Shine - Together Magazine, September 2018

Autumn 2018 Issue 23

A Summer of Sport Shine superstars in action‌

Changes to governance What you need to know‌

Awareness Week 2018 Are you ready to go yellow?

Plus lots more exciting Shine news inside!

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Spring 2018

An update from Kate…

Hi everyone, and welcome to the latest edition of Together.

It’s been a busy few months here at Shine, with the impact of changes to data protection regulations (GDPR) still being felt as we continue to try and reach out to you all and ensure we have the right consents in place to keep you up to date with all the latest developments.

GDPR aside, it’s good news all round, as we’ve made some incredible progress in our campaigning efforts (more on that later in the magazine!) and are feeling the benefit of a number of recent successful fundraising events, including our first ever ‘Virtual Challenge’. ...and of course, let’s not forget that Awareness Week is right around the corner! Planning is well underway and as always we’d love you to get involved, keep your eyes out for more information over the coming months, as we strive to make this years our biggest and best ever!

Kate Steele Chief Executive

We’re changing the way we govern Shine Shine’s CEO, Kate Steele, explains why…

Shine is a registered charity. Shine is also a company limited by guarantee. It therefore has to adhere to both company and charity law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Shine has a Board of Trustees, who are volunteers with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to work together to ensure that Shine’s Senior Management Team are: • Carrying out Shine’s purpose for the benefit of our members, and complying with our Governing Document (i.e. Shine’s Articles of Association) • Always acting within the law, and always acting in Shine’s best interests • Managing Shine’s funds and resources appropriately and not taking any unnecessary risks • Complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements.

Good governance is critical to Shine’s success.

The Board of Trustees has to ensure that Shine’s Articles of Association remain fit for purpose, and the Charity Commission suggests it is good practice to review the Articles every five years or so to check that they are relevant, up to date and allow Shine to continue to operate effectively.

A review of the Articles of Association has been undertaken in 2018 to do just that. One of the key conclusions was the need to make a clear distinction on the definition of Shine’s membership as there was

considerable ambiguity in the Articles of Association in regards to members’ voting rights.

We sought legal advice on this issue, as it is important that we are acting in the appropriate way, and that we are clear on the responsibilities and liabilities for voting members. The legal advice identified that there are two types of membership in Shine: 1. Shine members – who are the 11,500 plus members who have access to, and can benefit from, Shine’s support, information and advice services; and 2. Voting members who act on behalf of Shine to monitor and approve Shine’s annual accounts and spending, appoint our annual auditors and elect new Trustees to the Board of Trustees.

What does this mean?

The Articles of Association will be updated to reflect these 2 types of membership and make the distinction between Shine members (ie those who benefit from our services) and voting members (i.e. the Trustees) .

From September onwards, Trustees only will have official voting rights for key strategic decisions that affect the way Shine is run.

We will continue to advertise for and recruit new Trustees, and the application process will be open to everyone. The recruitment criteria will be based

Spring 2018 on the skills and knowledge requirements that the Trustees have agreed, and it is the Trustees who will interview, shortlist and appoint new Trustees to the Board.

The current Board of Trustees There are currently 10 Trustees on Shine’s Board.

As well as having considerable knowledge of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and associated conditions, the Trustees bring additional skills and experience needed to govern Shine, such as finance, health, social care, legal experience, research, business management and strategic planning.

Board of Trustee Vacancies 2018 Current vacancies include: • Treasurer • Lead Trustee for Wales If you are interested in learning more about the roles and the time commitment, and details of how to apply, please contact Val Stokes on 01733 421356 or email val.stokes@shinecharity.org.uk Closing date for applications 31 October 2018.

Appointments will be made on 5 December 2018 What else are we doing to improve our governance?

As well as reviewing our Articles of Association, we are: Benchmarking what we do against the Charity Commission’s ‘Charity Governance Code’ and developing an action plan to address any short-falls Appointing lead Trustees from the Board who

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will work with Shine’s Senior Management Team on issues such a safeguarding, finance and data protection.

Undertaking a skills audit for the Board of Trustees to identify whether there are additional skills, knowledge and experience we need to govern the organisation.

How else can you get involved with Shine?

Volunteer… there are lots of volunteering roles, from fundraising to bring in vital funds to helping raise awareness by running a Shine stand or delivering Shine leaflets; from giving a presentation to groups and organisations in your area to helping out in our office in Peterborough.

Telling us about your views and experiences… through consultations, surveys, discussion groups and general feedback. Anything you can share with us will help inform our decisions about what we do and how we do them.

Getting involved in campaigns and focus groups… from time to time we focus on developing a specific piece of work or lead a key campaign, and we need members to help get our message across Case studies and stories… these are often the best way of conveying a message or influencing others to improve services and make changes for the better.

Attending Shine events… Shine runs a number of events across the country and by coming along, you will be showing your support for what we do as well as having the opportunity to meet others and share experiences.

In June, Government confirmed its plans to end Personal Independence Payment reviews for people living with the most severe conditions.

How this might be implemented isn’t known just yet, so don’t get too carried away. Shine will continue to monitor the situation.

Government also announced they are to reimburse thousands of disability claimants, citing “shoddy administration” as to why up to 70,000 people may have been historically underpaid.

It remains to be seen who exactly is affected or when payments might commence, but rest assured we’ll share any further developments on this story.

In other news, the recent cabinet reshuffle saw Matt Hancock MP replace Jeremy Hunt as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

We look forward to learning more about his plans, but for now, you can learn more about Matt and his parliamentary history here: http://ow.ly/hiNf30kSPyo

Shine member Dan White is the creative force behind The Department of Ability, a team of heroes with disabilities, which launched in comic book form earlier this year.

We’re delighted for Dan and his daughter Emily, who appears as a character in the stories which are sure to inspire a whole new generation of comic book fans through their empowering tales.

For more information, visit www.departmentofability.com

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Spring 2018

Want to get the most out of life?

With over 40 years combined experience, our Health Development Team spend their days helping Shine members to do just that. Whether you have physical or mental health concerns, we’re always are on hand to offer support, guidance and practical advice, helping individuals and families to lead healthier lifestyles.

When it comes to spina bifida and hydrocephalus, our knowledge and expertise are second to none. We understand the worries, concerns, frustrations and challenges you might face, and offer a range of support to help you overcome them.

Spina bifida and hydrocephalus are complex conditions - no two people’s experience will be the same, meaning there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. That’s why, whether we’re providing one-to-one telephone support, or advising at NHS clinics, we work with individuals, families and professionals to ensure the effects of the conditions are properly understood and considered, so that advice is bespoke and personalised.

Sometimes, you don’t even have to call in. We’re constantly keeping up to date with the latest developments, and regularly produce new written guidance on the current health issues which can be accessed night and day via the Shine website.

We even deliver training events across the country which in the past, have covered topics as diverse as independent living and mental health.

Of course, there’s no better way to get to the bottom of what’s bothering you and how to fix it, than a face to face consultation. If you’re 16 or over, you can book an appointment at the Shine Health Hub, based at our head offices in Peterborough, where we offer a one of a kind, head to toe consultation with our team of expert professionals.

Unlike a brief GP appointment, we’ll take our time, covering all aspects of your physical and mental health as well as exploring the option of any technology or adaptations which may help make life easier around the house. At the end of the appointment, you’ll leave with a personalised action plan to keep you on track, as well as any appropriate literature which may be useful to you.

To arrange an appointment, just email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk with your name and contact details, or for general support on a day to day basis, give us a call on 01733 555988.

Shine Health Advisor, Robin Barnatt

The health team can advise on medical matters such as: • shunts and ETVs (endoscopic third ventriculostomy) • bowel and bladder issues • skin care • tests and treatments for spina bifida or hydrocephalus • advising on second opinions • helping with issues around depression or anxiety • effects of ageing • orthopaedics • sexual health

Spring 2018

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Shine Health Home Delivery Hassle free healthcare!

If you’re finding it harder to pick up your prescriptions these days, our groundbreaking home delivery service might be just what you’re looking for.

Improving access to health support services for people with spina bifida, Shine Health Home Delivery has been tailored to meet your specific needs.

Exclusive to Shine members and completely free of charge, our home delivery service is the only one of it’s kind to combine appliance and prescription medication deliveries in one. With everything you need delivered discreetly and efficiently to your door, it’s the perfect solution for anyone in need of regular medicine, stoma and continence products.

How it works…

By combining your orders into one, we aim to reduce

the hassle, stress and inconvenience of waiting in for multiple deliveries and with regular follow up calls from your dedicated customer service advisor, our personalised approach will ensure you’re not kept waiting.

Powered by Bullen Healthcare, a fourth generation family business established in 1858, the service is backed by one of the leading home delivery companies in the country.

Register today, it couldn’t be simpler…

We take care of everything, including dealing with your GP and will keep you informed throughout.

All you need to do is call 0800 0238857 or email info@shinehomedelivery.org.uk, we’ll do the rest.

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Our dedicated customer service advisor will call or e-mail you on a pre-arranged date to order your appliances and medication

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

Your appliances and medication will be delivered by either our local driver or courier to your door or chosen destination

What our members say… “…I have been using your home delivery for about four years and it’s been great. I am

46 and a Shine member with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and so this service is perfect for me…”

“…I previously used my local pharmacy - sometimes I couldn’t get all of my order and

had to wait for things. Now I speak to the same person each month and they make sure I go through what I need and it gets delivered direct to me at home…”

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Spring 2018

Mary and Nana, better together Like many pet owners, Shine member Mary has forged a special bond with her cat over the years.

Only Nana isn’t any ordinary cat, beating hundreds of others to earn a place in the final of the National Cat Awards ‘Better Together’ category. Mary tells us why Nana’s companionship has been so important to her, and how they enrich each other’s lives.

Born with an incurable eye condition, which will eventually result in total blindness, Nana more than makes up for her limited vision with bags of intuition.

“…My life wouldn’t be the same if Nana

“My life wouldn’t be the same if Nana wasn’t here to help me, I’m not even sure if I’d still be here. She really puts a smile on my face every day, when I need it most”.

“I really hope Nana wins the award! She’s an incredibly selfless cat who always puts me first”.

As her sight deteriorates, Mary leaves us in no doubt that Nana is in the best possible hands.

“I’m certain she will continue to live life to the full, and I’ll be making sure she gets all the TLC she needs, just as she does for me.

wasn’t here to help me, I’m not even sure if I’d still be here. She really puts a smile on my face every day, when I need it most…”

“She has the ability to sense when people are feeling sad, or scared, and particularly when I’m struggling with my daily headaches” Mary reveals.

Mary is a passionate vegan and animal rights activist, who enjoys reading and writing, with aspirations to one day publish a book of her own. She also has Hydrocephalus, and like many others with the condition, has difficulty with mobility, coordination and struggles with frequent painful headaches.

“They come on suddenly, and without warning, but Nana is always on hand to help when the inevitable pain kicks in” Mary says.

“I don’t have to say a word” she adds. “She’ll wrap her little body around my head whenever I’m in pain, and won’t leave until it’s passed. Somehow, she knows”.

Nana administers her own unique style of pain relief Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Nana’s comforting presence and warm nature have clearly had a hugely beneficial effect on Mary’s life. Their story is a great example of why cats and people make such great companions, and it’s touching to hear how their bond is now helping Nana as she adjusts to losing her sight.”

Spring 2018

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Joe was born for Business Shine member Joe Waggott has never let spina bifida get in the way of his ambitions. Starting his first business at the tender age of 14, his entrepreneurial spirit has remained strong ever since.

“It was great to not only start doing my own thing again, but to also be supporting people back home in Zimbabwe”.

“It’s an amazing feeling when you list something and it works! Every morning I would go on my laptop and see more and more orders coming through. I was managing everything at that point from a small one-bedroom flat – basically keeping the products in a cupboard and then packaging and sending them off to buyers.”

In 2017, Joe’s business - Metal Polishing Supplies UK Ltd - won the eBay for Business Grand Prize, scooping a package which included strategic support from logistics specialist, Linnworks, a £5000 cash injection, plus trips to meet the business brains behind the online auction site both in the …“It was great to not UK and eBay headquarters in the USA. only start doing my

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“As my orders grew I started looking for additional suppliers, both locally and abroad. We have built a very strong supply chain and forming relationships face-to-face was an important part of that.”

own thing again, but As his business grows from strength to to also be supporting strength, and turning over more than people back home in £300,000 in 2017, Joe has customers all over the world which is impressive Zimbabwe…

“For me, starting my eBay business has enough for any entrepreneur, much been a great journey and my life has totally less one whose life to date has seen him spend years changed. I never dreamt the business would get to where in and out of hospital, undergoing more than fifteen it is today, and if we can replicate the success of the last operations. decade in the next 10 years, that would be fantastic.”

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After moving to the UK in 2005 due to the political situation in his native Zimbabwe, Joe, leaving behind a successful woodwork machinery business, found it difficult to hold down a full time job due to his ongoing health issues.

“I needed to find a job that would work around me, rather than the other way around, and eBay held the answer!” says Joe. “I had a ‘eureka moment’ and found there was a niche market in metal polishing wheels. I got my laptop out, sat at my kitchen table and launched my business. I started out importing polishing wheels to sell and the business grew from there”.

“I do get frustrated, as I want to do more but sometimes I’m restricted by my health, but I’m hoping that my story will inspire others with physical challenges to enter the world of business”.

Spring 2018

A Summer of Sport!

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We’ve had Wimbledon and the World Cup, now meet the Shine members who haven’t let Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus stop them from smashing their sporting goals!

Sita Proof that one should never judge a book by it’s cover, it would be easy to mistake Sita for a fashion blogger as she sits in her wheelchair, petite and immaculately dressed.

The reality couldn’t be further from the truth! For the aspiring weight lifter is more at home amidst the spit and sawdust of her local gym, where her commitment to pumping iron recently earned Sita and her teammates a bronze medal at the recent British Para Powerlifting Championships.

Back in 2016, Sita found herself looking for something positive to do. Inspired by the Paralympics, she fell in love with the sport, and after some extensive Googling, found herself a club nearby.

Whilst quick to credit her coaches, who first encouraged her to enter competitions, weight training is a tough ask for anyone, and when the time comes to lift, it’s all Sita as she refuses to be held back by spina bifida. She even went on to record a new personal best at the event, lifting a whopping 53 kilograms, that’s the equivalent of her own body weight!

Whilst most of us would feel like putting our feet up after that, that’s also why we don’t have medals lying around the house!

Sure enough, Sita was back in the gym just days later, this time incorporating boxing workouts into her training to improve her flexibility and upper body strength.

Spring 2018

Ayesha Described as “an inspiration” by one of her teachers, 22 year old Ayesha recently completed a gruelling 10k push to raise money for charity.

Ayesha, an administration student, was especially proud to make it over the finishing line after learning she beat her own personal target by two minutes. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, as she goes on to tell us…

“In the first and second mile, I felt good, but in the third, I felt my body start to tire. It felt like I was going to fall over! The support I had was incredible though! Lots of people came out to support me, they were giving me high fives along the way, that felt great and really helped me make it to the end. I can’t wait to do it again” Whilst we think she deserves a well earned break, we were delighted to hear that Ayesha plans on raising money for Shine when she takes on her next challenge.

“I don’t know if it’ll be another 10k or something similar, i’m already looking for events nearby. I might even organise an awareness walk” We agree with Ayesha’s tutor Maxine, who added “Ayesha is an inspiration to us all, I look forward to seeing her succeed in many other challenges inside, and outside of college”.

Young goal scorer is top of the league!

Deian Eight year old Deian who plays in the Sussex Disability Football League, melted hearts when photographer Simon Roe captured this wonderful image of a recent goal celebration - when mum Catherine approached the league about helping raise money for Shine, they were more than happy to help.

Jade Harker, the league’s secretary said “Deian is a delight to watch play football, seeing the pure joy on his face when he plays make the league feel so worthwhile. It was a pleasure to assist Deian’s family to raise money for the charity” And indeed they did, staging a charity football match and raising over £260.

Mum, Catherine said “Shine has supported Deian and our family for the past eight years and have always been supportive of his development through sports. It’s brilliant we are able to work with the Sussex Disability Football League to help raise money for such an important charity.”

Budding players in the area can get involved by emailing Jade at secretary@sussexdisabilityfootball.org.uk

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Spring 2018

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A ‘wheely’ great holiday destination Going on holiday when you have mobility difficulties can be a challenge. Choosing where you want to go is one thing, but how can you tell what its going to be like when you get there?

Kathy Allen, Shine’s Occupational Therapist recently travelled to Tenerife in the Canary islands. After making a commitment in 2009 to make the area as barrier free as possible, Tenerife is thought to be one of the most visited destinations in the world for people with mobility difficulties.

Having taken the leap and booked, She soon saw why…

“We highly recommend booking passenger assistance before you fly. From the moment we arrived at the airport we were greeted by a member of the “sin barreras” team (without barriers) who escorted us through the airport”.

“We were a little concerned when our pre booked taxi didn’t arrive, but it wasn’t a problem. Even with a wheelchair and mountains of luggage, we easily caught another” “We stayed in the Arona area, near Los Cristianos.

A rough guide to disabled holidays in Spain:

https://bit.ly/2NtfDNv

There was step free access pretty much everywhere and we saw large numbers of people using wheelchairs, or electric scooters. You can hire these for the week, they even do tandem ones for couples to ride together”.

“There were accessible, clean toilets everywhere.

Nearly all the restaurants we went to had a dedicated accessible toilet and even if we weren’t eating there, they were happy to let us use their facilities”.

“One reason we chose this location was because we love going on the beach, but sand and wheelchairs don’t mix well. There is level access to the wide long promenade and you can walk/wheel for 7 kilometers from Los Americas towards Los Cristianos, the next resort”.

“The beach at Los Vistas and Los Cristianos has accessible boardwalks, toilets and even chairs that allow you to wheel directly into the sea!”.

“We went in May and the weather was ideal, not too hot. Perfect for a weeks holiday. So apart from the flight time (Four hours can be a challenge if you have continence issues), I would say this was one of the most accessible holidays we have ever been on”.

Shine’s guide to holidays and getting out and about:

https://bit.ly/2mwMfdH

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Spring 2018 Back in January, Shine attended a special press briefing in which Professor Nicholas Wald unveiled a new research paper which disproved a long standing theory that consuming ‘too much’ folic acid can have adverse effects.

Campaigns

Catch-Up

Long terms members will know that Shine (and formerly ASBAH) has long campaigned for the fortification for flour with folic acid, an initiative which has been scientifically proven to reduce cases of spina bifida by up to 70% in more than 80 countries across the globe.

We’re delighted to report that since the start of the year, we’ve made some of the most significant progress to date and look closer than ever before to a breakthrough which would improve the quality of life for many children and families in the future.

With this to add to our existing research and knowledge of the subject, we formally launched our ‘fight for fortification’ campaign in May, coinciding with a parliamentary briefing in which we, along with a panel of industry experts, presented to MP’s the case for mandatory fortification.

The campaign continues to gather momentum, with Owen Smith MP leading a formal debate in the houses of parliament, which lead to the Minister for Public Health, Steve Brine pledging to meet with Shine and commissioning a report by the Government’s committee on toxicity to verify Professor Wald’s findings.

Owen Smith MP has since launched an All Party Parliamentary Group for Folic Acid Fortification including members from all parties who will continue to press the issue, with Nigel Dodds MP going so far as to raise the matter with the Prime Minister at a recent PMQ’s.

In other good news, Shine has also been appointed secretariat of the group, giving us a front row seat as discussions develop and we’ll continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

People Power Preserves Precious Clinic For the past 12 months, Shine has campaigned to save a specialist spina bifida clinic based at Chelsea and Westminster hospital.

The only one of it’s kind in the UK, Shine members in the area, many of whom have benefited from the service for many years, were rightly concerned when news of it’s closure broke back in April 2017.

Shine were quick to act, contacting senior decision makers at the hospital, the local foundation trust and government ministers to appeal the decision, and setting up a focus group to coordinate activity and keep members informed throughout negotiations.

And so, in May we learned of the hospitals decision to continue with the clinic and are enthused by news that they have identified a successor (Dr Ruth Mizoguchi) to Dr Richard Morgan who has been so important to the development of the clinic over the years.

Members should be incredibly proud, as ultimately, it is people power which has saved the day, with almost 3,000 of you signing a petition as well as writing with your deeply personal accounts, which has ultimately swayed the decision in our favour.

Shine would like to thank Chelsea and Westminster for listening to our concerns and doing the right thing, as well as congratulate all of our members who have played such a pivotal role in securing the service for future patients.

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Spring 2018

Fundraising at 150ft!

For most people, Saturday 19th May 2018 will be remembered as the day Chelsea won the F.A. Cup, and Harry married Meghan, but for a select few, it’ll go down in history as the day they conquered Peterborough Cathedral, abseiling 150ft down it’s North West tower to raise money for Shine.

Joining the many local dignitaries who took on the challenge, were Shine board member Peter Serjeant as well as our very own Benny Bear who kept his cool throughout despite almost ‘losing his head’ on a few occasions.

The event raised over £37,000 with the proceeds shared equally between Shine and our hosts, the Cathedral, as well as putting lots of eyes on the charity and our work in the process.

A special shout out to Bob Robertson, our leading fundraiser who won an 11” Lenovo tablet for his efforts, kindly donated by our friends at AA Accountants

A big thank you!

A big thank you to Andy and his colleagues at the Royal Military Barracks at Sandhurst, who recently raised £3,532.45 for Shine at their annual ball.

Shine were chosen by Andy’s officer cadets in honour of his four year old daughter MaidsonLeigh who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

There’s only 115(ish) days to go!

Ok, so the countdown to Christmas hasn’t quite started yet, but we’re so excited about our new designs we wanted to share them with you in plenty of time.

There’s limited stocks of each design available and orders will be filled on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like to send a special card this year whilst making a small donation at the same time, check out the order form included with your magazine for details.

Spring 2018

Generous duo raise thousands for Rosa Turning 18 is a landmark occasion for any young person, often celebrated with extravagant gifts and nights on the town - but for Steven McLeister and his girlfriend Amy Sterling, it was an opportunity to fundraise for their favourite charity.

The couple asked friends and family for donations in lieu of gifts, raising an astonishing £2270 in aid of Shine and his niece, Rosa.

Pep’s turned a funny colour…

Pep, who has spina bifida and his wife Jenny recently took part in a ‘Colour Rush’ raising over £600 for Shine. The couple took on a 5k course where they were pelted with wave after wave of coloured paint.

We hope it washed out of the Shine t-shirt!

Children’s centre goes yellow!

Hornsey Road Children’s Centre in Islington recently held a Wear Yellow and Shine day including a yellow themed bake sale, raising £117.

It was so much fun, even Benny Bear popped along to meet the families who benefit from their wonderful service.

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A gift in your Will would help us to be here for future generations affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Writing a will is an important step towards making sure your wishes can be respected. Once you have taken care of your family and friends, it’s also the perfect way to ensure that a charity like Shine can continue to be there for the people and families who will need us in the future.

For over 50 years, we have helped change the lives and futures of so many affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, but there is still so much more we want to do. Legacies really do make a huge difference and quite simply much of our work would not happen without them. Every single legacy gift, large and small, will mean we can continue to be there for our members, today, tomorrow and long into the future.

Your Will is obviously a very personal matter, and everyone has their own reasons for wanting to help Shine. That is why we make a legacy pledge of our own to anyone who chooses to support us in this way.

• We will always respect your privacy at all times and we completely understand that your Will is completely personal to you.

• We appreciate that your family and loved ones always come first.

• We will handle whatever gift you leave us efficiently, and with care, sensitivity and respect.

• We recognise you have the absolute right to change your mind about any gift in your Will, at any time and for any reason.

For more information about making a will or leaving a legacy, please contact us at legacies@shinecharity.org.uk

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

Southern Region: Cambridgeshire 0-5’s Group, Shine HQ, Peterborough 10am - 12pm 12th September 10th October 14th November 12th December Blue Blobbers Group 2nd November - Visit to the Sky Garden (subject to availability) 7th October - Venue TBC 4th November - Meal and bowling at the o2 15th December - Pantomime at Stratford East Theatre (Sold out) Bocketts Farm Family Day 20th October. Bocketts Farm, Surrey, 10:30am. For families with children under the age of 16. Pre-booking by 1st October is essential.

Family Christmas Party 24th November, The Carey Centre, Reading, 2pm - 5pm. For families with children under the age of 16.

Pre-booking is essential.

Coming soon: ‘Good to Talk’ mental health session.

Date and Venue TBC

Northern Region: Education Workshop for Professionals Irwin Mitchell Offices, Manchester.

4:30pm - 6:30pm. Date: 15th October.

Education Workshop for Professionals Irwin Mitchell Offices, Sheffield.

4:30pm - 6:30pm. Date: 17th October

Shine Little Stars (Bradford) St Luke’s Hospital (Toy Library), Bradford, 10am - 12pm Meet on the second Thursday of every month.

Shine Little Stars (York) Halloween Play and Stay The Vinery Centre, Leeds, 10am 12pm. Date:13th October North East Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Support Group Rising Sun Country Park (Tim Lamb Centre), Newcastle, 2pm - 4pm. Meet on the fourth Sunday of every month.

Coffee, Chat and Shopping 27th September, Costa Coffee, Octagon Centre, Burton-on-Trent 11am - 1pm Hands for Wellbeing 30th October, Community Room, Hanley Fire Station, Stoke-on-Trent 11am - 2pm Children’s Christmas Party 15th December Brook Centre, Our Space, Staffordshire, 10:30am - 12:30pm Coming Soon: ‘Good to Talk’ mental health session Shine Teenies Meet Up, Liverpool Staffordshire Adults Group Dates and venues TBC

Wales:

Meet the Shine Cymru Team 30th October - Insole Court, South East Wales Celebrate and Shine Event 13th November - North Wales, Venue TBC Ser Bach Christmas Get Together 8th December - Cefn Mably Farm Park, Cardiff 15th December - Greenacres Animal Park, Deeside, Flintshire Meet the Shine Cymru Team Christmas Get Together 6th December - Swansea and South West Wales, Towers Hotel 11th December - South West Wales, Cliff Hotel 12th December - South East Wales, Venue TBC. Carers Event - Now and in the Future 8th November, Waterfront Community Church, Swansea, 10am - 3pm

Northern Ireland: Teen pampering Ballymena, 29th September Parents and childrens group Belfast, 13th October

Ser Bach Events:

Teen Basketball and Archery Antrim, 31st October

27th October - Cantref Farm, Brecon (Harry Trotter and the Pumpkin Patch)

Parents and children’s group Lurgan, 10th October

2nd November - Play King, Children’s Play Centre, Llanelli

Children’s Christmas party Belfast, 8th December

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.