Welcome to the website for
Ayrshire & Arran Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Scotland.
We hope you find our website helpful. and easy-to-use. Click on the links below to access the information or page that you require. If you have a specific comment or query, just click here to e-mail us.
Registered Charity SCO 16433.
Contact us by...
Writing to us at MS Ayrshire & Arran,104a Main Street, Kilwinning, Ayrshire KA13 6AA.
Calling in to our office at 104a Main Street, Kilwinning, behind the Royal Bank of Scotland;
the office is staffed most weekdays between 11 and 3.
Telephoning us on 01294 558866
E-mailing us at msayrshirebranch@tiscali.co.uk
Chairman’s Spring Message 2008
All of us hope the worst of the terrible weather is over. If you attended our
New Year lunch at the well named Gailes Lodge you will know exactly what
I mean. For many of us our winter hibernation can now be put aside and
we can get out and about more. It never fails to amaze me the opportunities
the Branch offers for fellowship and support for both members and non-members
alike.
Just consider what we offer locally on a regular basis – the Cunninghame Group
in Stevenston, the Henderson Group in Kilmarnock and the Kyle Coffee Club in Ayr.
You are assured of a warm welcome in all three of them. But there’s more - our monthly Social Night which is now held at the Gailes Lodge in Irvine provides good company, an excellent meal and first class entertainment for a modest £6 – what a bargain !!!!
Our Yoga sessions at Biggart Hospital in Prestwick remain popular. So why not get ready for Spring by coming along and join in?
The national Society has designated 21 – 26 April 2008 as MS Week to raise the profile of MS and publicise
the services available. To launch the Week, the Scottish Society have organised a two day Conference on 19/20 April in Clydebank. The Branch has been allocated four places and we intend to take them all up.
It was also gratifying to see that Jacquie Downs at the Douglas Grant Unit has organised at the DGU an update on MS developments on the afternoon of Thursday 24 April to coincide with our week. Anyone who attended last year’s session will confirm how informative and helpful the presentations from the various professional staff were. The Branch will be on parade.
Our own Annual General Meeting will be held after lunch on the afternoon of Saturday 26 April again at Gailes Lodge details will be circulated separately to all members in good standing. I think this means your subs are paid up !! We will welcome Denise Fagg, Chairwoman of the Scottish Society, as our guest speaker. All of us were delighted to see Denise being honoured in the New Years List with the award of the MBE for all her voluntary work. It was hugely deserved.
Our first training session on Moving and Assisting went very well recently at Red Cross House in Irvine. All who attended gave really positive feedback. We are now accepting further requests for future events from both people with any type of neurological disability and their carers. Courtesy of the National Lottery grant to the Branch it is FREE to all participants.
I was also recently reminded of the sterling work that the Ladies Section of the Licenced Trade does for the Branch. Their annual Ladies Lunch at the Savoy Park Hotel in Ayr raises over £1,000 for Branch funds. This year’s event is on Wednesday 2 April. Tickets are available and we would encourage your support.
When you read all this, you can only wonder at the great set of volunteers, all unpaid, we have in this Branch. They are all due our heartfelt thanks.
For further information on all our activities, including those mentioned above, please feel free to ring me on 01292 280814 or Harry at our Kilwinning office on 01294 558866.
Finally, many of you know I had a brief spell in hospital recently. I am now getting back to full vigour and thank all of you for your good wishes. They were greatly appreciated.
Donald McNeill OBE
Chairman
March 2008
Social Nights at the Menzies (formerly the Thistle) Hotel, Irvine.
Click the box below for this year's programme.
AchievAbility, the Disability Show for All takes place in Irvine next Tuesday, 26th February.
The show, which has been organised by Thistle Help, is at Vineburgh Community Centre, Quarry Road, Irvine from 11am to 4pm.
Why not come along and take a look at Products, Suppliers,Demonstrations and pay a visit to the CanDo Magazine stand.
You can also get a FREE tyre and battery check on your own scooter or wheelchair.
If you'd like to attend, please phone 01294 313369 or email laura@thistlehelp.co.uk
UK Charity of the Year Partnership
Majestic Wine Warehouses Ltd has chosen the Multiple Sclerosis Society as its UK charity of the year. Fund raising events will include in-store promotions, involvement of their suppliers and staff activity days.
At the end of 2007, the Branch will be the beneficiaries of 50% of charity monies raised in their Ayr outlet.
If you wish to support their efforts by purchasing their excellent and competitive products visit their Warehouse at 1C, Alloway Place, Ayr telephone 01292 880886
FORTHCOMING BRANCH EVENTS
Collectors Wanted!
Volunteers are required for can-collection to raise essential branch funds. Please contact Drew Hannah on 01292 312929 or get in touch with our office - 01294 558866 - if you're able to help.
MANAGED CLINICAL NETWORKS FOR MS
In 2002 the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) reported on Multiple Sclerosis and made some telling observations on the state of MS Services in Scotland:
* "Wide variations in accessiblity and quality of care exist for patients with MS"
* "Service planners should address the funding issues of MS Services with the knowledge that current care is substantially sub-optimal, inadequately resourced and unacceptably fragmented."
The Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) response to this authoratitive survey was to recommend the establishment of Managed Clinical Networks for MS in two health board areas - Forth Valley and Ayrshire & Arran.
These networks are virtual organisations, not another layer of NHS bureaucracy. They are, to quote from SEHD guidelines:
"Linked groups of healthcare professionals from primary, secondary and tertiary care, working in a co-ordinated manner, unconstrained by existing professional and health boundaries to ensure equitable provision of high quality care." Fine words and noble aspirations.
Within the MS Society in Ayrshire & Arran we were delighted to be involved from the very beginning. We recognise that we have an award-winning service which has been up and running for about 12 years and which the Society has supported consistently and with assistance is support funding for the establishment of a multi-disciplinary professional team. The lead clinician, Dr Paul Mattison, is well known to Society members and was a member of the team which produced the Society's report in 2002: 'Developing MS Healthcare Standards: Evidence-based recommendations for Service Providers'. This together with the NICE Guideline of November 2003 - 'MS Management of Primary and Secondary Care' will inform the Network's objectives.
The new Network was launched publicly on 28 June 2006 with many Society members in attendance. A plea from the Branch Chairman, Donald McNeill, for the full involvement of Social Work, Benefits Agency and Ambulance Staff was endorsed.
In addition to Donald; Harry Travers the Branch Secretary and May Smalley an active Branch Committee Member - who both have MS - sit with their carers on the Network's Steering Group. Its first meeting on 19th July was very promising with a determination to develop a service which placed the patient/client at its very centre. The initial priority will be focussed on the newly diagnosed and their needs.
Donald McNeill OBE
Chairman
MS Society Ayrshire & Arran
24 July 2006.
Alan Gunning; Jacqui Downs,
Alan Izat, Dr Paul Mattison,
Donald McNeill and
Katy Bullock pictured at the
pre-launch event for the
Multiple Sclerosis
Managed Clinical Network.
MS REGISTER
The Scottish Society has launched an ambitious project to assemble a register of everybody with MS in Scotland. It is being undertaken in collaboration with the Universities and the NHS including MS Nurses and Neurologists. Confidentiality is guaranteed. When you are approached, please co-operate...the benefits to all will be enormous. The project will commence after the summer break.
MS AYRSHIRE & ARRAN DINNER DANCE 2007
Our Dinner Dance is the Branch's big occasion of this year. This popular event will take place on Saturday, 3rd November at The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock.
The evening will commence at 6.30 with an hour of cocktails, courtesy of Diageo Ltd; this will be followed by dinner, an auction and raffle, then dancing to the sounds of Sweet Sensation until 1a.m.
Tickets cost £30 per head and can be obtained from Susan Fitt on 01292 282377, by phoning our branch office on 01294 558866, by clicking here to email Susan.
There will also be a great prize to be won in our 'Lucky Ticket' draw...so write your name on the back of yours and remember to bring it with you on the night!
It's sure to be a memorable occasion, so don't miss it!
Multiple Sclerosis Society – Kyle Coffee Club
A recently started new venture in Ayr is meeting a need for people affected by multiple sclerosis, their carers and families. Meeting once a month in the Conservatory of Dobbies Garden Centre at Old Toll, Holmston, it offers an accessible service of advice and practical help by the local Branch’s support workers on the statutory and voluntary services currently available. The trained volunteers guarantee absolute confidentiality in all their dealings. So far the highlight and most welcome aspect has been the old fashioned notion of a blether with people in similar circumstances and a nice coffee in informal surroundings.
This new initiative complements the Ayrshire and Arran Branch’s well established groups in Cunninghame (St. John’s, Stevenston) and Kilmarnock (Henderson Church),
The next meeting of the Kyle Club is Wed 19 December at 10.00 am at Dobbies Garden Centre with the first 2008 January’s session on Wed 30 January. Anyone with an interest in disability is welcome.
For further information ring on the Kyle Group or any other Branch’s activities ring
Irene on (01292) 478962 or Donald on (01292) 280814.
Dear Colleague,
If you would like to know how you can feel healthier and fitter, the MS Society are pleased to announce that we have secured FREE places for all employees living or working in Scotland to undertake the award winning home study course, ‘Health for Life’.
Health for Life (Exercise) is a short distance learning course which has been designed to help individuals understand how to exercise correctly, learn about the effects of exercise on the body, set achievable objectives and then make practical steps to achieve them.
The course is fully supported and funded by James Watt College, participants complete all of the course assessments in their own time, at their own pace. Upon enrolment you will receive all your course materials and will have a designated college tutor assigned to you who will provide feedback on all your assessment submissions.
By working through three easy to follow workbooks you will understand how to set and achieve health related objectives. You will study the building blocks of diet and nutrition, effective training techniques and safe methods of exercise. To complete the course you will need to complete 2 multiple choice assessment packs which are related to the first two workbooks. You will then complete a three week exercise diary. Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a recognised Level 1 certificate.
To enrol on this course e-mail annie.thompson@tribalgroup.co.uk
I am sure you will agree this is a great opportunity for you to improve your lifestyle. However, it is important that you register your details as soon as possible to be accepted on this course.
Donald McNeill OBE
Chairman
24/10/2007
NHS Ayrshire and Arran MS Service
MS UPDATE
The Ayrshire & Arran Multiple Sclerosis Service, in partnership with MS Society Scotland and MS Society Ayrshire & Arran, are holding their second MS Update event aimed at people affected by MS.
* Find out the latest news on research and treatments with a presentation by
Dr Paul Mattison,Consultant Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine.
* Opportunity to speak to health professionals on a range of topics, including exercise, diet and healthy living, fatigue, drug therapies to name but a few.
* Put your questions to the panel of professionals in a question and answer session.
* Wander round our information stands and browse the free publications.
* Meet other people affected by MS.
Thursday 24th April 2008
1.00pm - 4.00pm
Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre
Ayrshire Central Hospital, Kilwinning Road, IRVINE
‘Light refreshments will be provided’
Would you like to attend, or find out more?
Please telephone the MS Managed Clinical Network on 01294 323030 or
email msmcn@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk. Transport can be provided on request.
What's On
Our REGULAR groups and clubs continue their popular get-togethers
Cunninghame Group – every Thursday at 12 noon in St John’s Church Hall, Stevenston
(Contact Iris McKenna on 01294-471066)
Kilmarnock Group – first and third Tuesday of each month from 1.00pm – 4pm in the
Scout Hall behind Henderson Church, Kilmarnock
(Contact Catherine Honeyman – 01563-539537)
Kyle Coffee Club (NEW) – last Wednesday of month – 10.30am in the Conservatory,
Dobbies Garden Centre, near Ayr
(Contact Irene Maclean – 01292-478962)
Yoga Class – every Monday 7.15pm – Day Centre, Biggart Hospital, Prestwick
(Contact Jean Howie – 01292-2684340)
Branch Social Evening – first Thursday of month – 7.30pm – Gailes Hotel, Irvine
(Contact Betty Harvie – 01294-556011)
Branch Committee – second Thursday of month – 7.30 pm
Committee Room, Biggart Hospital, Prestwick
All MEMBERS welcome
(Contact Harry Travers – 01294-558866)
But that’s not all – How about supporting....
Branch AGM – Saturday 26 April 2008 - 12.00 noon
Menzies Thistle Hotel, Irvine
(£5 Inc first class lunch - members chance to have their say)
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – SO WHY NOT JOIN US ?
NEW FUNDRAISING PAGE NOW ONLINE Click here to view the latest fundraising from MS Ayrshire and Arran Branch
Ayrshire & Arran Multiple Sclerosis Service Would you like to have a Patient Held Record? Click here for more information
THE GREAT MS AYRSHIRE & ARRAN
BALLOON RACE 2008.
We are delighted to announce that, after a break last year, our popular balloon race
will take place in August. Last time, the winning balloon travelled to Andorra in the
Pyrenees, a distance of 950 miles... will your balloon better that?
To enter (£1 per balloon with prizes of £100, £50 and £25 to be won) call
the branch office on 01294 558866.
'MOVING & ASSISTING' COURSE Free places available on these courses For details click here.
Police Constable James Kyle, from Kilmarnock completed
the 2007 New York marathon and wishes the sum he
raised - over £2,000 - to come to MS Ayrshire & Arran Branch.
The cheque presentation was at a meeting of the
Henderson Group in Kilmarnock in March.
Good news for the branch and well done PC Kyle!
Raising Awareness of Multiple Sclerosis
The Ayrshire and Arran Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) and its supporters have arranged a number of local events to support the UK campaign of the Society during the designated national MS Awareness Week from 19 – 26 April. People affected by MS, their carers and the wider community are invited to attend the local sessions and learn more about what is the most common neurological disability in Scotland where its incidence in the highest in the world
Sat 19/Sun 20 April – all Scotland Conference at Beardmore Hotel, Clydebank,
“Moving Forward and How to Beat MS”. The Branch will be fully represented
Monday 21 April - Yoga Relaxation - Day Centre, Biggart Hospital, Prestwick
Evening session under a trained instructor
Tuesday 22 April – Education and Learning afternoon on Moving and Assisting the Disabled
Red Cross House, Irvine. One of a series of FREE training session( courtesy of the National Lottery) to promote independence and mobility,
Thursday 24 April – Information Day– Douglas Grant Unit, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine.
A joint session of NHS professionals and volunteers to promote awareness.
Saturday 26 April - Progress on Fighting MS – Thistle Menzies Hotel, Irvine
An address by Mrs Denise Fagg, Chairperson, MS Scotland followed by Branch AGM.
Donald McNeill, Chairman of the Ayrshire and Arran branch said
“With over 300 members and being one of the biggest Branches in the UK we are delighted to support the national campaign. It is estimated 2,000 people in Ayrshire and Arran are affected by MS and we want to reach out and help them and their carers. We invite them to come along and see want we offer. These special efforts add considerably to our regular local group meetings in Ayr, Stevenston and Kilmarnock.
The Branch is constantly amazed by the great support we get from the local community at our scheduled events and meetings. Similarly, our fund-raising efforts undoubtedly strike a chord as we ensure all monies raised stay in Ayrshire and Arran to support people with MS and their carers.
As a Branch we have no paid staff and rely entirely on volunteers”.
For further information on MS, the forthcoming Awareness Week and the Branch generally please ring the Branch office – 01294 558866 or visit our website www.msayshire.com
Donald McNeill OBE
Chairman
MS Society
Ayrshire and Arran Branch
070408
FREE WATER BED
A branch member in Arran has a water bed going free to a good home.
It's a king size heated bed which sits in its own wooden frame.
Anyone interested would need to uplift the bed from Arran...but it would fit in a large car or van.
If interested, please phone 01770 860399.
The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
is a tourist guidebook that offers 100 days out, from country houses to fairgrounds with first-hand user reviews.
This book normally retails at £6.99 but Blue Badge
holders can get it for just £1.99 inc. p&p
