MS Week!
Apology
I apologise to
Branch members for the delay in receiving the letters for the Annual Meeting. As several members of the committee have MS
themselves and may be ill at times, this has really highlighted the need for more helpers both
on the committee supporting branch activities, or to undertake occasional tasks
such as sending out mail or other admin/fundraising activities, as back up. If
you feel you could give some time, no matter how little or find out more call
the branch contact line. John Sanderson Chair
Branch hosts talk by Dr Martin Duddy
Almost a full house as Dr Martin Duddy gave
a very interesting talk on the latest research, Disease modifying drugs and the
current drug trials for multiple sclerosis.
Thank you from the branch to Dr Duddy for giving his free time and
delivering a very informative and enjoyable evening.
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Legal review into decision to tighten PIP mobility qualifier
A campaigner has succeeded in his fight
for the High Court to conduct a judicial review of the decision made by the
Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) to introduce stricter criteria for
people applying for the mobility component of PIP.
Earlier this year the DWP changed the
distance people had to walk to qualify for the enhanced rate mobility component
of the disability benefit from 50 metres to 20 metres. There was no public
consultation on this decision.Over 95% of people with MS currently receive the
higher rate of the mobility component of DLA – soon to be changed to PIP – which
often allows people with mobility problems to pay for an adapted car, use taxis
or purchase walking aids to help them remain mobile and independent.
Challenging the
DWP’s decision
Steven Sumpter does not have MS but his
actions could benefit thousands living with the condition across the UK. His
disability means he can only walk a few metres with a stick. He was assessed as
eligible for the higher rate of the mobility component for DLA but is worried
that in the new changes under PIP mean he’ll miss out on this vital benefit,
especially as he did not have a chance to put his views to the DWP.
Steven is working with Public Law
Solicitors to take the decision to court.
Karen Ashton from Public Law Solicitors is representing Steven. She
said: “The higher rate of mobility benefit can make an extraordinary difference
to a disabled person’s life. But the Government failed to mention the reduction
to 20m in their consultations and so those who might be affected did not have
the chance to put their case and explain how devastating the consequences will
be.”
Source: MS
Society website.
Also,
don’t forget the next Coffee meet up is on Thursday June 20th at
Shades of Green Garden Centre, North Seaton Industrial Estate, Ashington NE63
0YB. Everybody is welcome.
Chase Park Music Festival
On 10th
August there will be a Music Festival at Chase Park Whickham, Newcastle. This is aimed at those with neurological
problems and caters for all ages and abilities.
This festival shows
disabled artists and new bands from the north east and is a fun day out the
festival is from 12 – 9pm. For more
information Tel: 0191 488 7351 or
email: info@keirogroup.co.uk.
Carers
Week 10 – 16 June 2013
Are
you a carer or do you know someone who is a carer? To highlight the great work and support they
give the Society is asking for carers to spare a few minutes and fill in the
survey. The data collected from the annual survey is used to campaign for
better support for carers. It is important that as many people as possible fill
in the survey which can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/carersweek2013. In raising awareness the MS Society is also
looking for people willing to be a case study for an article or
television/radio coverage locally. If
you would like some more information call Andrea Lisher in the press team on
020 8438 0840 or email alisher@mssociety.org.uk
Please note the views expressed in this
Newsletter are not necessarily the views of the MS Society or it’s staff.
Branch Events
Date
|
Venue
|
Speaker/Activity/Topic
|
12th June
|
St James’ Church Hall
|
Barter Books
|
10th July
|
“
|
John McKale –Talk Romany Gypsies
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14th August
|
To be announced
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Branch Summer Barbecue
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Branch
Committee
Chair/Support Volunteer John Sanderson 01670
858939 northumberlandchair@gmail.com
Vice-Chair/
Fundraising Officer Ray Scott 01665
577705
ray@sylvcrows.eclipse.co.uk
Treasurer Stephen
Proom SPROOM7348@BIGFOOT
Lead Support Volunteer/ Jackie Scott 01670
858939
Branch Website Editor Mark Borrington markborrington@yahoo.com
Carers Co-ordinator Vacancy
Young Persons Co-ordinator
Vacancy
Committee members:
Barbara Clasper 01670 512540
Renee Martin 01670 512314
Plus Rothbruy Street Fair.....
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