Glance

Glance December 2009 - Jan 2010

Seasonal Greetings

Staff, Trustees and Volunteers of Neurosupport wish all of our supporters and Friends all best wishes for Christmas and Happy days for 2010.

Neurosupport Closing and Opening

Neurosupport will close its door for the holidays at noon on 24 December 2009.  We will open for the New Year on Monday 4 January 2010.

Neurosupport Annual Review 14 October 2009

Neurosupport’s Third Annual Review took place on Wednesday 14th October and we are pleased to report a fun, varied and informative afternoon was had by all.

• The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mike Storey CBE, opened the meeting.
• Neurosupport Trustee, John Parker, introduced Neurosupport’s Annual Report.
• Julia Denham, of the Care Quality Commission, gave a presentation about the Commission’s work.
• Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disability, gave a speech on the government’s extension of the Access to Work programme, and took questions from the floor.
• There was verse from Neurosupport’s NeuroLife poets, and the launch of Gordon Millward’s book ‘Days of Hope’. (see below).

The Staff, Trustees, Volunteers and Friends of Neurosupport would like to thank everyone involved for making our 2009 Annual Review a resounding success.

Gordon Millward—the Bard of Neurosupport

Radio Merseyside’s Drive Time show has a weekly feature called ‘Life Begins’ and on 12 October Gordon was invited into the studio to talk about life, his experiences with Parkinson’s Disease and his budding career as poet par excellence.  Interviewed by Claire Hamilton, Gordon read a couple of his poems and made his first ‘plug’ too!  ‘Days of Hope’ is a collection of Gordon’s poetry and he told Claire all about it.

‘Days of Hope’ was  (see Annual Review report) was also showcased at a meeting of the Parkinson’s Disease Society on 6th, as well as a launch at the Walton Centre on 9th November—so the book is out there and being avidly read by poetry fans everywhere!

If you would like to know more about ‘Days of Hope’ contact the Centre.  The book costs £3 and the proceeds will go to three very worthy organisations: Neurosupport, the Parkinson’s Disease Society and the Walton Centre.

For more on Gordon read this Liverpool Echo article at www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-entertainment/2009/11/07/tom-dowling-gordon-milward-found-his-hidden-talent-100252-25110910/

Art by Joseph Paton

Joseph Paton recently completed a sponsored walk for Neurosupport (see last issue of Glance).  But did you know that Joe is also a talented artist and Neurosupport plans to have some of his paintings on display from 30 November and through Christmas.  His drawings and paintings are for sale too—so could make the perfect gift for an art loving friend.  All proceeds will go to Neurosupport.  Big thanks Joseph!

Joseph is also available for commission.  His particular love is drawing pets and wildlife—so if you want a portrait of a well-loved pet Joseph is your man.  Come to the exhibition for more details…

Want to be a

FRIEND OF NEUROSUPPORT?

To find out more about becoming a Friend of Neurosupport contact Maureen Kelly or Carolyn Garlick on 0151 298 2999.  Email Maureen@neurosupport.org.uk

NeuroLife Courses

• Drama: our successful drama workshops aim to get people comfortable working together, to build trust and use their imaginations in a safe performance environment.
• Getting into Reading: run by the Reader Organization, Getting into Reading aims to engage people through literature, to improve well-being and extend reading pleasures. Short stories, novels and poetry are read aloud by trained facilitators with members joining in as they wish.

If you are interested in these courses or any other courses run by NeuroLife please contact Lorna Mograby at 0151 298 3282 or email lorna@neurosupport.org.uk

NB: Places on courses go fast so get in touch as soon as you can.

Appeal for volunteers to take part in a study

Research is being carried out at the University of Liverpool by the Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group within the Division of Primary Care—the research is looking to hear from people over the age of 19 (no upper age limit) who have cared for a person who has died of one of the following conditions:

• End stage respiratory disease (eg COPD, lung fibrosis).
• Neurological disease (eg Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or other neurological disease.
• Any cancer diagnosis.

If you are interested in this study, contact Professor Mari Lloyd-Williams at mlw@liv.ac.uk or telephone 0151 794 5605.

Participants required: Wellbeing in Multiple Sclerosis: The role of hope, social support and coping.

• Do you have a diagnosis of MS and are over 18?
• Would you like to participate in research which aims to identify how hope and other positive psychological factors influence a person’s wellbeing and adjustment to MS?

If you answered YES to these questions you may be interested in taking part in an online research survey, hosted by the MS Society website. Go to:

www.mssociety.org.uk/research/take_part_in_research/wellbeing

National Tinnitus Awareness Week

Prolonged ‘spontaneous’ Tinnitus, noises in the ears or head without an external origin, is experienced by 10-15% of the population. The good news is that it can be managed with a combination of information, counselling, various therapies and stress reduction.

During National Tinnitus Awareness Week, which runs from 8^th to 12^th February 2010, there will be an exhibition & information stand at Walton Hospital, Rice Lane, Liverpool. The stand will be staffed by both audiologists experienced in Tinnitus management, and patients from the Aintree Tinnitus Support Group.  The Group meets at Aintree Hospital on the first Wednesday of each month.

For more information contact: Tony Kay, Senior Chief Audiologist, Aintree Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Tel: 0151 529 4697

Email: tony.kay@aintree.nhs.uk or go to www.tinnitus.org.uk for detailed information on tinnitus.

Brain Tumour Support Group—Sponsored walk

Malcolm Hawkins is a volunteer in the Neurosupport library and here is a photo of Malcolm’s grandchildren Luke and Daniel Probbing—after their sponsored walk from Seacombe to Thurstaston.  They raised £155 which will go to the Brain Tumour Support Group. Thanks Luke and Daniel!

Working Life Service—Contacts

Neurosupport’s Working Life Service is here to help you if you develop a neurological condition while working, or have a neurological condition and want support moving back into work, training or education. For more information contact Frank Madariaga on 0151 298 3290 and Jan Comer on 0151 298 3260.

Mental Well-Being Event, Saturday 31 October

Neurosupport’s NeuroLife service hosted a Mental Well Being event on Saturday 31^st October in partnership with the Charlie Waller Trust.  Everyone who attended the day described it as being immensely beneficial and informative. If you want to have a look at any of the information and presentation materials shown on the day please contact Lorna Mograby on 298 3282 or email lorna@neurosupport.org.uk

NeuroLife is pleased to announce that a similar event may take place in the near future.  So keep an eye on this space!

Winter Survival Information Fayre

An information event on the theme of Winter Survival, organised by Liverpool City Council and partners, will take place on Wednesday 25^th November at St George’s Hall in Liverpool.

For more information contact the Service and Advice Manager at Age concern telephone 0151 330 5584 and Maria.Vaccarello@ageconcernliverpool.org.uk

Parkinson’s Disease Society Awarded for Best Communications Campaign

The Parkinson’s Disease Society’s Brain Donor Appeal has won the Third Sector Excellence Award 2009 for Best Communications Campaign. The award was presented on 24 September at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. Go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/about_us/news/news_items/general_news/brain_donor_appeal_wins_award.aspx for all the details.

Engaging With NHS Choices: Improving the Quality of Neurological Information

The Neurological Alliance is working with NHS Choices to improve the quality of neurological information and advice available on-line. The deadline for submission of information for conditions covered in batch 3 is 8 December. The Alliance is happy to receive case studies for all conditions throughout the length of the review.

To contribute to this project or for more information, please email Tahani Saridar or call 020 7584 6457.

The Power of Partnership

End of Life Care for People with Dementia Conference

10th December 2009 Regent’s College London

Keynote Speakers:

• Phil Hope MP, Minister of State for Care Services
• National Director for Older People & Dementia

For more information contact: Theresa Tsui at the National Council for Palliative Care, tel: 020 7697 1520, email: t.tsui@ncpc.org.uk

The Brain and Spine Foundation change of address

(see pic)

Brain Haemorrhage Support Group’s A.G.M.

The Brain Haemorrhage Support Group’s A.G.M. convened at Neurosupport in October, and PALS Manager Tony Murphy addressed the meeting talking about his experiences in the service since it began 7 years ago.   Chair, Maureen Mellor, presented the group’s annual report which highlighted the group’s achievements over the last 12 months.

The Road 2 Recovery course’s have been greatly appreciated and are a join initiative with The Walton Centre and are funded by the Brain Haemorrhage Support Group. This course provides vital information and support to patients who have recently been discharged from hospital, and family members or friends are also invited to attend the course.  The course is run over a 4 weeks period on a Tuesday evening at Neurosupport, the next course starts on 17^th November 2009, if you would like more information about this or any future course you can contact a member of the group on 07895243667 or  dennymacaulay@blueyonder.co.uk

Neurosupport welcomes Alec Hughes

‘Hi my name is Alec and I have just joined Neurosupport in the new position of Engagement Worker. I have come from a business background and I have been employed to raise the profile of Neurosupport and help to ‘signpost’ people to our vast range of services. It is my hope that we will become a household name and become the first port of call for anybody who has been directly or indirectly affected by a neurological condition.

I am genuinely looking forward to working with Neurosupport and sincerely hope I can add more benefit to what is already a fantastic organisation, which in my opinion has shown me that it really will go that ‘extra mile’ to help whoever has need of its services.

If you would like to chat with me about what Neurosupport can offer, please feel free to email me at: alec@neurosupport.org.uk or call me on 0151 298 2999.’

Parkinson’s Disease Meeting

On 6 November 2009, PDS branches from Ormskirk, Southport and Sefton along with other Parkinson’s support groups came along to listen to Dr Allussi from The Walton Centre.  Dr Alussi talked about brain stimulation and how it affects the brain.

The Parkinson’s Central Liverpool Branch always meet at Neurosupport on the first Friday of the month between 2-4pm. Please check with Neurosupport for all details.

World AIDS Day

Attend Sahir House World Aids Day Candlelit Vigil, December 1^st, Mountford Hall, Liverpool University, 7pm – 8pm. This is a FREE event.  For more information or to request a World Aids Day Pack contact Serena Cavanagh 0151 708 9080.

www.sahir.uk.com

info@sahir.uk.com

Next Glance

The next edition of Glance is out in February 2010.  If you would like anything included send it to danny@neurosupport.org.uk or by post to the Neurosupport centre.  Your deadline is Monday 11 January 2010.

Neurosupport on the WWW

Don’t forget, you can tweet Neurosupport at www.twitter.com/Neuro_Support and for news and info of a neurological nature visit www.neurowords.tumblr.com

Glance October-November 2009

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

On Wednesday 14 October 2009 Neurosupport’s Annual General meeting takes place here at the Centre.

Speakers include:

• Presentation of the Neurosupport Annual Report by our chair, Ken Morris.
• Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disability, who will talk about government plans for Access to Work.
• Ann Ford, Care Quality Commission.
• Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Mike Storey.

The meeting will open at 1pm for lunch and the meeting proper will start at 1.30pm.

Invitations will be going out soon.  If you’d like to know more about Neurosupport, get a copy of our Annual Report contact Danny Start or Maureen Kelly at the centre – email danny@neurosupport.org.uk or telephone 0151 298 2999.

Want to be a

FRIEND OF NEUROSUPPORT?

Anyone can be a Friend of Neurosupport.  Friends of Neurosupport can give as much, or as little, of their time and goodwill as they want.  They can help us by using their skills and talents to help Neurosupport.  Whether it’s expertise in IT, Fundraising, Marketing, Administration—a Friend can support us in many ways.

To find out more about becoming a Friend of Neurosupport contact Maureen Kelly or Carolyn Garlick on 0151 298 2999.  Email Maureen@neurosupport.org.uk

MENTAL HEALTH WELL-BEING EVENT

This Event, to be held on Saturday October 17th at the Neurosupport Centre is to be hosted by Denise Fisher from the Charlie Waller Trust, which was set up in the wake of Charlie’s suicide in 1997 at the age of 28 years.

The aims of the workshop, which will run from 12pm to 3pm are:

• To raise awareness of depression and its symptoms through education and training individuals to recognise and help treat common mental health problems.
• To encourage and support those suffering with depression to seek professional help.
• To reduce the stigma of depression.
• To look at ways an individual can support herself/himself through depression

Demand for the course is expected to be high, as we can only offer 30 places plus a buffet lunch—so we would advise, if you are interested, to book your place as soon as possible.  This can be easily done by phoning our Reception on 0151 298 2999 and adding your name to the list.  Alternatively you can visit the centre or email Lorna Mograby, NeuroLife Co-ordinator, at lorna@neurosupport.org.uk

For more information on the Charlie Waller Trust visit www.cwmt.org

ASBAH FAMILY DAY

The Association for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus is organising a FAMILY DAY to be held at the National Coal Mining Museum For England in Wakefield on Saturday 31st October.

Details to be arranged but for further information, contact Angela Lansley angelal@asbah.org or Asbah Northern Region on 0113 255 6767 email: nro@asbh.org

NEUR-09

A fundraising gig, Neur-09, for Neurosupport took place on 9 September 2009 at the Great Hall of Liverpool Hope University’s Cornerstone campus.  The gig included Xander and the Peace Pirates, The Black Jackals and Jonny and the Jazz Mags.

At time of writing the amount raised is still being tallied up but we’d like to thank Desmond L Bannon—Luxury Chauffeur Service, Arriva, Virgin Holidays, La Tasca, Mercury ITC, J Sainsbury plc, Asda, Hair at Halewoods, Boots, Liverpool Playhouse, Huntingtons Association, Alzheimer’s Society for their contributions which helped our raffle raise some welcome funds.  We’d also like to thanks the bands for giving their time and talent and making it a groovy rocking night (some bad Dad dancing from Neurosupport staff).  And a big thanks to Frank Madariaga for organising the gig—muchas gracias!

NEURO-CORRIE

Just a few lines to tell the story of our Events/Marketing Officer, Danny Start, who disappeared from his desk for three weeks in August to take up a placement in the Story Department of Coronation Street.  Danny will soon get to write a trial script for Corrie—so keep watching!

AN EVENING WITH NEUROLIFE

On 17 September Neurosupport hosted an evening of Art, Words and Music—celebrating the work of members of NeuroLife’s various Art groups.  We’d like to thank Sarah Kelly, Danny Kilgallen and Megan for organising the evening—fantastic and well done!

For more information about NeuroLife and all it has to offer, its courses and activities, contact Lorna at lorna@neurosupport.org.uk and 0151 298 2999

NEUROSUPPORT ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

If you’re online then our main website www.neurousupport.org.uk is your first port of call for all the information you need on Neurosupport and our services.

But did you know we have an array of micro-sites you can visit to continue your Neurosupport and neurological reading?

www.neurowords.tumblr.com – will keep you up to date with current events and neurological news.

www.twitter.com/Neuro_Support - is our Twitter site, so feel free to give us a ‘tweet’!

www.glancenewsletter.tumblr.com is a text only version of Glance – get our newsletter online in an easily readable format.

www.justgiving.com/neurosupport - is our fundraising site, so if you have any ideas on how we might raise more funds, or want to make a donation, this is the place to go.

NEUROSUPPORT AT DAD

The team from Neurosupport attended the Disability Awareness Day in Warrington’s Walton Hall Gardens on Sunday 12 July.  Our Friends initiative was officially launched and staff and volunteers took part in the fun and games and, decked in spanking new Neurosupport t-shirts, spread the Neuro Word.

UNDER AND OVER

Another hightlight of July was the walk, by staff, friends and volunteers, under and over the River Mersey (see last edition of Glance).  So far we have raised £650 and there’s more coming.  So, again—thanks to everyone for their sterling efforts and blistered feet.  They are really a dedicated, cheerful and energetic bunch.

And if…

You would like to get involved in fundraising for Neurosupport, if you have any great ideas how we can raise money and have fun too—contact Maureen Kelly on 0151 298 2999, Maureen@neurosupport.org.uk or go to www.justgiving.com/neurosupport Many thanks!

WELL DONE ALAN!

Alan Rimmer, a regular Neurosupport volunteer for two years now, has just passed his NFCE Level 2 Certificate in Volunteeering.  Well done Alan—and get those certificates framed.

LIVERPOOL CARERS’ REFERENCE GROUP

Liverpool Carers Forum is a group of carers and former carers who work together to raise awareness of carers and the issues affecting them.  The primary aim of the Carers Forum is to give carers in Liverpool a greater say in the support they receive.

The Forum would like more carers and former carers to join them by signing up to the Carers’ Reference Group, which will work with them in a variety of ways including:

• Informing
• Advising
• Looking at options

If you would like to find out more please contact Kathy Newton at Local Solutions’ Carers Project, Mount Vernon Green, Free post LV7017 Liverpool, L7 8BR, tel: 0151 705 2390, email address: knewton@localsolutions.org.uk.

NEADS (Non Epileptic Attack Disorder)

The first ever national gathering for people affected by Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) is being held on Thursday, 12th November at Neurosupport and featuring a talk and Question and Answer session by leading authority on NEAD Professor Gus Baker, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Walton Centre. Cost - £10. For further information please contact Tony Murphy, PALS Manager at The Walton Centre on 0151-529-6100 or email tony.murphy@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk

New Support Groups…

Did you know there are new support groups on Merseyside and North Wales for people affected by a range of spinal conditions including:

• Arnold Chiari Malformation
• Syringomyelia
• Caude Equina Syndrome

For further information please contact Tony Murphy, PALS Manager at The Walton Centre on 0151-529-6100 or email tony.murphy@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk

TONY HADLEY TO PERFORM AT DINNER FOR THE HDA

Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet will be performing at an exclusive black tie dinner for the Huntington’s Disease Association on 30th October 2009 in Liverpool.  If you are interested in attending this special event, please contact our Head Office via email: info@hda.org.uk or call 0151 298 3298 to register your interest.

NATIONAL CARERS STRATEGY

Liverpool City Council’s Carers Joint Commissioning Group is developing their plan for carers’ services based around the outcomes in the National Carers Strategy and they want input from carers to ensure that it is grounded in reality.  They have asked Liverpool Carers Centre to consult with carers to find out about their needs and the support and services they want; they want to know from carers what would make a positive difference to or improve their lives.

The consultation period runs until 31st October.  For more details contact Liverpool Carers Centre at KNewton@localsolutions.org.uk

POETRY: GORDON MILLWARD

Watch this space: soon a book of poetry will be published, penned by regular Neurosupport visitor, volunteer and all round good egg—Gordon Millward.  Gordon has Parkinson’s and his poetry has been an inspiration to us all over the years—rattling good rhymes which everyone can identify with.  Proceeds from the book will go to Neurosupport, the Walton Centre and the Parkinson’s Disease Society.  Email Alan Clark, alanclark153@talktalk.net for more information.

“Providing practical and emotional support to improve the quality of life for all people affected by a brain haemorrhage.”

A.G.M. – MONDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2009

The Brain Haemorrhage Support Group will be hosting it’s first Annual General Meeting at Neurosupport on Monday 26th October 2009 at 7pm.

If you would like to attend this meeting please confirm your attendance by emailing the group at bhsupport@live.co.uk or leave a message at Neurosupport on 0151 298 2999 saying you will be attending the BHS AGM.  We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating our first year.

JOSEPH PATON: sponsored walk

On 30 August Joseph Paton and Friends set out on a sponsored walk from Scarisbrick to Liverpool via the Leeds-Liverpool canal—for the benefit of the Brain Tumour Group which meets at Neurosupport.  The walk started at 7am and finished at one minute past 3pm—a distance of just over 20 miles!  The walk raised just over £800.  A big thank you to Joseph and all the walkers who accompanied him.  Joseph would lke to thank all his sponsors and fellow walkers

Joseph and Co are planning another walk to the summit of Snowdon next year.  Best wishes and good luck to all from all here at Neurosupport.

Ps: Joseph is a talented artist and Neurosupport plans to have some of his paintings on display as we approach Xmas time.  They are for sale too and the proceeds will go to Neurosupport.  Big thanks Joseph!

NEXT ISSUE OF GLANCE

If you have any information you’d like included in Glance, our next issue is out at the end of November—so get your news to danny@neurosupport.org.uk by Monday 2 November and we will do our best to include it.  Or just post it to Danny at the Neurosupport address.

Glance August-September 2009

Want to be a FRIEND OF NEUROSUPPORT? Neurosupport attended the Disability Awareness Day in Warrington on 12 July 2009 and, as well as handing out tons of information, we also officially launched our quest to make as many new ‘Friends’ as we can. Anyone can be a Friend of Neurosupport. You don’t have to have any personal experience of a Neurological condition—but, in our experience, most people will know of someone—be it a family member or friend—who has a Neurological illness or impairment. Friends of Neurosupport can give as much, or as little, of their time and goodwill as they want. They can help us by using their skills and talents to help Neurosupport. Whether it’s expertise in IT, Fundraising, Marketing, Administration—a Friend can support us in many ways. Or a Friend can simply be an ambassador for Neurosupport—helping spread the word about us, telling the world what a fantastic job we do. Becoming a Friend… • …Will keep you informed—you will receive our bi-monthly newsletter, Glance, and our Annual Report. • …Is a great way to meet new people and have fun—while at the same time supporting a good cause! • …Will see you invited to all our events,including our Annual General Meeting. • Will get you a smart Friends of Neurosupport badge. To find out more about becoming a Friend of Neurosupport contact Maureen Kelly or Carolyn Garlick on 0151 298 2999. Or email Maureen@neurosupport.org.uk NEUR-09 Benefit Gig for Neurosupport—a charity which supports people with neurological conditions Wednesday 9 September 2009 Neur-09 Concert @ The Cornerstone Liverpool Hope University Haigh Street Liverpool (off Upper Islington) Time: 8.00pm Tickets: £5.00 Live-Acoustic performances by  Xander and the Peace Pirates  The Black Jackals  Jonny and the Jazz Mags For more information contact Frank Madariaga on 0151 298 2999 / 07974 282142 or email frank@neurosupport.org.uk Or go to www.090909.tumblr.com for all the information and www.twitter.com/090909 for all the chat! Brain Haemorrhage (BH) Support Group—Road to Recovery Course The BH Support Group hosted it’s third Road to Recovery course in June. Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr Javadpour, spoke to the group about sub-arachnoid haemorrhages, the effects they have on a person and the treatment offered. Members of the course then had the opportunity to ask questions and speak to others who have experience sub-arachnoid haemorrhages. For more information about the BH Group contact Tony Murphy, PALS officer at the Walton Centre—on 0151 529 6100. Or email the group at bhsupport@live.co.uk NB: The group meets next on 8th September 09 from 2-4pm STOP PRESS: Joseph Peyton, a member of the BH group will be doing a sponsored walk with fiver others, along the Leeds-Liverpool canal, starting at Scarisbarick and finishing at Liverpool’s Pier Head—a total of 18 miles! Joseph had to learn how to walk all over again after experiencing a a haemorrhage and operation some 11 years ago and now walks without a stick—so this is something of an achievement. If you would like to know more about the walk, and perhaps sponsor Joseph then contact the BH Group at bhsupport@live.co.uk STOP PRESS 2: Joseph also joined staff and volunteers of Neurosupport to walk under and over the River Mersey on 19 July—so a busy and energetic time for Joseph. We wish him well. Carers Week 2009 Neurosupport took a pile of information over to Liverpool’s St George’s Hall on Tuesday 9 June 09 or a major Carers Week event—charitable and health sector organisations from all over Merseyside were there to offer the best in advice and information to Carers. And on Wednesday 10 June Neurosupport said it’s own thank to you to Carers with a Coffee and Cake morning—lots of cake and the chance to unwind and chat over a cup of cake and coffee. So thanks to Sayers (for the cakes) and PricebyPrice.com (tea and coffee) which helped make the morning a cake-eating, coffee and tea drinking success. For more on Carers Week go to www.carersweek.org For more on Price by Price go to www.pricebyprice.com MS Challenge Event The MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Challenge is an annual event that takes place in Capel Curig on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. The aim of the event is to raise money for MS therapy centres around the UK and this year staff and volunteers from Neurosupport are among the sponsors for Neurosupport volunteer Keith Edmondson who took part in this year’s Challenge. Keith attends the Multiple Sclerosis Support Centre in Chester, which is an independent local charity that offers practical support, therapies and helpful strategies to manage the symptoms of MS as effectively as possible in a happy, supportive and understanding environment. Individuals are encouraged to take a positive attitude towards the management of their symptoms, allowing them to take control of their lives with MS, rather than MS controlling them. The Challenge itself, took place on the 3rd/4th/ 5th July, involved a team carrying a person with MS in a converted wheel chair over a natural assault course of approximately 10km. Keith’s done it before and this year succeeded again! Keith would like to thank everyone at Neurosupport for their generous help: ‘Though it’s not comfortable wading through waist deep bogs, treacherous river crossings, climbing very steep hills, negotiating dense forest with fallen trees and many other hidden obstacles—it’s great fun! And the MS Centre benefits with all your generous help—big thanks!’ MERVYN PEAKE AWARD The first two weeks of August sees a selection of art from this year’s Mervyn Peake awards come to Neurosupport. Mervyn Peake, author of the Gormenghast Trilogy and a prolific artist, developed Parkinson’s Disease and the Parkinson’s Disease Society has organised this competition and exhibition to recognise his work and the great art produced by today’s artists with Parkinson’s. The exhibition opens at Neurosupport on 27 July and runs until 10 August. For more on the Mervyn Peake visit www.mervynpeake.org and for more on the awards visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/mervynpeake For more about the exhibition at Neurosupport contact Danny Start at danny@neurosupport.org.uk NEUROSUPPORT ‘UNDER AND OVER’ A team of hardy walkers from Neurosupport undertook the walk under the Mersey on 19 July—and got the ferry back to Liverpool! All part of their fundraising walk for Neurosupport—‘Under and Over’ the Mersey. A few blisters were reported but everyone came back flushed with success! (and a little out of puff!) AN EVENING WITH NEUROLIFE On 17 September Neurosupport will host an evening of Art, Words and Music—celebrating the work of members of NeuroLife’s various Art groups. Starting at 6.30pm and ending at 7.30pm the evening will show how NeuroLife’s work is central to our work and how it helps increase the confidence and health of people with neurological conditions—and it will say a big thank you to the members of NeuroLife’s art classes for all the creativity they have brought to Neurosupport. If you’d like to know more about An Evening with NeuroLife contact Sarah, Danny and Megan at scarlett.inc@hotmail.co.uk For more about NeuroLife contact Lorna at lorna@neurosupport.org.uk and 0151 298 2999 NEUROSUPPORT ON THE INTERNET Visit our sites: • www.neurosupport.org.uk • www.neurowords.tumblr.com For loads of information and chat. And don’t forget to ‘tweet’ us too by going to www.twitter.com/Neuro_Support And if you would like to help Neurosupport with fundraising go to www.justgiving.com/neurosupport NEUROSUPPORT—NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF Lorna Mograby Hi my name is Lorna and I have recently taken over as the new NeuroLife Co-ordinator. I come from both an Advice and Guidance background as well as a Counselling background and have been involved in helping clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, maximise their potential through training, confidence building, positive thinking and mentoring. I hope to be able to meet those of you who are undertaking NeuroLife courses in the near future. Just to let you know that the next batch of courses will be starting in September. These include all your ‘old favourites ‘ which I am sure you will enjoy and find beneficial, at the same time. For further information about the courses, on offer please call 0151 298 2999 or email me at lorna@neurosupport.org.uk P.S. For anyone interested, we are hosting a Mental Health Awareness event at Neurosupport October 17. More details to follow in the next Glance—but if you would like to know more please get in touch. Jan Comer Hi everyone my name is Jan Comer, I am the new Vocational Guidance Worker for the Working Life Service. I will be liaising with clients, local businesses and education centres to find appropriate work, work placements and training for people with neurological conditions. If you would like to contact me for support my e-mail is janet@neurosupport.org.uk or 0151 298 2999. Its worth getting in touch even if you don’t need anything—there is usually something going on that you can get involved with in the centre, such as confidence building, yoga and life coaching. My previous posts have been Advice and guidance worker for the Opportunities shop in Marsh Lane Bootle, Next Steps Adviser and Lottery Project Worker, Advocacy Worker with People First in Southport and Bootle, and Facilitator with 3tc UK Online Centre in Crosby. ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH NEUROLOGISTS—FUN RUN The Association of British Neurologists held their annual conference in Liverpool from Monday 22 June to Friday 26 June. The venue was the spectacular new Arena and Convention Centre and the Spanish Society of Neurology were guests. As part of the programme the ABN organised a Fun Run and a neurologist or two, including Dr Mike Boggild, donned a Neurosupport T-shirt for the jog along the Waterfront. Many thanks! PARKINSON’S DISEASE MEETING Dr Andrew Larner will speak to a PD meeting on 11th September. A lot of interest is expected so if you would like to come along contact Tony Murphy, PALS Officer at the Walton Centre for more information—tony.murphy@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk and 0151 529 6100 THE DYSTONIA SOCIETY The Dystonia Society held a meeting at Neurosupport on 18th July and wide range of topics were discussed—one of which, the possibility of the group having a day out in August, to Norton Priory, was discussed. If you would like to know more about your local Dystonia group contact Ian Pickett on 0845 899 7126 NEXT ISSUE OF GLANCE If you have any information of a neurological nature you’d like included in Glance—our next issue is out in October. So get your news to danny@neurosupport.org.uk by Monday 31 August and we will do our best to include it.