REGIONAL NEWS

News from Waikato

Here’s a bit about the Carer Support Day.  Change if you need to!

MS Waikato Trust held a “Caring for Carers Day” on 22 February at the new CCS premises in Hamilton. The day was facilitated by Ray Murray (psychologist) and Linda Davies (educator) who have done several carer days in Auckland and Northland.   Ten carers came together to share their experiences and learn.  It was agreed that just meeting other carers and knowing you are not alone made a world of difference.   A catered lunch and free massage topped off a great day.  

It was evident from this workshop that we need to hold regular Carer events to look more closely at specific topics such as stress management and respite care / home support.  Please phone Donna Kay at MS Waikato Trust (07) 839-5506 if you are interested in attending future carer days.

News from Canterbury

MOVIE AFTERNOON

Your committee are arranging another fundraising movie afternoon.  This proves to be one of our larger fundraising efforts, both in work involved and revenue collected!   Please support us.

Where:                         Rialto Cinema, Moorhouse Ave

When:              Sunday, 23rd March

                        1.45pm, movie begins at 2.00pm.

                        A couple of spot prizes will be drawn before movie begins.

Cost:                $12 per ticket.

To reserve your tickets phone:

Mary 942-5076, Belinda 383-5188, Denise 356-1049, Marnie 327-8057

 AGM

Christchurch AGM is due in May.  At present we are finalising the guest speaker and as soon as this is confirmed you will receive a notification of date and time.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 WHEELCHAIR

Don't forget Christchurch HD Assn now owns a wheelchair.  It is available for casual use, so if you have any event coming up where a wheelchair will make things easier for you phone Shirley 981-0523 or Louise 381-2215.

The Committee looks forward to catching up with you all at the picnic and/or movie.  See you there.

Louise Boyle
Chairperson

AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND NEWS

Happy New Year to all of our Huntington families - as I write it is still in the first half of January. We trust that you are having some great summertime experiences and positively meeting the challenges presenting from time to time.

We look forward to the developments expected during the year which may affect many families: Professor Faull's research updates; Antipodean's drug development progress; Ministry of Health funded specialist residential care services; and the positive impacts of the implementation of the NZ Disability Strategy.

TENTATIVE ACTIVITIES & DATES FOR 2003

(Events held at the Neurological Support Centre, 7A Taylors Road, Morningside, unless otherwise stated)

1.    HD Association Committee Meetings: Tuesdays at 7.30pm

       25 March, 13 May, 17 June, 12 August, 23 September, 28 October, 9 December.  These are open meetings and the committee welcome visitors or potential committee members - new faces most welcome.

2.     Saturday Seminars and Pot Luck Lunches: Saturdays 10.00 - 1.00

       26 April, 13 September, 29 November

3.     Gene Positive Group (invitation only): Tuesdays at 7.30pm

       27 May, 21 October

4.     ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

       Saturday 28^th June

       (times and venue to be announced)

5.     Attended Office times: Weekly - Wednesdays 11.00 to 2.30

       Other office appointments by arrangement through the Field Officer

The HD Association (Auckland) Inc is anticipating a full and productive year as the number of people and families accessing our services is expected to increase further. They are very active in fundraising to ensure that the Field Officer and office are sustained. And we welcome ALL IDEAS and ASSISTANCE for keeping the organisation afloat. Please spread the word amongst friends and contacts. Thanks.

Beth Gordon - Field Officer