MAY MEETING

The low turnout of 9 to this meeting was understandable as 8 other regular attendees had apologised due to various other commitments over the Bank Holiday weekend. We were fortunate in having both the ISWs in the county to join us for this meeting. Both Carol and Kathy were interesting and informative. Carol mentioned the fact that there was no similar group covering the south of the county and asked if we were prepared to accept PwPs from that area. Whilst there was no objection from the group, it requires further clarification from Vina/Gill. (NOTE:  Discussed and agreed with Vina at theBDM)

GROUP NAME

In view of Carol's comments at the May meeting and approval by Vina, the group will, in future, be known as the Northants Younger Persons Support Group (NYPSG), dropping "North" from the title.
 
MEETING DATES & SPEAKERS

Please note the following minor changes:

• June Vina will be joined by other members of the regional team.
• Oct Pete Smith is unable to attend the October meeting and will now be coming to our November meeting

FUND RAISING - TESCO

A big thank you to Northampton Branch who have very kindly "donated" a fundraising opportunity. This will be held at Tesco Mereway Northampton on Sat 14th June from 9 til 4. They were allocated 4 days but could only staff 3 of them. I will be asking for volunteers for this event. It will require 2 people at a time for a period of 1 or 2 hours.

NORTHANTS QUESTIONNAIRE

A national survey was carried out recently by the PDS to establish the effects of PD on the individual and the awareness of NHS staff.  This information will be used by the PDS as backup for discussions with Government.
A Northants survey of PwPs will be distributed shortly. This will be used at a local level in talks with the Northamptonshire PCT in order to improve the service in the county. Once completed please return the questionnaire in the prepaid envelope which will be provided.

NORTHANTS BRANCH FORUM

This took place on the 24th April at the St Crispin Centre in Duston and was attended by myself, Stuart, Tina and Liz. The only branch not represented was Wellingborough.
It was agreed that there should be more interaction between Groups and Branches through the exchange of information and ideas. One example of this can be seen above, where the Northampton Branch "donated" a days fundraising which they could not staff.
It was suggested that the profile of the PDS and the work of the branches/groups in the county, could be raised by having a stand at events such as the Northampton Show and the Balloon Festival.  This would be an  area where we could work together in order to achieve goals which would be unattainable as individual groups/branches.
Funds raised would be divided on a pro rata basis. Local firms such as Weetabix and Avon were mentioned as possible sponsors.
 
YPN AGM  - STRATFORD ON AVON

This event took place at the Holiday Inn and was attended by over 100 members with the AGM only taking up less than an hour. The remainder of the time was taken up by various speakers on the subjects of coping with life after diagnosis, DLA and a question and answer session with a panel of experts. Not to mention a magnificent free lunch



AEROBATICS AT SYWELL

Not to be outdone by being unable to take part in a wing walk at Sywell, Judie now plans to take part in an aerobatic display there at 12.30 on the 20th July. It was agreed at this months meeting that we would sponsor Judie with a £100 donation.


SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
 
I have booked a canal boat for a 3 hour trip on the Grand Union Canal for Friday 13th June. It will leave Stoke Bruerne at 2 pm. The cost to members of the group will be £5 per head (non returnable). There are spare places available for any friends or relatives that you would like to bring along but they will pay the full price of £7 per head. Spare places will be allocated on a "first come first served" basis. Payment can be made to either myself or Stuart but no later than the June meeting. Further information can be found on the owner's website www.boatinn.co.uk

 
Now that Bruce has an idea of the numbers interested in bowling, he will approach local bowling alleys to see what deals can be struck.  The preferred option for most people is Friday afternoon or evening.

USEFUL INFORMATION
I am in the process of updating the useful info file. If anyone has anything that they feel would be of use/interest to members please contact me. In the meantime the three following items may be of interest:
AA DISABLED TRAVELLERS' GUIDE
This guide covers topics of interest to assist travelers with disabilities and offers more general advice on travel, both by car and by other means. It can be found at http://www.theaa.com/staticdocs/pdf/services/disabled_travellers_guide.pdf  
THE ROYAL ASSOCIATION FOR DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION (RADAR)
Amongst many other services, RADAR provides is The National Key Scheme for Toilets for Disabled People. This key provides access to more than 8000 toilets for the disabled, countrywide. Keys cost £3.50 and can be obtained   by contacting RADAR on 0870 770 7930 or at www.radar.org.uk
I also have a copy of  the RADAR Guide for Disabled People - Holidays in Britain & Ireland 2008, which is available on loan to NNYPSG members
AA DISCOUNTED RATE
The AA offers a 15% discount on membership fees for Blue Badge holders. Details can be obtained by calling 0800 444 999

BRANCH DEVELOPMENT MEETING (BDM)
Liz, Tina, John, Stuart and myself met with Vina on the 8th May to review the development of the group over the past year and discuss the way forward with particular emphasis being placed on improvements in support of PwPs. Average attendance at meetings had risen from between 5 and 10 per meeting to between 10 and 15 recently.  As the group has a healthy bank balance (approx £1500), it was suggested that £500 be given to the East Midlands Region to help improve the ISW cover in Northants. This proposal will be put to members at  the June meeting..
WEBSITE
Stuart is currently working on our website with a planned launch on 2nd August
NEXT MEETING
Saturday 7th Juner at The Queen Adelaide Kingsthorpe, when  the East Midlands Regional Team  will be joining us.