BRANCH BLOGDue to a lack of input, the 'blog' on this website has been cancelled. However, if you wish to comment please visit us on Facebook or email us.
|
2012 AGM
The 2012 AGM in May was well attended with people travelling from far and wide to join in.
Furthest travelled was our member Timothy from Hoorn in Holland, who is pictured here with his support worker Danielle. |
Blaze of Glory
Local artist Allison Davis' oil painting 'Blaze of Glory' was raffled off at the MS Resource Centre on Main Street on 30th April. The winning ticket, Blue 46, was bought by Gillian Evans of the Douglas Grant Rehab Centre. Originally white ticket number 39 was drawn but the ticket holder, J.Glen from Dalry, declined the prize and gave permission for us to re-draw it. Thanks to all who supported this draw and to Allison for donating the painting.
BRANCH NEWS
Young Carers - Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund Update
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling disease of the central nervous system and affects over 10,400 people in Scotland with diagnosis generally between 20 and 40 years. Two women have MS for every one man. Although clinical research is promising there is no cure for MS but drugs, therapies and good care can modify its course and progression.
Many young people are being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at an earlier and earlier age. This is largely due to a wider range of investigations available under the NHS and increasing awareness of the condition amongst many health care professionals, including general practitioners and hospital based consultant medical staff. NHS and Social Services are gradually being improved to ensure that young people with MS, their families and carers can live life to the fullest possible extent. The local Branch of the Society in Ayrshire wishes to play its full part in these developments
Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund - Following the sad death of young Robbie Dickie of Ayr in a traffic accident, his family, friends and colleagues wished to positively commemorate his tragically short life by helping young people affected by multiple sclerosis. The personal connection was Robbie’s mother, Helen, a registered nurse, who was an active volunteer of the Ayrshire Branch and served on their local Committee. Regrettably she died of complications of the condition. Following an approach from the family, the Branch agreed to establish and administer a Memorial Fund.It promised to match pound for pound monies raised.
Ayrshire and Arran Branch of the Society - With over 440 members the Branch is the largest in Scotland and possibly the UK. It is run entirely by volunteers, has no paid staff and provides local, practical and emotional assistance through its team of trained volunteer staff. Due to the ongoing support of the local community over 40 years and excellent stewardship, it is currently in a position to administer annually over £25,000 of individual local grants for support needed but not available from Government agencies, It has donated £45,000 from Branch funds to Edinburgh based MS research in the last two years.
Applications – The Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund is targeted specifically at young people diagnosed with MS and young people involved in caring for someone with MS. It is NOT intended to replace the work of the statutory agencies. It will approve one-off financial grants to help fulfil all round life potential. Grants could include assistance with individual and personal development (education, respite breaks, driving lessons, sports/leisure activities), travel and subsistence grants for courses to broaden awareness of MS and caring responsibilities etc. These are illustrative only. All enquiries will be considered sympathetically and in strict confidence. In the first instance call our local Resource Centre - tel 01294 558866 - for advice before submitting formal application.
MEMBERS SEE REVAMPED PAVILION
Over 30 members of the branch attended an afternoon tea at Pavilion 11, of Ayrshire Central Hospital on 13th February, in recognition of the support provided to the Health Board in the form of furniture,soft furnishings, televisions, DVD players and other items that will enhance the quality of life and experience for patients using the unit.
Branch Chairman George McLachlan acknowledged the contribution made by the Board in improving the environment for patients and staff. He particularly, however, paid tribute to the staff from Hunterston B who provided £25,000 to buy much needed equipment including lifting hoists and a specialised shower. The local branch of the Society had topped up this generous donation adding £3,500 to the fund. George also thanked the clinical team, led by Dr Paul Mattison, for all their support to our members and patients with MS. The local branch enjoys excellent working relationships with the staff in the Douglas Grant Unit. Hew Mathewson, the newly elected Chair of the Scottish Council, attended and was impressed with the facilities for patients and staff. Members were very pleased to see the refurbished unit including the new treatment room where patients now receive day care and treatment in a bright, modern facility with comfortable reclining chairs.
To see photos of the unit click here.
IF YOU HAVE NEWS FOR INCLUSION, PLEASE LET US KNOW!
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling disease of the central nervous system and affects over 10,400 people in Scotland with diagnosis generally between 20 and 40 years. Two women have MS for every one man. Although clinical research is promising there is no cure for MS but drugs, therapies and good care can modify its course and progression.
Many young people are being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at an earlier and earlier age. This is largely due to a wider range of investigations available under the NHS and increasing awareness of the condition amongst many health care professionals, including general practitioners and hospital based consultant medical staff. NHS and Social Services are gradually being improved to ensure that young people with MS, their families and carers can live life to the fullest possible extent. The local Branch of the Society in Ayrshire wishes to play its full part in these developments
Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund - Following the sad death of young Robbie Dickie of Ayr in a traffic accident, his family, friends and colleagues wished to positively commemorate his tragically short life by helping young people affected by multiple sclerosis. The personal connection was Robbie’s mother, Helen, a registered nurse, who was an active volunteer of the Ayrshire Branch and served on their local Committee. Regrettably she died of complications of the condition. Following an approach from the family, the Branch agreed to establish and administer a Memorial Fund.It promised to match pound for pound monies raised.
Ayrshire and Arran Branch of the Society - With over 440 members the Branch is the largest in Scotland and possibly the UK. It is run entirely by volunteers, has no paid staff and provides local, practical and emotional assistance through its team of trained volunteer staff. Due to the ongoing support of the local community over 40 years and excellent stewardship, it is currently in a position to administer annually over £25,000 of individual local grants for support needed but not available from Government agencies, It has donated £45,000 from Branch funds to Edinburgh based MS research in the last two years.
Applications – The Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund is targeted specifically at young people diagnosed with MS and young people involved in caring for someone with MS. It is NOT intended to replace the work of the statutory agencies. It will approve one-off financial grants to help fulfil all round life potential. Grants could include assistance with individual and personal development (education, respite breaks, driving lessons, sports/leisure activities), travel and subsistence grants for courses to broaden awareness of MS and caring responsibilities etc. These are illustrative only. All enquiries will be considered sympathetically and in strict confidence. In the first instance call our local Resource Centre - tel 01294 558866 - for advice before submitting formal application.
MEMBERS SEE REVAMPED PAVILION
Over 30 members of the branch attended an afternoon tea at Pavilion 11, of Ayrshire Central Hospital on 13th February, in recognition of the support provided to the Health Board in the form of furniture,soft furnishings, televisions, DVD players and other items that will enhance the quality of life and experience for patients using the unit.
Branch Chairman George McLachlan acknowledged the contribution made by the Board in improving the environment for patients and staff. He particularly, however, paid tribute to the staff from Hunterston B who provided £25,000 to buy much needed equipment including lifting hoists and a specialised shower. The local branch of the Society had topped up this generous donation adding £3,500 to the fund. George also thanked the clinical team, led by Dr Paul Mattison, for all their support to our members and patients with MS. The local branch enjoys excellent working relationships with the staff in the Douglas Grant Unit. Hew Mathewson, the newly elected Chair of the Scottish Council, attended and was impressed with the facilities for patients and staff. Members were very pleased to see the refurbished unit including the new treatment room where patients now receive day care and treatment in a bright, modern facility with comfortable reclining chairs.
To see photos of the unit click here.
IF YOU HAVE NEWS FOR INCLUSION, PLEASE LET US KNOW!
