Milton Keynes Branch News
Urgently seeking volunteers
Every day in the UK, three people die of motor neurone disease (MND). In this country alone, MND affects over 5,000 people at any one time. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. The cause is unknown and there is no cure. The MND Association was established in 1979 and aims to ensure that people affected by MND by MND can secure the care and support they need, whilst promoting research into causes and treatments. The Association has over 80 local Branches across the country and is presently urgently looking for volunteers in North Bucks to visit people living with the disease.
Could you be a visitor for the Association?
We are urgently looking to recruit people who are interested in offering support and friendship to people affected by MND by making regular telephone contact and visiting people either in their home or in residential care. By becoming a visitor you could make a big difference to someone with MND by helping us as Association Visitor. Full training is provided and expenses are paid.
If you are wondering whether you could take on this rewarding and essential role then please contact Ruth Clark, Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, telephone: 01453 836201, email: ruth.clark@mndassociation.org to find out more about the role, training provided etc.
Useful information for carers
Carers - Have you contacted The Centre for Integrated Living? (Tel: 01908 231344) This is a fantastic resource and they can offer all sorts of information on leisure facilities, holidays, shopping centres, theatre, cinemas, National Trust properties, gardens, entertainment generally, that is accessible for people in wheelchairs.
The Carers Project (Tel: 01908 231703) in Milton Keynes is also another really useful resource.
Brian Wilson, a carer, recommends that people who provide 24 hour care for their loved ones apply to be assessed for help through Social Services. For example, help with gardening, cooking, cleaning etc to give them some respite. It is not means tested. This new flexibility has come about because of the government's concern that more people should be allowed to stay at home rather than go into a home. This has led to a change in the rules for support which were previously centred on the incapacitated person.
Annie Wilkes our branch/visitor contact writes:-
Having a dedicated phone line for MND matters is proving invaluable living with teenagers in a fairly noisy house. I can retreat to the quiet of my study where the phone is positioned to answer calls, and when I am out during the day-time the answer machine can record messages in privacy.
On average I get about six incoming calls a week, mainly asking for information about equipment/ donations/ publicity. After the initial first months of being a bit anxious about these calls I am getting more knowledgeable about whom to contact and how to deal with these queries as time progresses.
I have been in touch with all those people with MND in our Branch through letters and phone calls about open meetings and informing about all the support we can provide. The phone contact can range from a quick two minute call to a much lengthier twenty minute one, when the person phoning needs to talk and unburden their mixed emotions/anxieties/highs and lows of life.
If you need help or advice, Annie may be contacted on 01280 814024
FUND RAISING NEWS
The “Walk to d’feet MND” around Willen Lake last summer was a great success and raised £660. We plan to repeat this event this year.
The Fundraising sub committee was formed on 19th October comprising of Charles /Annette/Ian/Julia/Sue/ (Chairman will be Ian Anker) and has set a £5,000 target for 2006.
Sainsbury’s Bletchley collection for MND Association took place on 16th Dec and raised over £500.