Shine Together e-Magazine - Spring 2020

Spring 2020 Issue 26

Caring for you in a Crisis How Shine help during tough times…

Maps, Memories, Media and More Making smartphones work for you…

Research, Studies and Surveys Have your say on important issues…

Little Stars Shine Bright Breaking ground for 0-10 year olds…

Plus lots more exciting Shine news inside!

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Spring 2020

An update from Kate After many months of Brexit, economic instability, the miserable winter weather and the Coronavirus, I hope that this Spring edition of Together will fill you with information, inspiration and ideas for the summer months.

In this edition, we have captured members’ stories to demonstrate how a little advice and support from Shine can go a long way – it’s something we don’t shout about often enough, but we need to.

We need to so that; •

everyone understands what we do, and feels confident in coming to us for help

•

we can offer you access to networks and new opportunities

•

people will help us fundraise to keep our work going

•

we’re reminded about the real difference Shine makes to so many lives

With that in mind, I want to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to some of those people who have really helped to make a difference Angela Lansley, our Support and Development Worker from Liverpool, retired in March after almost 42 years of service. Yes, that’s right – 42 years!

Joanne Grenfell, our Education Officer, for the North of England, is also retiring after 21 years.

Liz Tadd is stepping down as Chairman of Shine Surrey, a local association that has maintained close links and supported Shine and members in Surrey for many years.

We cannot thank you Angela, Joanne and Liz enough for all the years of dedication they have given our community of people whose lives have been affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and other conditions.

Our Autumn 2019 edition of Together was a digital version. It was a trial as we fully intended to move to communicating with you in this way, as we considered it more convenient for you, and more costeffective for us. However, your feedback suggests that most of you much prefer to get a hard copy of Together through your door. We’re delighted to hear that, as it means we can tell more of our members across England, Wales and Northern Ireland about the fantastic work we do!

Kate Steele Chief Executive

Neurodiversity in the workplace As many as one in seven UK workers are neurodiverse There is a new handbook which explores how creative industries can embrace neurodiversity. It has been designed by Music, a creative consultancy, and brings together knowledge to show “there is no standard brain”.

If you are neurodiverse and work in a creative workplace it could be worth sharing with your employers so they can better support you.

The handbook can be accessed online at here and is accompanied by a series of animations that document the lived experiences of eight neurodiverse people.

Spring 2020

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Prenatal surgery services commissioned In September 2019, the NHS announced it would commission services to carry out open surgery in the womb for babies with spina bifida.

They have now announced that the two centres which have been commissioned are University College London Hospital (UCHL) with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, and Leuven in Belgium. Parents-to-be in the South of England and South Wales will be referred to UCLH, while those in the North of England, North Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will be referred to Leuven. This surgery is available on the NHS. Fetoscopic surgery is an alternative ‘keyhole’ approach, is available at Kings College Hospital, London but is not an NHS service. Visit our website for more information.

First dissolvable catheter In a bid to reduce plastic pollution, Hunter Urology have unveiled the world’s first dissolvable female catheter for intermittent self catheterisation. The Emteva Pure can be fully dissolved in water after just 30-60 minutes, meaning it doesn’t contribute to landfill or ocean pollution.

Easy to dispose of, the catheter also comes with a fully recyclable box and packaging, further helping to reduce waste. It has a handy gripper for easy use and a unique cap, allowing you to drain away whenever you’re ready.

To see the catheter dissolve, watch the video at www.hunterurology.com

Hydrocephalus and Learning Seminars 2020 Shine has been raising awareness about hydrocephalus, and its effect on learning, by organising more twilight seminars across England in 2020, hoping for a repeat of last year’s success.

The information and strategies sessions began during Hydrocephalus Awareness Week in February for school staff, SEND teams and parent/carers focusing on hydrocephalus in school settings.

They covered: •

the causes of and treatments for hydrocephalus

•

raising awareness of how hydrocephalus can affect learning

Thanks to the hydrocephalus nurses, professionals, parents and adults with the condition for sharing their perspectives at the first events in Liverpool and Birmingham. With the boundaries imposed on us all by Coronavirus, we will be re-visiting running these sessions, using a virtual format, later in the year.

In the meantime, if you need assistance for home schooling and learning, please visit our website for tips here If you need any advice from Shine, please feel free to contact us on our helpline.

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Spring 2020

Want to take part in research studies?

Members tell us frequently that more needs to be done to improve the health and quality of life for people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which is why here at Shine, we’re delighted to be involved in many exciting research projects. From prenatal surgery for spina bifida, to navigation ability in adults with hydrocephalus, there’s lots going on and we’d love to hear your thoughts.

A ground-breaking study is looking for volunteers with hydrocephalus to take part in a series of trials to help better understand the impact of the condition on finding your way around.

Dr Alastair Smith, who leads the project on behalf of the University of Plymouth, said “Whether we are retracing the steps on our daily commute, or exploring a place for the first time, spatial navigation is fundamental to our lives. This skill requires a complex synthesis of psychological functions, including our ability to perceive the world around us, focus on the useful features within it, and to successfully remember that information to assist future journeys. While many of us experience difficulty at some point in our lives, there are some people who experience lifelong impairment, and they rarely have their needs recognised or met.”

Meanwhile, Shine has also partnered with the Universities of Nottingham and Bedford, both of which are looking into how physical activity and exercise could improve the many health issues people with spina bifida encounter.

If you’d like to take part in either study, or for more information, get in touch by email at health@shinecharity.org.uk

Adult survey -1000 voices Members with spina bifida tell us their healthcare stops after paediatric services, leaving them to develop serious health problems. Very few services exist to monitor members’ health, and care, if available, is fragmented and reactive. We think this is a disgrace, but to get anything changed we need evidence. How does your condition affect you? How has this changed over the years?

If you are 25 or over and have spina bifida please add your voice to ‘1000 Voices’, Shine’s campaign to improve health services from transition onwards by

completing the Adult Survey, either online here, or the paper copy we posted to you on 9th April 2020. If you need help, ask your SDW

Antenatal survey (an update) A while back, we asked parents to share their experiences of antenatal diagnosis of spina bifida. We received many heartbreaking stories. From parents who felt rushed to decide whether to end their pregnancy, often being encouraged to do so with little information offered, to those of you who told of your babies being described in degrading terms. Often, parents were told the condition would affect their child much more severely than was actually the case.

For some of you, care was sensitive and supportive, options were outlined but not pushed, and you were given Shine’s details for extra support - so we knew things could get better!

What has Shine done with this information?

• Worked with Public Health England (PHE) on written information that will be offered to all parents-to-be with a diagnosis of anencephaly or spina bifida • Worked to improve the experience when parents have unexpected findings on their ultrasound, with consensus on language and conduct during scans • PHE now ensures all parents-to-be are referred to Fetal Medicine within three days of diagnosis • Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are now looking at a care pathway from diagnosis to the birth of babies with developmental conditions. There’s a long way to go, but these measures should help parents in the future.

Spring 2020

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areShining

Bright

Shine’s Little Stars is our flagship programme for members aged 0 to 10 and their families. Building on the success of our early intervention projects in Wales and Northern Ireland, children in England can now receive the same proactive, enhanced membership offer to support them in achieving the best possible outcomes.

If you’ve not provided Shine with an email address, or need to update the one we hold for you, this is the time to do it, don’t miss out! – you can notify us of any changes to your contact details via our website, telephone or email

Over the past few months, the Little Stars team have been busy developing exciting new materials, adding information to our website, and setting up a closed community group on Facebook for parents to come together and share their experiences.

We’re also working hard to attend as many children’s spina bifida multidisciplinary clinics as possible so that we’re on hand to support and engage with you in person - make sure to look out for us at your little one’s next appointment.

“…If you’ve not

provided Shine with an email address, or need to update the one we hold for you, this is the time to do it!…”

Our specialists have been out and about at lots of national and regional conferences, and are also looking to host more family friendly social events for you to come along and meet fellow Shine members. All of these will be listed on our website once dates are confirmed.

In the summer, our most exciting development to date will see us introduce automated e-mail newsletters relevant to the age of your child. Each one is packed full of proactive support including health, education and welfare advice, and will be sent to you automatically as your child reaches that stage.

If you have any feedback about your Little Stars experience to date, or have ideas to help us develop the service further, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact our early intervention project manager at nicola.griffiths@shinecharity.org.uk

Case Study The help support and information we’ve had from Shine was beyond helpful. Shine has offered us hope and much needed support when we had nowhere else to turn. We feel like there is always someone to talk to, Shine has even put us in contact with other families.

Sarah and Dylan – Shine Members

Little Stars www.shinecharity.org.uk/littlestars Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/shineslittlestars

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Spring 2020

k irsty’s story...

Adult Shine member, and dedicated volunteer, Kirsty, is living with hydrocephalus. Prior to volunteering with us, a combination of the sad loss of her parents and a relocation to Wales meant Kirsty had very limited knowledge about her condition, other than that she’d had a shunt fitted as a baby.

Kirsty first got in touch as she was experiencing a lot of head pain, about which we were able to offer advice. Keen to understand more about hydrocephalus and her shunt, she became a regular at our social meetings and would often ask if there were any volunteering opportunities she could do while she was seeking employment.

it’s like to manage the condition on a daily basis.

Kirsty has volunteered and helped out at many Shine information stands and events and feels her confidence has gone from strength to strength. She’s able to talk about hydrocephalus and her personal experiences of how the condition has affected her. Additionally, she joys learning for her own benefit …Shine showed me by listening to the support and different techniques to development workers (SDWs), help me revise and was a as they share information with constant source of support members of the public.

“

to get me through the tough times…”

Before long, we offered Kirsty the positions of Shine Ambassador and Shine Buddy in Wales.

During the volunteer induction she met another young person who also had hydrocephalus and the two of them built a good rapport and understanding of what

Most recently, Kirsty has helped by offering peer support to new members following a hydrocephalus diagnosis. Many of these members are still trying to work after having a shunt fitted and her experience of working as a security is proving invaluable. She tells everyone that “Volunteering helped me both to get a job and in my job.”.

The path to achieving her role wasn’t easy. She found great difficulty in navigating to and from different places which caused severe panic and anxiety. She was unsure of where she was going when travelling for work or would get lost easily. “I soon realised that I needed routine and familiarity that I could learn and get used to” she said. When training to become a security officer, Kirsty found revising for the tests difficult. Speaking of the support she received support from us she says “Shine showed me different techniques to help me revise and was a constant source of support to get me through the tough times”.

We’re extremely grateful and proud of Kirsty for her amazing contribution as a Shine volunteer. She works long shifts and still finds the time and energy to help other members, whilst the experience is helping her manage the hidden constraints of her own condition in a truly positive way.

Spring 2020

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Simon’s story...

Adult member Simon has spina bifida and loves to challenge himself. He tries to do as many things as possible that people without spina bifida would do.

Race to the King – is 53 miles in one go.

This was only the first in a series of challenges where I’ve tried to push my limits. After my last operation (the Here, Simon tells us about his experiences.

20th) my surgeon said I would be unlikely to ride my bike again. At this point I had already completed many Being born with spina bifida meant I was born with a sportive cycles, including my first ever 100-mile event, hole in my spinal cord. I was born with talipes as well, therefore I was determined that this would not be the which meant I walked on my heels as the muscles case. With the support of the team at at the front were stronger than the ‘Energised Performance’, 8 months ones at the back. When I was 11, I after that operation I cycled from …Anyone can push had an operation which lengthened Cornwall to Bristol, where I was living. themselves out of their the shin muscles, allowing me to I arrived in Bristol on the day of the walk more on the balls of my feet. comfort zone to achieve World Cup Final in 2014.

However, this meant the calf muscles

“

things they believed they

were underdeveloped. It also means Since then I’ve been able to never could… that I am not able to have the same challenge myself on several movement in my feet as I should be occasions. I’ve completed, the mileable to and I have minimal use of the glute muscles. long ‘Swim Serpentine’, the 100-mile ‘Ride London’ and All of this means that my hamstrings and quadriceps the ‘Cotswold 113 half Distance’ Triathlon. I did this as complete an awful lot of my work when moving. part of a relay with my wife during which I swam and

”

In 2009 I was over 19 stone, and although I was involved in local football, I had no interest in doing sporting events, and would happily spend hours on my playstation. I required a series of operations that would make my life easier and, if I did not have these operations then the future would be very different. I needed to do something drastic.

I started going to the gym; watched what I ate, and I eventually lost enough weight to have the series of operations I needed. Once I had started losing the weight and the surgeries were finished, I needed a goal. I’d always dreamt of visiting some of the historical sites in the world, and in 2011 I stood at the Sun Gate, overlooking the sunrise in Machu Pichu, Peru, having trekked the world famous Inca Trail.

This took over 12 months of planning alongside the training. We did not know how my body would react to walking as far as required. The Inca Trail, despite being at altitude was only around 30 miles over the 5 days. In comparison, my latest walking challenge –

cycled whilst Marie ran the half Marathon.

Having challenged myself on many different levels, both physically and mentally, it felt right returning to walking activities, which was the first challenge I ever faced, rekindling my motivation and drive to keep pushing boundaries.

I’ve always had the most amazing, and supportive, family. They’ve encouraged me to do everything that I wanted to do. Even when I was younger and the doctors told my parents that I may not walk, I’m not sure that was ever going to be an option.

I have created blogs to talk about my experiences and to help inspire people to have the mental resolve to push the limits of what they have been told they would not reach and something that should be challenged.

To read Simon’s blogs and learn more about what drives him on here

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Spring 2020

We are here...

if you need us!

We’re preparing this magazine for you during an unprecedented time, which we realise will be creating a lot of uncertainty. Like everyone at the moment, at Shine we’re working hard to overcome the challenges COVID-19 (coronavirus) has brought.

Our priority remains the health and well-being of everyone who is affected by spina bifida, hydrocephalus and any associated conditions, and we wanted to take a few moments to reassure you that we’re committed to continuing to deliver our support, advice and information services for you throughout this testing period.

Although we’ve had to suspend face-to-face and group sessions to protect our members, staff and volunteers, here’s a reminder of the full range of services we offer, along with how to access them over the next few months.

•

News and Information – Up to date news and information about spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other related conditions is available on our website here.

In addition to existing health conditions, it’s really important that everyone follows the latest advice to help minimise the spread of coronavirus and increase our chances of getting a grip on it sooner.

•

Our website and social media are updated regularly with the latest coronavirus advice – you can find these at here and @ShineUKCharity

•

You can also find the latest Government advice – which is changing almost daily here

Please keep checking for new advice and

information as the crisis evolves.

General advice and support

Our network of regional Support and Development Workers (SDWs) are offering their normal support and advice over the phone and by email. If you need to get in touch, please contact your SDW directly. You can also contact our head office on 01733 555988.

Heidi Watson Director of Services at Shine “We’re relatively lucky in that our SDWs are already set up to work from home, so we can carry on with fairly minimal disruption. Although we can’t see you face to face until Government advice changes, we’re ready and waiting to help on the phone however we possibly can.”

Health advice

Our central Health Team is still available to answer your health-related questions, and can be contacted by phone or email.

FREE Health Checks

If you’re a Shine member aged 18+ with spina bifida or hydrocephalus, you can visit us at our

Spring 2020 Peterborough office once it re-opens, for a free comprehensive health check. It’s a chance to learn more about your condition, set wellbeing goals and get support with your healthcare.

Coming soon!

‘Virtual’ health checks - Same great service from the comfort of your own home. Soon, you’ll be able to take part in a virtual health check using your computer, smart phone or tablet via WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype.

To book a visit, or express your interest in our upcoming ‘virtual’ service, email health@shinecharity.org.uk Gill Yaz Health Manager at Shine “I’m positive that there will be a lot of members who need help and advice over the coming months. At a time when NHS services are going to be stretched to capacity, the service that Shine offers will no doubt prove even more of a life-line than normal. Please remember we are here and contact us whenever you need to via head office on 01733 555988.”

Online community

Shine’s incredible network of members, families, friends and supporters have always been fantastic at connecting through Facebook. Now, more than ever, this virtual community will come into its own as a crucial way to offer each other support and information. By joining in, you’ll get to feel part of a bigger social group without having to leave your home. Our staff are already busy planning virtual gettogethers and support groups.

More information will be shared when it is available.

To join our Facebook community, search for ShineUKCharity and give us a Like!.

As well as our main Facebook community, we have a number of groups within our community, such as an area for 40 plus members and those who have children on our Little Stars programme which can be

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found through the main Shine Facebook page.

Sue, a member of the Shine 40+ group, says “I’ve found Facebook has really come into its own since the stay at home advice was issued. It’s great to continue to chat with others in my network and to help keep each other’s spirits up. That’s what’ll help us get through this – a sense of community and the fact that we’re all doing our bit for each other in really tough times. That just about sums up my Shine group!”

Shine Health Direct

Our service will continue to deliver continence products and medication to members who are already signed-up. You do not need to take any action regarding deliveries as our Shine Health Direct Customer Service Advisers will be in touch to check you have enough of what you need.

Our Shine Health Direct service is powered by our partner, Bullen Healthcare. As a nationwide company, who provide services to multiple charities, they have robust plans in place to be able to manage any impact from coronavirus.

You can find the latest information directly from them by visiting here.

To register today or to find out more about the service call 0800 023 8857 or visit www.shinehealthdirect.org

Campaigning

We know that many of our members have been facing additional problems and concerns since the pandemic began. We’re working in partnership with other national charities and networks to ensure your voices are heard. As a collective force, we aim to find solutions faster and provide you with help sooner. As updates become available, we’ll share them with you through our website and social media channels.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need us.

We’ll be taking calls and answering emails between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. And if we can’t help you directly, we’ll do our best to find someone who can.

Call us on 01733 555988 or email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk Times like this can feel scary for everyone, and that can be magnified for anyone who already experiences health concerns. It’s more important than ever before that we all pull together.

Whatever you do, look after yourselves and look out for each other as the uncertainty continues.

www.shinecharity.org.uk • Find us on Facebook or Twitter using @ShineUKCharity

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Spring 2020

No limits!

Fretting about further education? 19–year-old Harry tells us all about his love for sports, studying and socialising as the second year university student recalls the changes and challenges of moving away from home.

can be daunting when others are already there, but you soon settle in. Maybe the scariest part was heading into the lecture theatre with around 100 people you’ve never met and having to do ‘ice-breakers’. It can be awkward, but I’ve made plenty of new friends.

I’ve always enjoyed sports. I believe that keeping I thought applying for tuition fees would be a big thing, active helps aid my disability and maintain my strength. but it’s actually pretty simple, it’s managing your money I enjoy going with friends to watch that takes time. I’d recommend rugby, I play wheelchair basketball, working out how much your average tennis and attend weekly sessions at food shop will cost each week, and my local gym – I also like to swim and plan your nights out carefully. Once have learned to kayak! you know these things, you’ll know what’s left over for everything else, Growing up, I would go out with able bearing in mind if you want to join bodied friends, and tried never to let clubs or societies, there can be costs my disability get in the way. When I involved. was 11, I learned how to ride a bicycle without stabilisers - even my doctor was shocked!

University was the chance to pursue a future in sports, and I’m currently studying towards a degree in sports performance analysis at Cardiff Metropolitan.

My mum was a bit worried initially, but she has always encouraged me to try new things. My family has always been supportive and I think they were more excited than concerned. They know it will help me to become more independent, and prepare me for life after university.

It wasn’t easy at first. Meeting new people and having a disability with lots of medical supplies can cause some anxiety, but I made sure to register with a nearby GP early on. I confess to living on takeaways most nights at first – I wasn’t used to cooking or clearing up after myself, I found it boring, but it soon became part of my weekly routine.

I needn’t have worried. Many of the people I’ve met have been really understanding, it’s been amazing.

I’ve lived in halls for the past two years – on the day I arrived, I picked up my key and headed to my room - it

My disability student allowance (DSA) really helped, I was given a laptop with assistive technology, and received lots of reading tools as well as a special chair to make sure I was comfortable.

I get other support too, with taking notes during lectures - as I struggle to listen, take it all in, then type it out – and with specialist study skills to help lay out assignments, or with planning a schedule to make sure I meet deadlines.

In short, I’d say if you’re thinking about going to university, go for it! It’s been an amazing experience so far, it’s made me more independent and improved my confidence massively. It’s also allowed me to meet and make so many amazing friends – just make sure to keen on top of your deadlines, and you’ll be fine! ...and don’t let your condition stop you. The staff at the university have been really helpful and understanding of my needs and whilst I was lucky to pass my driving test when I was 16, there’s lots of public transport available to help you get around or travel home during the holidays.

Spring 2020

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Making technology work for you Disabled people are using technology to live more independently than ever before.

The emergence of smart devices - mobile phones, tablets, speakers and more - has brought easy access to life changing applications (apps) that are simple to use for even the least technologically minded.

Most devices have accessibility functions, allowing you to change things such as the size of text, the volume, or alter colours to increase visibility.

Whereas phones used to just hold numbers, today you can add email addresses, create separate lists for work and personal contacts, or set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) access so that people can view your emergency contacts if something happens to you, even if the phone is locked.

Most modern phones come with a calendar function, so you can add important events, appointments, or set reminders to take your medication. In some cases, you can even share your calendar with family and friends so they know where you are.

The camera function, whilst most used for selfies these days, can be really useful for taking pictures of your

hospital appointment letters, medication details, or car registration number, and most phones will let you take a picture and attach it to an email if you need to send it somewhere quickly.

Many phones today have a built-in voice recorder, which can be used for recording conversations. This is a great way to help you remember what was said, but always make sure to let the other person know first!

If your phone doesn’t already have a maps app, Google maps is perfect for planning journeys. It’ll give you an idea of how long it might take, and if you let it access your location, it can pinpoint where you are and offer an alternative route if you get lost.

A fairly new innovation is the camera doorbell. Get an alert to your phone (whether you’re at home or not) whenever someone rings the doorbell, and you’ll be able to see them on screen before answering it. ...and of course, with instant access to the internet, you have everything you need at the tips of your fingers.

Whether it’s bus times, the weather forecast, or seeing what your friends are up to on social media, it’s never been easier than it is today.

Communication is key!

Almost 40% of young disabled people reported feeling socially isolated. (Sense 2015) If getting out physically is difficult, technology offers different ways to connect with one another. Facebook’s Messenger or Whatsapp are popular, free instant messaging tools, or if you prefer to chat ‘face to face’ you can use Messenger, FaceTime, WhatsApp and Skype to make video calls to friends and family.

Not sure where to start? Our website has useful tips and information that’ll get you up and running in no time.

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Spring 2020

7th-13th February 2020

Hydrocephalus awareness week This year we launched our first Hydrocephalus Awareness Week.

Packs were sent to over 8,000 Shine members with hydrocephalus, over 60 packs were sent to neuro clinics as samples, and over 50 schools engaged with our new fundraising campaign ‘Hats On for Hydrocephalus’.

The awareness week was a great success, and on social media alone reached over 310,000 people with a variety of videos, facts and case studies.

We are happy that over 90% of members asked on facebook thought the members pack was useful.

We are always looking for suggestions to add to our materials so please feel free to get in touch.

Awareness Week Members Pack

thank you to everyone who took part!

Quick.

Discreet.

Convenient.

Join today and find out why 95% of members would recommend our service to a friend.*

Shine Health Direct Our exclusive home delivery service Specifically developed to meet your needs, Shine Health Direct is the largest, dedicated home delivery service for people with spina bifida. Our hassle free service combines your stoma/urology products and prescription medication into one simple delivery.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1

Your dedicated personal advisor will call or email you on a pre-arranged date to order your products and medication

2

Your advisor will check you’re ok, complete a stock check, place your order and arrange a convenient delivery date

3

Your products and medication will be delivered by a local driver, or courier, to your home or chosen destination.

To register today, or for more information: 0800 023 8857 shinehealthdirect.org

“Amazing service.

Makes my life so much easier!!

Thank you so much” Shine Health Direct Member

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Spring 2020

Fabulous fundraisers!

Over the past few months our fundraisers have been doing amazing things to raise money for Shine.

As a charity, our work is almost entirely funded by the generosity of the general public so a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our fabulous fundraisers - here’s a few of them in action.

Want to get involved? Whether you know what you want to do or need some inspiration we’d love to hear from you.

Visit www.shinecharity.org.uk/getinvolved to find out more.

Hayley, Mason and Willow’s Day Nursery Go Yellow, raising £117.00!

Ella and Anne Thomas created and ran their own half marathon raising £1443.36!

Sam Cowell ran the Chesterfield Half Marathon in memory of baby Leo raising £800.00!

John Oflynn has Hydrocephalus and rode 50 miles in a day, raising £392.66!

Lord family taking part in the Winter Wonderwheels raising an amazing £1405.91!

Nigel’s Hammond’s Strongman efforts, raised £1422.00 (with Willow’s help!)

Quintin Rowley and family took part in Winter WonderWheels and raised £437.50!

Friends, family and colleagues helped Louise Fields raise £500.00!

Spring 2020

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Calling all #TeamShine are calling all Superheroes to run, walk, push, pedal, hand cycle, swim or tow in this fantastic, all-inclusive family triathlon later in the year.

With no cut-off times and the freedom to use any equipment necessary, you can do as much or as little as you wish, with as much or as little support as you need.

Set in the stunning Dorney Lake, Windsor, choose from 3 unique distances to suit your level. Team up with friends and family, grab a sidekick or fly solo to take on the challenge from start to finish.

Like the sound of it so far? Then join #TeamShine for an amazing day out, meet likeminded people and, of course, some of the team from Shine! Our Charity places are free! We only ask you raise a minimum of £150 for Shine. www.shinecharity.org.uk/superherotri2020

Sunshine Walk and Wheel Join #TeamShine at one of our organised Sunshine Walk and Wheel events this year and explore some of the local parks and woodlands near you.

Various events will be taking place across Northern Ireland, Wales and England and will involve a sponsored walk/wheel followed by a picnic. These dates will need to be confirmed due to the current coronavirus crisis so keep checking our website.

Bring your family and friends along and join us for a day out meeting other members and their family and friends too.

If you don’t have an event near you then we’d love you to organise your own. If you need inspiration and support, please get in touch with Kelly Tedds at kelly.tedds@shinecharity.org.uk From riverside to woodland walks to your local park.

There are so many beautiful places to explore whilst raising money for Shine!

To find your local Sunshine Walk and Wheel click here

Tell us who you know!

Are you a season ticket holder at a football club or know a someone at a supermarket that might let Shine hold a collection? Do you have a famous relative or friend who could host an event for us?

Do you know the captain of the local golf club, the President of the town’s Rotary Club or someone at a company that supports a charity each year?

These could be opportunities for Shine to raise much-needed money, and awareness and your introductions could make all the difference.

The fundraising team would love to hear from you if you know someone who could support Shine.

Please email: fundraising@shinecharity.org.uk or phone 01733 555988.

Your health, is our

BIGGEST

PRIORITY We’re working hard to overcome the challenges COVID-19 has brought.

Shine has stepped in to alleviate the pressure 180mm x 210mm on the NHS and social care system. w We’re supporting our members to ensure you have access to the information you require, and the services you need - now, and in the future.

h £5 could pay for...

A couple of coffees, or a new membership pack to help someone learn about their condition

£30 could pay for...

However....

We are almost entirely funded by the generosity of the general public, and without your support, we couldn’t continue to be there for you.

Can you and your friends leave a gift in our virtual donation bucket?

A takeaway treat, or a one hour telephone call* with one of our health experts

£90 could pay for...

Your family’s travel for a week, or an advice session** with one of our support and development workers

Help us be there, when you need us most: shinecharity.org.uk/virtualbucket * Shine received over 2000 health related calls last year

** Support and Development workers handled more than 5000 enquiries last year

Here to help...

Please do send any comments or enquiries to us: P: Together Shine, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UQ

01733 555988

www.shinecharity.org.uk

ShineUKCharity

Twitter.com/SHINEUKCharity

©Shine Registered Charity No 249338 Company Number: 877990 Please let us know if any of your contact details have changed No content can be re-published without the prior consent of Shine, but Together is here to be shared far and wide, so do shout away and share articles online!

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing. The information provided does not constitute legal or professional advice, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.