Shine Together Magazine - October 2017

Autumn 2017 Issue 21

AGM… Get involved and have your say Awareness week…

Will you wear Yellow and Shine?

Love is in the air…

Shine members share their wedding stories Plus lots more exciting Shine news inside!

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Shine’s Annual General Meeting is almost here!

Come and join us on 5th December 2017 Each year, Shine holds an annual general meeting (AGM) in Peterborough. An AGM is a legal requirement for charities like Shine, and provides us with the opportunity to tell members what we achieved in the previous financial year, deal with issues such as elections to the Board, and review our annual accounts. It’s also an ideal event to celebrate our successes and catch up with members, their families, Shine’s partners and anyone else who is interested in coming along.

Voting is an important part of the AGM so please vote if you can.

Shine’s adult members and parents of children under 16 are asked to vote to approve the annual accounts – which shows you are happy with what we are doing, and how the organisation is being run, and to approve the appointment of the auditors. An auditor is an independent accountant or accountancy firm

who take a very detailed look at how we’re managing our finances and ensure we’re doing everything correctly.

Votes can either be • In person if you are able to come along to the AGM at our offices in Peterborough • Or by proxy vote if you are unable to attend in person.

A proxy vote allows you to give permission to somebody else to vote on your behalf at the AGM if you cannot attend the meeting. That someone can be the Chairman of Shine, a named member of staff or anyone else who is attending the AGM and is willing to vote on your behalf.

We need a minimum of 25 members at the AGM to vote, or a mixture of votes in person or by proxy for the meeting to take place.

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Guest speaker, Dr John McCann Shine is delighted that Dr John McCann, renowned expert and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has agreed to join us as Guest Speaker at our AGM in December.

Dr McCann has led an adult Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus clinic for all of Northern Ireland for over 25 years. His input to that clinic has had a major impact on the lives of our members. Dr McCann’s whole person approach has been invaluable and has reduced the need for patients to visit multiple clinics, so enabling members to lead a more normal life.

The clinic has helped us to look at aspects such as the effects of ageing and make sure appropriate ongoing tests are carried out to reduce the likelihood of problems.

Dr McCann will share his insight and knowledge into the changes he has seen since beginning the clinic.

We’d love to see as many of you as possible for the AGM. Here is the formal notice, with details for the day and information on how to register to vote if you’re unable to come along.

Shine AGM Formal Notice All members of Shine aged 16 years or over, friends, family and others are warmly invited to Shine’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 5th December 2017 at Shine’s Head Office, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UQ. This will be an opportunity for members to meet Shine’s trustees, staff and other Shine members.

Coffee will be served from 10.45am and the meeting will begin at 11.15am.

A light lunch will be provided at 1.15pm.

Please confirm as soon as possible with Val Stokes - by Friday 10th November 2017 - if you will be attending or (if not attending) whether you require a proxy form for voting.

Contact Val on T: 01733 421356 or E: val.stokes@shinecharity.org.uk

We Welcome…

As Shine embarks upon a new Corporate Plan, we are building our capacity to deliver more on behalf of members. That means boosting our teams to be able to deliver more. So we are delighted to welcome...

Laura Varma, Support and Development Worker in the Midlands. Laura, who comes to us from The Children’s Liver Foundation, initially as their young people’s officer and then as their support team manager, brings broad experience of working with young people and families.

Louise Jones, Shine Northern Ireland’s new Support and Development Worker for the Northern Trust. A qualified Occupational Therapist, Louise formerly ran the Men’s Sheds Project in Steeple Antrim, liaising with clients and professionals such as social workers to reduce isolation and depression in older men.

Vy Cochran, Development Worker, who will be working on the Shining Lights Project in Wales. Vy’s broad experience of working with groups and individuals includes more than 10 years as Community Development Project Officer with Wales & West Housing. Vy is also a qualified holistic therapist.

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All you need to breakthrough the benefit barriers…

Further to feedback from members, and as part of the new Corporate Plan, Shine has launched a new service to help more members access key disability benefits.

From supporting new parents looking after children with multiple needs at home and at school, to young adults finding college, work or setting up a home, to people coping with later in life issues, the new Disability Benefits Advisory Service is open to all members, and offers specialist advice and one-to-one support.

Key aspects of the service will include supporting members and staff dealing with more complex benefits related issues, leading on relevant consultations on behalf of members, including representing Shine at the Disability Benefits Consortium, and reviewing and developing Shine’s benefits information, events and advisory support.

To access the service, contact Shine on T: 01733 555988 or E: firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk

“…I enjoy the variety of the work I do to support our

members to meet their needs and ambitions, and am looking forward to taking the lead in this new disability benefits role…”

Did YOU know…

The service will be headed by the new National Lead Disability Benefits Development Worker, Bryn Roberts.

When you have an assessment for PIP or similar, you can request a copy within 48 hours…

Many of you will know Bryn in his capacity as a Support and Development Worker, a role he will be continuing on a part-time basis.

That means you don’t have to wait until the final decision is reached to see the information, which gives you more time to prepare, for example, if an appeal is needed.

For support and advice: T: 01733 555988 or via E: firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk

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How to be sure you are ok...

Are you struggling with a health issue at the moment? Not sure where to turn for advice? Our health check service is here to help!

Shine’s Health Hub provides free health checks and advice for Shine members. Sometimes it helps to chat things through.

From checking your blood pressure and weight, to personal care, memory and planning, to equipment to help with daily life, our friendly, skilled team are here to help. We also have a kitchen area where you can try out handy equipment and adaptations to make things easier every day.

Whatever you may feel concerned about, there’s a reassuring voice to offer you advice and information.

As spina bifida and hydrocephalus can affect people in many ways, our health checks are tailored to your needs and give you space to chat about the issues you are facing at the moment and find ways to improve your health.

“Coming here gives me confidence – it’s like having an MOT – you can have all your checks in one go...

You are treated as a whole person. It helps to go through everything together here. Knowing you are not alone. Knowing where to get information.

Knowing you can cope. I can go home happy; I’m alright.” (Valerie, Shine member)

The hub is based at Shine’s Peterborough office. Our trained team includes specialists in mental health, continence management and occupational therapy.

For more details or to refer yourself for a Health Check, please contact Shine on T: 01733 555988 or E: firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk

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Millie’s Story Millie Harding was born at 39 weeks via planned c-section on Thursday 20th April at 4:10pm. As she was lay breech, it was discovered after her delivery that she has spina bifida.

Mum Beckii tells the story…

“I was still lying on the operating table when Millie’s dad Tom came and told me that Millie had an abnormality at the bottom of her back. He described it as a sac coming out of her back. When I eventually got into recovery and had skin to skin contact with my beautiful little girl I caught a glimpse of it before she was whisked away to special care.

She was only there a few hours and even beat me to the ward!

When the doctor told me the next day she had spina bifida I was on my own as my visitors had just left. She just sprang it on me and made it sound worse than it is… I had never heard of spina bifida before and I was being told my tiny baby was being transferred to a specialist hospital and would be undergoing an operation.

The doctor’s bedside manner was shocking; I was just left in tears. When we transferred to Saint Mary’s hospital we stayed for three days but it felt like a lifetime. On the second day when the neurosurgeon came round to prep her for surgery the sac on her back had completely disappeared, leaving just an open dimple at the base of her back.

“The gap in her back sometimes closes which I have been told is unusual and recently she has been back in hospital due to suspected leaking. After many blood tests, being sedated twice, an ultrasound scan and two MRI scans, we have been told she will be having an operation soon, as there is a clear track from the opening in her back to her spine, but the extent of the operation is unsure as they do not know if the track fully connects to her spinal cord or stops at the spine.

The neurosurgeon described it as being the rarest form of spina bifida he’s seen if it is connecting.

“I joined Shine when Millie was around 2-3 weeks old. I didn’t know about Shine. I was googling about spina bifida and came across Shine… The hospitals and doctors didn’t really explain anything to us. They didn’t give me any leaflets or sit and talk to us. They just told us the worst case scenario, that Millie might not be able to walk. But from day one she has never stopped kicking her legs and wriggling around, she has full control of her bladder and bowels so this is no longer a worry to us.

“When Millie received her Bella Bear it was a nice surprise as she was in hospital at the time. It’s good to be able to contact the support worker too; to know they are there.

Now the family want to get behind Shine and do some fundraising.

“If it wasn’t for my mum being a nurse we’d have been clueless. I had eight growth scans throughout my pregnancy and a ninth scan the morning of my c-section but it wasn’t picked up. Yet you can see the sac on the 20 week scan.

“Millie is such a happy baby, from the minute she wakes up in the morning, she is just full of smiles and giggles. Everyone always asks after her as she’s always in and out of hospital with her spina bifida. I share updates of Millie on my Facebook and also plan to speak to schools and nurseries etc in my area to get involved in fundraising and raising awareness for Shine.”

Millie is currently waiting for a date to have the operation, the extent of the operation is unsure as of yet but we are all so proud of Millie and know she will be fine.

Autumn 2017

My life is so different now…

Shine’s adult social group, the ‘Blue Blobbers’, has been together for over eight years now. This popular group, named after the blue and white wheelchair emblem which indicates accessible stations on the London tube map, meet on a monthly basis, mostly on a Sunday afternoon, and visit places of interest in and around London.

Open to Shine members with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in London and the South-East, the specialist service has been further developed thanks to funding from the City Bridge Trust and, more recently, the Merchant Taylors’ Consolidated Charities for the Poor. This has enabled a Shine Support & Development Worker to facilitate the telephone and one-to-one support, peer group events and a connect group on Facebook. Group member, Ashish Patel, explains just how much the group means...

“For me being a part of Blue Blobbers has been a great boost… For months I felt isolated, without a decent support network and friends who could relate to the daily issues I face. Social life is important to me because I live in sheltered accommodation…

Meeting people my own age with a disability is very important.”

“I used to travel everywhere on meet up days in a pre booked black cab with wide access for wheelchairs.

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Ash out and about!

This meant a lot of money being spent on fares.

“However I've picked up the courage to use public transport. I started off by meeting up with some members to go to places together. I have become very confident now using trains and tubes thanks to support from friends within the group.

“Meeting new friends and being able to share experiences in life has given me a sense of life. Different people have different ideas and ways. It’s the sharing of information that’s helped get me about and gives me the encouragement to try new experiences - I am a different person now in terms of my independence.”

“I have recently become active in issues regarding better access for disabled. Not everywhere is wheelchair accessible, and then it’s how many wheelchairs can fit in - some places only take one wheelchair at a time... It’s those little things that when you try to be in a bigger group restrict you quite a lot.”

“Before Blue Blobbers my life was so different. I had not much social activity going on or friends that understood me. Being disabled doesn't mean you're not entitled to enjoy your life!”

Shine Support and Development Worker, Christine Cunningham, who facilitates the group, says:

Shine received funding in 2017 from the MTCCP

“It is very clear how important the social aspect of the Blue Blobbers group is.

By enabling our members to meet up regularly I have seen how they have grown in confidence and ability. Being able to share thoughts and ideas with others who understand the complexities of the conditions, and forging new friendships, has helped to develop independence, reduce isolation and improve the everyday life of many of our members. I really enjoy working with this self-led group - they come up with the ideas, I just help to make them happen.”

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A Shine or m re…!

How wonderful to share good news! Two weddings involving Shine members - on the same day - and a wedding gift to Shine…

Deborah and John John Haley tells the story of how a new romance blossomed…

“Just over two years ago I met the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. Her name is Deborah (Debbie) Greenwood. We met online through the Shine40Plus Facebook page. I was still recovering from a relationship which went badly wrong and was a little unsure about another relationship. Deborah was also feeling hurt and let down by both past relationship and family problems.

One night I plucked up the courage to give Deborah my mobile phone number and said that if she was ever feeling down and in need of someone to talk to, to feel free to contact me. Soon enough Deborah called and we had a really good chat for about an hour. Deborah seemed upset about a few things but I managed to cheer her up. After the call we continued to talk through Facebook and I rang her back a little later.

One thing that we both immediately realised was that because we both have the same type of hydrocephalus we could understand so much about each other and support each other in a way that not every couple can. I have cerebral palsy as well as hydrocephalus and so told Deborah more about that and she proved to be so understanding. She has always done everything she can to help me, and visa-versa. In fact, not long after one of our conversations at the

start of our relationship I became really ill. Cerebral palsy sometimes makes me shake and can be very scary. I told Deborah about this and she made travel arrangements to visit the next day.

The following day Deborah arrived and it dawned on me just how much she cared. She had never been to Matlock before and was prepared to make a five hour train journey to a strange place to meet me for the first time. That meant so much to me. Once Deborah arrived she would not let me do anything. She wanted to help me as much as possible. She would not even let me in my own kitchen, apart from when it was time for me to make coffee! She stayed for about five days and cooked everything. Except one morning I got up very early to start slow cooking a casserole.

Deborah and I soon grew very close, although we did not live close to each other. Deborah lived in Great Yarmouth and I live in Matlock. So we would take it in turns. I would spend a few weeks in Great Yarmouth with Deborah then we would both travel back to Matlock and spend a few weeks there. Eventually Deborah moved in with me.

My family accepted Deborah straight away and treated her like part of the family. I proposed to Deborah on 14th December 2015, and we were married on 26th August this year. What makes it so good for both of us is that we understand each other.

We accept each other’s problems and support each other through them. We are both happier than we have ever been before, and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.

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A Shine

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or m re…! continued

Sophie and Matthew

George and Francesca

“My name is Sophie, and recently married my partner Matthew. We became friends in 2005 when we started high school and have been friends since this.

Once in a while, we receive an email here at Shine HQ which takes us by surprise - so when George and Francesca Shipley contacted us to tell us about their recent fundraiser, we were blown away by just how incredibly generous our supporters are.

My husband is a full time carer for his elderly father, I’m currently unemployed due to suffering with depression and anxiety. Shine has been a great support network for me and also helped fill forms in for benefits such as the form for personal independent payment.

My hobbies are shopping and spending time with family. Our wedding was held at Mere Hall Registrar Office, Bolton, at 13.50pm on Saturday 26th August 2017. Our hopes for the future are to move into our own place in time.”

The couple, who recently married, asked friends and family to do something a little different to mark the occasion - instead of buying a wedding gift, they were asked to make a donation to Shine instead.

The result? A wonderful £2,366.84 including gift aid!

We are so grateful to George and Francesca for their act of kindness.

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Tennis saved my life!

How tennis helped one woman with spina bifida to find new hope in life…

Andrea Weston has spina bifida and a tethered spinal cord which is unable to move freely in her spinal canal, leading to progressive wear and tear over time. Andrea didn’t receive a diagnosis until she was 32, by which time she had permanent and painful nerve damage affecting her legs and bladder. Unable to work, Andrea has also experienced dark days of depression, chronic tiredness and anxiety, which she continues to find a challenge.

“I felt as if I didn’t fit into society anymore. I’d worked since I was 16. Now I had lost my job. I was so depressed and struggling to come to terms with my disability.”

Finding tennis came at just the right time: a month earlier Andrea had taken a serious overdose. The friendships, challenges and motivation to keep going that tennis brought have been hugely important in helping her through tough times.

“I know it sounds dramatic, but every bit is true without tennis I would not be here. It gave me a reason to live. Tennis saved me and it’s my passion.

Tennis hasn’t cured my depression but hitting a ball sure does help! I love it so much and know how it makes me feel – tired, but good.”

“I need to sleep 12 hours every night in order to play tennis for 4 hours a week, but it’s worth it. I have to take morphine to control my pain. I also have depression. No matter how much tennis takes out of me physically I have to keep playing, to keep sane and alive.

Andrea was runner up in the ITF tournament in Wrexham last year and is now 7th in the UK and has broken through into the top 100 worldwide. She has also gained her Level 2 in coaching.

Andrea has also benefitted from emotional coaching

by Fay, her PA, who also plays wheelchair tennis.

Then Andrea, from Cornwall, went along to a mobility roadshow.

Andrea’s story has captured hearts and she has been nominated for Woman of The Year. As Together goes on release Andrea will be attending the ceremony in Park Lane, London, before going on to compete in the Wrexham Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.

“They were demonstrating wheelchair tennis and I was hooked. Afterwards a friend said, ‘I’ve never seen you smile like that!’”

“People like me don’t get awarded things like this!

I’ve not done anything different to other wheelchair players.

Does Andrea have any advice for Shine members?

“If you are feeling low, speak to your GP or counsellor of course, but also get involved in sport or something active – try something new. You find out so much by talking and mixing with others who have the same experiences.

“You don’t have to be mega fit either. When I started I could hardly hit a ball or move my chair! I’d been in bed for 20 months and felt quite ill the first time I tried sport, but here I am... I never dreamt that having started playing once a week 9 years ago, to starting to compete 2 years ago, I would now be within the top 100!”

To discover more about sport and ways to get involved, go online and visit Parasport

Disability Sports NI

Sport England

Disability Sport Wales

English Federation of Disability Sport

The Tennis Foundation

The County Sports Partnership

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Shine Campaigns Summary

It’s a significant issue for many of our members who face a variety of inequalities due to the complex criteria which determines your exemption from such charges.

For more about the Coalition see www.prescriptionchargescoalition.org.uk

Timely orthotic wear is a challenge for some of our members, and Shine have been a supporter of Rebecca Loo’s campaign from the start.

Inspired by her own poor experiences, Rebecca has worked tirelessly to bring about change to the NHS orthotics service, leading to improvements in how children access braces, boots and callipers to aid their mobility.

If you’d like to pledge your support, email info@orthoticscampaign.org.uk or visit www.orthoticscampaign.org.uk for more information.

Disabled Children’s Partnership

Shine has added its voice to the Prescription Charges Coalition, a group of more than 40 organisations campaigning to end unfair prescription charges for people in England with long-term medical conditions.

Research: MultiCath Trial

Orthotics Campaign

Prescription Charges Coalition

As well as our day to day work delivering services and providing support, Shine continue to position ourselves at the forefront of lobbying and campaigning on issues which have a significant impact on large portions of our membership.

Shine has joined the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP), where more than 35 disability and children’s charities are working together to improve health and social care for disabled children, young people and their families.

The DCP’s campaign, the ‘Secret Life of Us’, aims to raise awareness of the lack of access that still exists in our society for many disabled people.

For more information or to get involved see https://disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk

The MultiCath trial aims to test the safety and convenience of mixed intermittent catheter use – mixing single use, disposable, and reusable catheters (cleaned between uses).

Due to re-start next year, the trial has already made some interesting findings, and in its next phase, will look to ensure that mixed catheter use does not cause more infections or problems than only using single-use catheters.

For more information, visit www.soton.ac.uk/multicath or contact Margaret Macaulay, nurse project manager, on T: 02381 203919

Campaign to save the Chelsea and Westminster Clinic You may recall we've been campaigning to save the Chelsea and Westminster Adult Spina Bifida Clinic which announced it's intention to close this July. We're delighted to report that the hospital has confirmed that the clinic will be continuing for another 12 months whilst they explore options for a sustainable alternative. The challenge isn’t over, but this is still a great result!

Thank you to everyone who has written, lobbyed, and signed the petition. Your personal accounts of how the clinic has made a positive difference to your lives were instrumental in the reversal of their original decision - you should all be very proud!

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Autumn 2017

Thank you Fundraisers!

We are proud of all our fundraisers, and especially our young ones!

Here are just some of the amazing things you have done this year…

(middle image) Sara Walbyoff, Owain Terrell, Bronwyn Soffe (left) Shine member, Carys Marnell celebrates at the top with friend and fundraiser, Lynne Davies

Pen Y Fan Fundraising Walks & Picnic A huge thank you to all the Shine super stars who climbed Pen Y Fan, especially the young heroes Carys, Owain, Sara and Bronwyn who have spina bifida. Despite the wet, Welsh weather, there was no stopping the formidable support and determination from the children and their families and friends who climbed the mountain (Carys in July, Owain, Sara and Bronwyn in August), raising more than £3,000. Thanks go to the support from Brecon Mountain Rescue. The mountain really did turn yellow for Shine!

Back at the Garwnant Visitor Centre they were joined by other Shine members and families and a special first time outing for Bella Bear, congratulating all the walkers and supporters!

If you have a great idea and would like to get involved in fundraising for Shine contact Charlotte Griggs on 01733 421328 or E: charlotte.griggs@shinecharity.org.uk

Delton Challenge Meanwhile, from mountains to the sea...

Delton (holding the flagpole on the right), who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, had the experience of a lifetime!

He was carried along 186km of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path over 8 weekends by a relay team of friends, family and supporters. They raised nearly £1,300 for Shine, a fantastic effort!

Carys and Bella celebrate

Big Lottery Boost for Shine Northern Ireland Thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery for Shine’s work to support children in Northern Ireland, we have been able to run more parents’ groups across NI. The funding, which began in January this year, has enabled us to run new events such as the Come Try Day - where members get to try out sports and activities such as boccia, golf, dance, cheerleading, sign2music for the little ones, a Bowel and Bladder information day, and other events for professionals to boost knowledge about spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

We now have a Support & Development Worker in each of our health care Trust areas, three funded by the lottery. For details of other events in your area please contact us at events@shinecharity.org.uk or phone 01733 555988.

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How to beat the passing of time…

Dave McQuirk recently took on the Superhero Series Triathlon at Dorney Lake in aid of Shine, completing a 400m swim, 10km handcycle and 2.5 km wheelchair push.

Dave, an active member of the Shine40Plus group, explains: “My parents were involved with Shine, who have supported me too, especially around the time I needed a leg removed through spina bifida complications. Where walking was a struggle, I was able to push several km. This inspired me to do a 5km wheelchair push and build up from there. I’m 50 this year and thought I’d have a go at something I’d not done before - the Supertri seemed a good idea!

“You are never too old to try something new. Ageing takes its toll, so we need to keep fit with what we have.

I’ve found that having a target, something to aim for, made it easier to carry on training even when it was cold and wet, and I felt generally better when I’d exercised than when I’d missed some days.”

The Superheroes team are running a Wheelchair Wonders in December. If you fancy an active challenge in aid of Shine, we’re here to help! Contact E: georgia.kelly@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 01733 421333.

Active Exercise tip Fitness Instructor and Shine member, Stephen in Northern Ireland says: “Remember to warm up with stretches and gentle exercise before you start your exercise session, and to cool down afterwards. Drink plenty of water too, to keep you hydrated.” info@shiftni.com

Shine Cymru, Good Continence Care event We have received so much positive feedback about the Good Continence Care event, run in collaboration with Coloplast in Cardiff earlier this year, that we are already planning to run a similar event in North Wales in the New Year.

We have been able to develop these events thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Wales and the Welsh Government.

The events, which are open to all, are enabling Shine parents, members, carers and healthcare professionals to feel more informed about supporting children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and deepen their understanding about the physical and psychological impact of managing continence issues, along with feeling more informed about the care, support and products available to help.

If you are interested in attending the event in the New Year, please contact us at events@ shinecharity.org.uk or phone 01733 555988

Thank you!

Our sincere thanks to Irwin Mitchell who have been free-printing various Shine information, flyers and newsletters over the past two years which has, literally, saved Shine £1,000s…

We are truly grateful.

Shine Events for Members…

To find out more or book up for an event, phone us on 01733 555988 or email events@shinecharity.org.uk We also put details of events on our website www.shinecharity.org.uk

In the North...

Shine England In London, the Blue Blobbers group will meet on: 29th October Natural History or the Victoria & Albert Museum 26th November Christmas Market at the Embankment 10th December Pre-Christmas Meal at the O2 January 2018 Planning Meeting, date tbc

In the South-East & Central 21st October Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead, Surrey, family day for those with children under 16 25th November Christmas Party at The Oasis, Reading, Berks for families with children under 16 26th November Shine Surrey Christmas lunch, Banstead January Shine Surrey pantomime trip to Epsom Playhouse, Surrey, date tbc

North East Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Support Group, 4th Sunday in the month 2-4pm, at the Tim Lamb Centre, Rising Sun Country Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SS Shine Bradford Little Stars Family Support Group (0-5 years) 2nd Thursday of the month 10am12noon at the Toy Library, Child Development Centre, St Luke’s Hospital, Bradford Shine York Little Stars and Drop-In, St Oswald’s Church, Main Street, Fulford, York, 10am-12noon on the second Saturday of every other month 31st October, Coffee & Chat, 11-1pm, Planters Garden Centre, Woodlands Farm, Tamworth B78 2EY

Teeside Interest expressed in setting up a Family Group in the Teeside area. If anyone else would be interested please email kathy.bhogal@shinecharity.org.uk

In Cambridgeshire, the 0-5s group will run at Shine’s office in Peterborough on 11th October, 8th November, 13th December, 17th January and 14th February

In Merseyside, Shine Teenies will be meeting in November, date tbc

The Northamptonshire support group will run on 19th December at Broughton Village Hall, Gate Lane, Broughton, Kettering NN14 1ND

Wed 8th November, Shine Cymru Health and Wellbeing Event, 9.30-3.30pm, Canolfan Gorseinon Centre, Swansea SA4 4QN

Save the date!

Merseyside

Shine Wales

15th November South East Wales Support Group, 4-6pm, Harvester Borderer, Newport NP20 6EP. Booking Essential 6th December Shine Cymru Christmas Lunch and Visit to Cardiff Christmas Markets

Shine Northern Ireland 21st October, Bowel and Bladder Day, 10.30-3.30pm, Belfast Central Mission, free, booking essential Lurgan Parents Group, second Saturday each month, 11am-1pm, Jethro Centre 7th October, Belfast Parent Group; details tbc 14th October, Antrim Parent Group, 10:30am-12noon, Rathenraw Community Centre, Antrim November, Hydrocephalus event, Belfast, date / venue tbc 4th November, Bangor Parent Group, 10.30am-12.30pm, Bangor Aurora 18th November, Magherafelt Parent Group, 10:30-12noon, Greenvale Leisure Centre 24th November, Bowling for 11- 18s, 7pm, The Jet Centre, Coleraine. £4.25. Booking essential by 15th November 2nd December, Christmas Party, Olympia Centre, Belfast

21st November, SHINING THROUGH STOKE 10.30-3.30pm, Rose Price Room, Dudson Centre, Hanley. Presentations will include: Benefits; Health & Wellbeing; Coping Strategies; Managing Memory; Equipment and Accessing Services.

An opportunity to meet other members, and the Shine health team and regional staff will be available for consultations. Booking essential. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

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.