Inclusion spotlight:

We are aspiring to be a genuinely inclusive started to dwindle, despite the on-line support groups organisation, accessible to all who need us or want to continuing to thrive. support us. Part of this is recognising how changing The Branch talked to its members and decided to change our activities and processes can help the charity be the day, format and venue to make it more accessible and more inclusive. easier for people to attend. The search for a new venue

The West London and Middlesex MND Branch recently began. It had to be accessible by public transport, have adapted its support meetings to be more inclusive, and in parking and, be wheelchair friendly with good disabled doing so has reached new supporters and seen an increase facilities. in its membership.

The Branch found a pub that had everything they needed For many years the Branch held its support meetings in and was willing to make a dedicated space available for the the same place and at the same time every month. Prior to meetings. Since then attendance has boosted, meaning Covid, they were well attended, but post Covid attendance more people are able to access local support.

Proud to celebrate Pride

In June, we celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month, a month focused on people coming together in friendship, remembering queer history and pushing for equality. MND affects people from all backgrounds, and we want everyone to feel comfortable engaging with us and accessing our services, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

With a renewed boost in membership, increased engagement and a focus on inclusion, a West London and Middlesex To mark Pride Month we also launched MND Branch member approached the a film on Global MND Awareness Day, West London Queer Project, to raise featuring people living with MND awareness of MND. This inspired the alongside celebrity supporters including Project to mark the start of Pride Month food writer Jonathan Phang, broadcaster by hosting a joint-branded sponsored Jeremy Vine, drag queen Pixie Polite and 10km Thames Park Walk in aid of the West actor Peter Ash. The film aims to celebrate London and Middlesex MND Branch, diversity and people’s raising £2,158. The walk ended with a right to live without mini festival, which included star of BBC’s discrimination.

RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pixie Polite, who youtu.be/Un11BagV2Xk

To watch the film scan has fundraised for the MND Association this QR code or visit before in memory of her gran.

Inclusion spotlight is our new regular Thumb Print column where we share stories showing how a person or part of the Association has gone a little further to be inclusive and accessible. If you’ve done something or know someone who has done something that’s inclusive and accessible, please contact john.gillies@mndassociation.org