Welcome to
The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s
Hastings & Rother Newsletter
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Welcome to the updated 2011 newsletter for your region.
I hope this finds you well?
This newsletter aims to provide useful current and up to date
Information to its members.
It is a platform for communication about events but also about
useful and simple things that you want and need.
So please help me with your comments, suggestions and
Contributions, however small.
Welcome
There is a lot of exciting activity and development within the Society
locally, and we are working hard to making sure you keep up to date with all these plans and changes through this new letter.
Over the coming months we are planning to hold many events and activities within the region with your help and support.
Please check our website regularly for updates.
In this issue-
• NEW contacts and websites locally
• Focus on a face: A bit from our chair
• Helpful hints & advice from other members
• Free ads
The Branch Committee currently consists of -
Chairman -
Treasurer -
Secretary -
Membership Secretary -
Welfare support -
Newsletter editor -
Committee Member -
Committee Member -
Committee Member -
Contacts: hastingsandrothermssociety@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 707 6645
Join us on Facebook
There is now a facebook page -
We aim to post regular updates about events and activities around the region or you can just network and chat.
Each month we will have an exclusive from a member of
the MS Society, starting with the committee so you can
get to know us.
This month we will hear from our Chair Ashley Askham.
“Hi, Guys. I have been told that each newsletter one of the committee members will tell you a little about themselves. Unfortunately as the Chair I get to go first!
Well, some of you will know me of old, while others will have no idea about me and my background! I have a degree in Social Policy and Administration, and spent 6 years teaching at Bexhill College.
Over the course of a week I went numb from my feet up to my pelvic bone, following this I was diagnosed with MS in November 2006. My sister and a close family friend died shortly after and I wasn’t getting better! I was struggling to walk and the fatigue was awful!
I didn’t want my students to suffer because of my illness, so I handed in my notice and went to work for Social Services. Unfortunately I had to retire in November last year. Because of a conflict of interest, I was not allowed to go onto the committee, but once I retired I jumped at the chance to help Jane and Leon Tuppen, who had been working their socks off trying to keep this organisation going!
I stood for Chair at the AGM this year, and you got me!
People may think we have been very quiet, but believe me we have been working
hard behind the scenes, co-
But don’t get me wrong, we NEED YOUR SUPPORT we DO NOT want to work for you, but need to work WITH you! We need your support, ideas and help to make this organisation what you want it to be. I can be contacted on hastingsandrothermschair@hotmail.co.uk.
I am hoping that with your support we can move forward and make a difference. TTFN
Ashley and the new committee have been working very hard to ensure some fundamental
essentials are in place to build a better local branch. A free help line number
for local members, an e-
Of course getting a news letter up and running ensures you all get to hear about all the stuff that is going to be happening locally and encourage new members to join us and help raise valuable funds. If you have anything you would like to contribute or suggestions for the future, please contact us.
A sound local branch will create a strong support for its members, providing better help when it is needed for sufferers of MS and their family and friends.
MS BIG BREAKFAST
Fancy meeting new people over brunch?
Then come along to an MS Big Breakfast. We held the first event at AZUR Marina Pavilion,
St Leonards Seafront, on Saturday September 3rd, 10.30-
Relax and chat, share and exchange experiences. Meet the committee and help us with ideas. Tell us what you want from your local branch and how we can improve what is provided for its members.
The breakfast will be at a subsidised cost of £2.50. If anyone needs directions
or more details please contact us using the free phone number or the e-
We hope if this is successful we can make it a regular event on the first Saturday of every month.
Everyone welcome! Newly diagnosed, friends, family and anyone affected by MS.
Renee’s Lunch Club
(all at 12 noon Tuesdays)
Any further details, please ring the free phone.
These are popular informal lunches
where you can
chat and try out different popular pubs and cafes
in the area. All
are carefully chosen to make sure
they have good access and are good value for money.
SOCIALLY ACTIVE MS
ALSO KNOWN AS SAMS
Anyone who has MS is very welcome to come along to this monthly informal get together-
The coffee mornings are held in a fully accessible room in Marlborough House in Warrior Square, St Leonards. It is an ideal venue, with disabled parking directly outside.
It is so important to have a safe place where you and others can share problems, discuss treatments and just have a good natter with people who really do understand.
We share information and ideas with the aim of giving mutual support. We also like to have a good laugh!
So why not give it a try? Held the second Tuesday of every month, from 10:30 -
Come along and join in-
Next meeting will be Tuesday 13th December. If you would like more information or want someone to go with you, call free:
0800 707 6645
Sue Hargreaves Summer Tea
This annual event was held on 3rd August and the sun shone. Not only was it a great family event but thanks to the generous donations and the hard work of the stalls on the day £1,000 was raised.
Yesterday’s World Tombola
On 13th August this year’s tombola to raise awareness of MS was held at Yesterday’s World, Battle. It was a huge success thanks to the hard work of committee members trawling for and collecting gifts and donations.
This year saw many generous donations from companies including goodies from Boot’s, Waterstone’s and Thornton’s to name but a few, as well as many kind and generous donations and gifts from individuals.
If you have any other events or ideas you would like to let me know about, I would love to make sure everyone can hear about them.
If you feel you would be able to join the challenge of collecting or know of someone who might donate, or just have some ideas for fund raising, PLEASE get in touch so we can let everyone know.
It’s not hard if everyone does a little to help!
This month focuses on:
Vehicle Tax for disabled people
You may be entitled to a free tax disc if you’re a disabled person who gets the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or you have an invalid carriage.
Using the vehicle
To claim exemption from paying vehicle tax, the vehicle must be registered in your name or registered in the name of someone you nominate to drive for you (a nominee).
The vehicle must only be used for your purposes, for example shopping or getting prescriptions.
If it is being used by the nominee or someone else for their own personal needs, then the exemption will be lost. If you no longer qualify for vehicle tax exemption, you will need to tax your car in the appropriate tax class and pay the correct rate of vehicle tax.
How to claim an exemption from vehicle tax
To claim an exemption from vehicle tax you must be receiving at least one of the following:
• higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
• War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
If you claim Disability Living Allowance
If you currently get a free Vehicle Tax Disc using the certificate DLA404, you should continue to use the certificate DLA404 at the Post Office®, DVLA local office or online to get your free vehicle tax disc. When your certificate DLA404 is full you should contact the Disability Living Allowance Unit and ask for a Certificate of Entitlement to carry on getting your vehicle tax discs.
The address is:
Disability Living Allowance Unit, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill,
Blackpool FY20YE
Telephone: 0845 712 3456
Textphone: 0845 722 4433
If you are waiting to hear about a decision on your Disability Living Allowance claim, the Disability Living Allowance unit will send you a Certificate of Entitlement to claim a free vehicle tax disc with your decision notice. They will do this only if you are entitled to the Higher Rate Mobility Component with your award.
The leaflet DLA403 will be included with your Certificate of Entitlement. This will tell you how to get your free vehicle tax disc.
The Disability Living Allowance Unit will then automatically send you a Certificate of Entitlement every year to get your free vehicle tax disc. The unit will only do this if you continue to be entitled to the higher rate mobility component.
Taxing your vehicle in the disabled tax class
You can change your vehicle’s current tax class into the disabled tax class at a Post Office® branch that issues tax discs or your nearest DVLA Local Office. Once you have taxed your vehicle in the Disabled tax class you can renew it for future applications online, by phone, at the Post Office® or at your DVLA local office.
Registered Charity No. 207495
hastingsandrothermssociety@hotmail.co.uk
News about the English National Concessionary Travel
From 01 April 2011, the responsibility of the ENCT will move to East Sussex County Council.
If you already have a pass you don’t need to do anything, your new pass will be sent to you automatically.
If you want to apply for a pass, you can still do so at Hastings Information Centre.
Where and when can I travel?
You can use your ENCT card to travel for free after 9:00am on any bus journey in England and at any time weekends or public holidays.
The ENCT card is not valid on rail journeys or to purchase season, express coach season, express coach, excursion or similar tickets.
Companions can travel free within Hastings and Rother. If the journey starts in Hastings and Rother, the outward leg of the journey for the companion will be free, but they may be charged for the return leg of the journey from outside the Hastings and Rother area.
The rules about companions may vary from area to area, so if you’re travelling outside Hastings, it’s best to check with the relevant local authority.
Download the Application form:
English National Concessionary Travel Card Application Form
You must visit Hastings Information Centre in person to apply for your ENCT Card and provide us with proof that you live in Hastings or St Leonards. Your photograph will be taken to use on your pass.
In addition, you will need to show proof of entitlement, such as a driver’s licence, passport or documentary evidence that you quality.
If a companion of the disabled person is applying, then a doctor’s letter stating ‘the disabled ENCT Card Holder needs a companion’ is required.
Disabled Persons Railcard
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult,
you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard.
The Disabled Persons Railcard allows you to get 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you’re travelling with an adult companion they also can get 1/3 off their rail fare.
It costs £20 for a one-
£54 for a three year Railcard.
You need to give proof that you are eligible for a Railcard. You might qualify if
you have a visual impairment, a hearing impairment, have epilepsy or are in receipt
of a disability-
Check if you qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard today.
Why not place a FREE AD and sell unwanted stuff?
Your cast off’s could be someone else’s ‘must have’ bargain.
It’s FREE -
So DO IT!
It’s easy -
Don’t forget if you’re itching to be rid of your stuff,
there’s a whole bunch of people who might really
appreciate what you no longer need.
Call free on 0800 7076645 or 077 8947123
or
E-
iamahargreaves@aol.com
This newsletter is published by the Hastings and Rother Branch of the MS Society.
We give regular updates about MS and what is happening locally in the MS
community. All the views expressed in the publication are individual and
not necessarily the view or policy of the charity or its supporters.
Charity Number 207495
The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s
Hastings & Rother Newsletter
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Welcome to the Christmas 2011 Newsletter.
I hope this finds you full of good tidings and joy?
This newsletter aims to provide useful current and
up to date information for all
its members.
The feedback that we received following the last edition
was very positive and helpful.
The Committee have continued to work hard to make
the local branch more accessible
and provide useful services
and events. This can only be done with your feedback.
THANK YOU
To all of you who have helped and supported the branch
Welcome
Please check our website regularly for updates.
www.ms-
In this issue -
(Click to go to article)
• New contacts and web sites locally
• What’s been and gone
• Helpful hints and advice from other members
The Branch Committee currently consists of -
Chairman -
Treasurer -
Secretary -
Membership Secretary -
Newsletter Editor -
Committee Member -
Committee Member -
Contacts: hastingsandrothermssociety@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 0800 7076645
Join us on Facebook
Gladys Stewart has resigned as Branch President due to personal reasons. I am sure you will join me in thanking her for all of the amazing work she has done throughout the years. Gladys has said she will still be a member of the society but is now unable to take such an active role in the branch. However I hope she will still be able to attend some of our functions, so we can keep in touch!
Thank you Gladys
The second amazing lady to resign is Renee. She has had to resign from the committee and she will be deeply missed. However she is still planning to be active in the society when she is able. Renee has been an active member for such a long time and her knowledge and skills will be missed.
Thank you ladies for your commitment to our Branch. Your knowledge and skills will be hard to replace.
With love
Ashley
This month an exclusive from the Secretary Rose Austen
My background is a varied one as I have worked in Local Government, Higher Education and the Voluntary Sector and even had a spell of self employment.
I grew up in the Midlands and moved down here in 1991 with my partner, three cats and a dog! It was in 1997 after a long series of unexplained health problems (the usual) that I was finally diagnosed with MS which was a great relief as I finally knew what I was dealing with.
The following year I got a part-
In the past I have avoided getting involved with the local branch because I did not want to be defined by my MS. However, due to the fact the Branch was in danger of folding and Ashley asked me so nicely (or press ganged me into it) I decided I would give it a try.
My main interests are in improving communication and consultation with members, increasing membership and involvement of younger people with MS. I also think that the opportunities offered by new technology should be embraced whilst not leaving behind those who choose not to, or are unable to, grapple with the mysteries of the internet.
So that’s me and I look forward to meeting and working with many of you in the future.
Return to First Page of December 2011 Newsletter
The new committee have made many improvements to the local branch. A free help line
number for local members, a generic e-
The local branch web site is next to have a make-
All local members have a valuable part to play in supporting their local branch,
however small. By fund raising, writing articles or providing ideas for the newsletter
or simply coming along to support events, everyone can do something. So come on-
Benefits Advice Survey
Your committee has been investigating the possibility of arranging with the East Sussex Advice Partnership (a consortium of local advice agencies including Citizens Advice Bureau, Hastings Advice and Representation Centre and Brighton Housing Trust), for the provision of a regular dedicated advice session specifically for people with MS.
This would provide advice, form filling assistance and advocacy in dealing with claims for Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and other relevant benefits.
Prior to committing to develop a service agreement with ESAP they have offered to conduct a quick telephone survey of our membership to ascertain whether there is sufficient demand or need for such a service. It is hoped the survey will be undertaken early in the New Year.
If any member has an objection or wish to opt out, they need to contact the committee to let us know by the 1st January 2012 by calling 0800 707 6645.
__________________________________
GOOD TO KNOW
£2,000 had been donated to the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair. A letter received back from them explains all.
“The MS society supports around 80 research projects financially focussing both on helping people with MS cope with their current symptoms (e.g. fatigue, pain) as well as explore the root causes of the condition.
Our aim in the long-
In the first stage of the Cambridge research programme, researchers identified a
drug that has the potential to repair myelin in people with MS, and in February we
announce that the research is moving into the second stage. The researchers will
now look to carry out pre-
Unfortunately there are no quick solutions for MS but we strongly believe that this approach to tackling remyelination should be one of the core parts of our research programme. Thank you for your help in making this project possible.”
Diana Gornall, Head of Individual Givings.
Return to First Page of December 2011 Newsletter
TRANSPORT
The branch has had a vehicle which was purchased some time ago. It has been agreed that the vehicle should be kept to use as a resource for its members.
What is needed now is someone who could co-
Could this be you?
If you know of any drivers or would like to find out more, please contact Ashley
via e-
This will be invaluable to many local members.
Please help us make it work.
-
Conquest Parking Changes
Registered disabled badge holders can park free of charge for a maximum of three hours, in the designated blue badge parking bays, when displaying a valid blue badge in the car windscreen.
Blue Badge holders who park in our pay-
We have provided designated disabled parking bays close to the hospital entrances.
For more information about concessions or the parking system, please contact the Parking Office (01424) 755255
At the next Committee meeting the focus will be on fund raising ideas for next year. If you have any ideas or any events which you want other members to know about, get in touch so we can include them and have a packed diary of events for the Spring Newsletter.
Post Christmas Branch Party:
February 4th 2012, 6:00pm -
The Powdermills Hotel
Powdermills Lane
Battle
East Sussex TN33 0SP
Ticket price is £18, for an amazing three course meal,
great company, and a celebration of the New Year!
Your meal is subsidised by the Branch.
Please select your meal before you telephone Rose, giving all courses. Thank you.
Contact Rose on 0800 707 6645 for payment.
-
MS BIG BREAKFAST
Fancy meeting new people over brunch?
Then come along to the next MS Big Breakfast. We have had great success with this
event held at Azur, St Leonards on the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 -
Relax and chat, share and exchange experiences. Meet the committee and help us with ideas. Enjoy a good breakfast in good company with the most beautiful sea views.
The breakfast is subsidised so the more that come the cheaper we can make it. If
anyone needs directions or more details, please contact the free phone or use the
e-
Everyone welcome! New or potential members, friends, family and anyone affected by MS.
-
Socially Active MS
(Also known as SAMS)
These popular coffee mornings are held in a fully accessible room at Marlborough House in Warrior Square, St Leonards.
We share information and ideas with the aim of giving mutual support. We also like to have a good laugh!
So why not give it a try? Held the second Tuesday of every month, from 10:30 -
If you would like more information or want someone to go with, call free: 0800 707 6645.
-
FRIDAY YOGA SESSIONS
These sessions are specifically for members and run every Friday morning for an hour, from 10:00. If you are interested and want more information, call us.
-
Do you have any new fund raising ideas?
If so, please ring or e-
Better still, can you offer us some of your time?
If so, let us know. We really do need your help and support. Everyone is friendly and really appreciate
the smallest effort to help.
-
Nationally in the New Year
MS Life 2012
Put the dates in your diary now!
From 14 April to 15 April 2012 the largest event in Europe for people affected by MS will be heading to Manchester Central.
We would like to encourage as many people to attend as possible and we need your help!
• It’s not too early to get the best deals on travel and accommodation. Please email mslife@mssociety.org.uk for more details.
• We also need your input on the event itself. Do you have any great workshop ideas? Or perhaps a research topic you’d like to hear more about? Maybe an exhibitor you’d like to see?
If so, let us know!
-
MS Week 2012 confirmed
The date for MS Week 2012 has been confirmed as 30 April -
We are currently deciding what the theme for the week will be but will let you know more soon.
If you would like to be involved in a virtual group to help us develop ideas for MS Week 2012, please contact Bridget Moylan at comms@mssociety.org.uk or on 0208438 0741.
Return to First Page of December 2011 Newsletter
Details for your local HARC and the Hastings CAB. These are organisations who can help with advice and information on financial support and how to claim it.
Hastings Advice & Representation Centre (HARC)
8 Cambridge Road
Hastings
East Sussex TN34 1DJ
Telephone Advice Lines: 01424 428375 / 444986
Monday to Thursday 2:00pm to 5:00pm
E-
Citizens Advice 1066
24 Cornwallis Terrace
Hastings
East Sussex TN34 1EQ
Telephone Advice Line: 01424 721420
Monday to Friday 1:00pm to 4:30pm
E-
Website: www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk
****
CONCESSIONS
National Trust -
Our admission policy admits the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled visitor free of charge, on request, while the normal membership, or admission fee, applies to the disabled visitor.
To save having to ‘request’ a companion’s free entry an ‘Admit One’ card can be issued. This card is made out in the name of the disabled person, not the companions, so there is not a restriction to taking the same person on each visit.
To request an Admit One card, please e-
The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association
The CEA Card is a national concessionary card developed by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association for UK cinemas in order to allow people with disabilities to obtain one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.
To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or both of the following criteria:
a) Be in receipt of the disability living allowance or attendance allowance;
b) Be a registered blind person.
The aim of the CEA Card is to provide a consistent voluntary approach to the provision
of complimentary tickets for people with disabilities. In the past, this was done
on a site-
For further information on the scheme, including a list of participating cinemas, visit the CEA website:
This link allows you to download and print an application form -
There is an administration charge of £5.50 for the Card, which lasts for one year.
Eastbourne Theatres Essential Companion Scheme
The scheme is offered to those who require a companion to assist them in accessing the facilities at Eastbourne Theatres. The Essential Companion’s primary role is to assist the Scheme Member with mobility or guidance, to enable them to use and enjoy the services at Eastbourne Theatres.
The Essential Companion is expected to attend to the needs of the Scheme Member at all times whilst on the premises. The scheme offers members the opportunity to obtain one ticket, free of charge, for the Essential Companion.
The applicant, or their appointed representative, must complete and sign the Essential Companion application form (available on the Eastbourne Theatres website or from the Box Office.)
Box Office: 01323 412000
Website: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Return to First Page of December 2011 Newsletter
Want to help us raise money next year?
Always fancied yourself as a photographer?
Get your cameras out, dust off your lenses.
Search out your old photos!
We want all members to send us any photos they have taken
which would make a fabulous Christmas card for next year.
Three of the best will be chosen and made into cards for sale
to raise money for the local branch. There may even be a prize.
So DO IT! Have a go
Call free on 0800 707645 or 07789 47123
or
E-
or
iamahargreaves@aol.com
This newsletter is published by the Hastings and Rother Branch of the MS Society.
We give regular updates about MS and what is happening locally in the MS
community. All the views expressed in the publication are individual and
not necessarily the view or policy of the charity or its supporters.
Charity Number 207495
Registered Charity No. 207495
hastingsandrothermssociety@hotmail.co.uk