they (the staff) forget. Moving the red dots on the white board should also be reminded



Training to be organised for the coming year is First Aid, Diversity, Disability Awareness and Food hygiene. Phone training will need to wait until the new system is in place. Reception volunteers asked for a dummy phone so they can start to familiarise themselves with the unit. Carolyn to see what she can organise.
Health and Safety meeting will be tagged onto the end of the next
volunteer meeting.
A.O.B. Maureen informed the group of the application to be linked next year with Radio Merseyside, she will report back if we get any further in the process.
A meeting of the fundraising group will be brought together soon.

Next meeting date is planned for Monday 22nd February 2009. 12:30pm for Lunch. Meeting 1-3pm



Our Christmas dinner
As you can see we all made it,
those who were able to, of course.
WHO’S NEXT?- To all volunteers, the new, and the not so new. If you would care to write about yourself and how you came to be a volunteer. We would like to feature you in the next or future editions of Neuro News. You can contact me either by leaving something at reception or send to my email address (see page 1 for details).



Senior moments!
Three old guys are out walking. First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?' Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!' Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer..'

A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four
thousand dollars, but it's state of the art.. It's perfect.' 'Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?' 'Twelve thirty..'



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

CHRISTMAS PARTY 09

On Thursday 3rd December for the first time that I can remember we had our Christmas party at a resturant away from Neurosupport at what was was the Chung Ku now City Rendevous down at the Brunswick Dock.

Did we all enjoy ourselves? As you can see from the pictures we kept some of the old favourites, a quiz, a raffle and for the first time a Secret Santa and Diane the idea is that you don't know who bought you the present not to include your name on the card is a bit of a give away.

Christmas

Yes it's that time of year when we all let out well whatever we each do to let out or let in but that's later at the end of the year when we all join hands and sing a song I never worked out why that one I digress

At Neurosupport yesterday we had our final arrangements for our Christmas Dinner away for the very first time from the centre. Let's hope it all works out

Will the man on the left have that much trouble when he arrives at your house? i hope so as this is that time to be generous with our selves and our time

Hope to see you all on the day next Thursday that is pictures will be taken and posted so enjoy

A letter

From the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Works and Pensions Jonathan Shaw MP
It's not an everyday occurrence when someone writes to you with such a title, but Jonathan Shaw MP who was at our Annual review 14th October, took the time to write to write a small thank you note when I sold him a book Days of Hope by Gordon Milward and talked at some length to him about how it all came about.
I hope everyone is looking forward to our Christmas lunch that is not too far away on 3rd December. it will be our first time away from the centre so I hope it all goes well.
A bit before that is our next volunteers meeting 26thNovember where we talk about the lunch and arrangements.

Annual review 14/10/09 at Neurosupport

ANNUAL REVIEW 14TH OCTOBER 2009 AT NEUROSUPPORT

The annual review came this year and for me a time for me to at last do the thing I have been working on for the last now 8 months along with Gordon W. Milward, introduce Gordon and his book “Days of Hope” a book of poems for anyone who doesn’t know out there.
On the day itself I managed to be signing people in the building and making sure all that everyone knew where they were going and who they had to see, just a normal role of “Meeter and Greeter”
The week had started well as we went off to Radio Merseyside with Gordon and his wife Brenda Sally and I being walked through the station to meet the presenters and I think the talk went well for us on the night with Gordon reading from his soon to be published book.
Tuesday came and the call we both had been waiting for that the book was ready to collect from the printer, were we pleased when saw how the book has turned out we could not have wished for better.
I had written an introduction for Gordon for me to read out on Wednesday which I think took longer than the whole afternoon. I didn’t want to miss anyone out who had helped us on our way so I have included it!!

It is my pleasure to introduce Gordon Milward reading from his poetry book “Days of Hope” but first a little background as to how we come to be here today.
Around February this year Gordon and myself sat outside in the foyer talking, if I remember right about nothing in particular when Gordon raised the subject of his poetry and how he would like to leave something behind when he left this earth, by that he meant publishing his poems in a book, his dream. At the time I thought it would be a good idea to help him do this, as I had had some experience in getting a grant for a support group,” how hard can it be getting a book published” As an ex licensee and Gordon, an ex fitter welder we had lots of experience in book publishing. Didn’t we!
We would be told in August that Gordon’s poetry “does not appear to have an artistic track record” by The Arts Council after first appearing in April that we could apply for a grant from them.
As part of the grant we had to supply 10% of the total cost of publishing the book, with quotes that ranged from £6500 to £2500, I put my thoughts to raising that money. As part of that Neurosupport via Maureen Kelly, clients, volunteers and staff walked through the Mersey Tunnel on 19th July and raised around £1500 towards Neurosupport and to help Gordon realise his dream, so thank you to everyone who sponsored us, walked or were involved. I also asked for help from the WCNN via Karen Dawber director of nursing and Louise Douglas head of Marketing and Communications who said that they would help with some funds, as well as the Parkinson’s Central branch Liverpool the committee and Brenda Carson, the chairperson who said they would also help with funds. So now we had 3 partners in our little venture, the plan was coming together, how could we fail?
After the rejection from The Arts Council I sent the 2 page proposal that I had put together to various people in the hope that we would get some help. One of those people is sitting in this room today, Dave Ward of the Windows project who to say has helped us a lot is an understatement.
The Windows Project, Nothing to do with Microsoft! by the way, The Windows Project has been making poetry fun, helping children to start writing and providing support and advice for poetry writing by and with all ages and abilities as an everyday activity since 1976.

We first met Dave in early August with Gordon’s poems in a file; he gave us lots of advice on the layout, contents and how it should be done. He also put us in touch with Colin Molyneux and Ian Whittaker of Graphic Print in Liverpool. When we first met Colin and Ian I knew we were in safe hands after talking to them both. Colin with Ian’s help, put together a quote that to say is cheap is an understatement but helping the community is also one of Colin’s aims so thank you to all 3 of you Dave, Colin, Ian, not forgetting Neurosupport,The Walton Centre, the Liverpool central Branch of Parkinson’s along with Sian Roberts of Parkinson’s HQ who helped us get the quote from Ray Kennedy the ex Liverpool player who played from 1974-1982 who himself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 35, this quote appears on the front of the book. “Gordon’s poems are an inspiring insight into his experiences with Parkinson’s. I wish him well on his Journey”
A couple of other people to thank are Gordon’s doctor at the WCNN, a Dr Steiger, Consultant Neurologist and Simon Curran Honorary Lecturer in Physiotherapy of Liverpool University who both wrote the introductions for the book.
It has been a rocky road in lots of places and now we know a bit more about paper and books than we did before. The book “Days of Hope” will be on sale after the meeting for £3.00 with all the money raised going to charity, which is all the 3 partners involved as well as “The Ray of Hope Appeal”
Well here we are with the man himself our very own poet laureate Gordon Milward reading from his very own book of poems “Days of Hope” his dream now realised.
The meeting seemed to go in a moment where I was still sitting outside when all the speakers were on so I managed to miss most, apart from the Q&A from the floor when Jonathan Shaw MP
At the meeting which was attended by Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disability who was giving a talk on Access to Work programme and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Mike Storey CBE. I managed to talk to the minister at length about the book and how it came to be published and he now has a copy along with Mike Storey, the deputy Mayor of Wirral along with Julia Denham of the Care Quality Commission another speaker.
Then we went on to the poetry and reading from Julia and Stella followed by yours truly and the speech that seemed to go on.

So now that journey for us both has finished me to sleep and gordon has now left something behind on this earth.

ALL WE HAVE TO DO NOW IS SELL THEM

OUR NEXT PROJECT IS SANTA AND HIS DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW WELL AROUND THE STREETS OF LIVERPOOL BUT IT'S FOR A GOOD CAUSE

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

Radio Merseyside

we have a weekly feature on drive called 'Life Begins', which includes stories of how people have overcome difficult times in their lives, and gone on to pursue new interests or careers.

The feature goes out on Mondays at 6:50pm, and I was wondering if Gordon would be willing to take part this coming Monday (12th). This would involve him coming into the studio to talk to Claire about living with Parkinson's, his poetry, and how his latest work will hopefully raise money for charity.
As part of this week Gordon has been on Radio Merseyside and as you can see made the talk show with Claire Hamilton just last night for those who didn,t catvh the show their is a chance to put all that right and come to The annual report wher e Gordon will be reading from his own book "Days Of Hope" so see you there on the day and don,t forget food is on the table as well as good words from Gordon