Registered Charity No. 294354

Local Branch Patron :
Dr. Dorothy Anderson

BRANCH INFORMATION PAGE

The North and East Herts Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association covers the geographical area of North and East Hertfordshire, Stevenage and the surrounding locality. This includes the towns of Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Ware and Hertford plus all the surrounding villages. The map below indicates the area concerned.

The Branch was formally launched in the spring of 1994 following preliminary discussions and meetings held during the previous year. 12 years on four members of the original committee remain, including the first Branch chairman, who later served as treasurer.

From the beginning, our focus has been on raising awareness, attracting funds and, most importantly, providing support to people with MND and those who care for them. Through the valued efforts of the growing band of loyal volunteers who support us, we are able to provide equipment such as wheelchairs, recliners, stairlifts, and communication aids. What a delight it was when one of our founder committee members were able to take part in an early meeting with the help of a lightwriter, purchased from funds from the Branch. Many people have benefitted from massage, care at night, special outings and holidays, which would not have been possible without the support of the Branch.

It is also rewarding to know that the existence of the Branch and its range of activities has brought more widespread awareness within our local area of the needs of people with MND.

To help with education of Healthcare Professionals, we regularly fund training courses and attendance at study days for local staff (e.g. Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists) on MND and related issues. We have also recently funded and delivered a Resource File to nearly every G.P Surgery within the North Herts and Stevenage locality (over 30 files in all!) and to the local Primary Care Trust.

Our Branch open meetings are held monthly, on the last Wednesday of the month (except in December). Meetings are normally held at Bedwell Community Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage, SG1 1NA. Meetings start at 7.30 p.m. There is level access, toilets and car parking facilities. A warm welcome awaits, with tea/coffee on arrival.