Spring has finally arrived and there is some sunshine on the horizon. Our Support Services team are now out and about and able to conduct face to face visits again, particularly as NSW continues to report low numbers of community transmission. We will of course continue to practice good health and hygiene and will still need to ask screening questions before we visit. We’ll always be mindful of looking after the health of everyone in our community, so we’ll be wearing masks and keeping visits to a minimum. If we’re not well, even a sniffle, we’ll need to reschedule another appointment.
Across NSW and the ACT we support almost 600 people with MND and their families. With very little funding from Government, this means we rely on our fundraising efforts to enable us to provide the support services we offer. This includes our ability to purchase and maintain the equipment available through FlexEquip.
Like most organisations, COVID-19 and the need for social distancing has had a huge impact on our organisation and our ability to run our regular events. If you are able, we would love you to think of ways you can continue to support our work. This could be by joining our Virtual Walk to d’Feet MND later this month, by purchasing one of our adorable MND puppies or by honouring a family member with by dedicating a virtual cornflower in their honour. You could make a donation or help us our by organising your own fundraising initiative. Every dollar will make a difference to the life of someone living with MND.
Carers and families are a vital part of our MND community and we’re looking forward to Carers Week coming up on 11th – 17th October. It’s our chance to let carers know how much they’re appreciated. Keep up to date on what we’re doing via Facebook.
I would also urge you all to continue to raise your voices and to help us advocate for services to assist people living with MND. Write to your local MP or Federal Representative. Let them know what is and isn’t working for people living with MND, particularly for people who are over the age of 65 and relying on a broken aged care system for support. We will only ever achieve change by speaking up and speaking out. Find out more about how to access various Ministers here.
Stay well, stay safe and stay connected!
Karen Martin
Manager, Support Services