...there’s much to look forward to, I’ve got a spring in my step!

We’re delighted that we’ve re-branded and changed our name to include Merton, we welcome you all.

First though, may I thank the Committee for all your ongoing hard work.  Your continued commitment, dedication and tenacity to help us Parkies locally is astonishing, I salute you all! 

 

Additionally, I’d like to thank the kind souls who are not on the Committee who have offered to assist.  I am truly grateful.  We are a large and growing Branch (263 members at last count), your extra support is magnificent.   If you think you can offer some of your time, please do get in touch with Mary at mary@skeparkinsons.org.uk, thank you.

 

 SKEM events to look forward to this Spring/Summer include talks from Parkinson’s nurses, Essential Tremor and Talking Therapies, plus bowling and croquet and a day out at a National Trust property are all on the calendar.  Our website at www.skeparkinsons.org.uk has all the up-to-date information, so please do check it out.

 

The Rosebery Manor Support Group continues which is at 10.30am on the last Wednesday of the month at 458 Reigate Road, Epsom KT18 5XA.  All things Parkinson’s related are discussed.

 

Our second consecutive year as one of the Mayor of Sutton’s chosen charities this year is going well.  Thank you to everyone who has joined us at these events which have included a quiz, silent disco, gala dinner, race night and still to come, the karaoke night at SUFC (14th March) and bowls evening at Sutton Bowling Club (15th April).  Both us and Sutton Women’s Centre are enormously grateful.

 

 And I haven’t mentioned World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday 11th April yet! We’re hosting an awareness day - it’s just around the corner, I hope you can join us between 10am – 2pm at Sutton Civic Library.  Thank you to the team of volunteers who have offered to help on this once in a lifetime opportunity to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. If you can spare some time on the day, please let me know, we need an army of volunteers!  Full event details appear later in this booklet.  We hope it will be well supported – the Branch, PUK and Sutton Council have given it their all.  We are crossing our fingers and toes that it runs smoothly!

 

We managed to get the local newspaper to run a piece about the event too – here’s the link to the article:

 

https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/25827786.sutton-civic-library-event-april-world-parkinsons-day/

 

On another matter, did you know the branch now has a Facebook account SKEM Facebook group!

 The group supports the main branch website, and we want this to be a place where members and the local community affected by Parkinson's, can find information on upcoming events, reviews of recently held events, fundraising contributions and celebrations along with general help and support.

We welcome you to join and follow along, or get involved to share your stories and experiences, and get to know the community, the branch and its members.

 

● Partner with Parkinson’s UK to mark World Parkinson’s Day on 11th  April

● Host a Parkinson’s Awareness Day event at the Civic Offices, featuring keynote speakers, Parkinson’s UK representatives, information stands, and opportunities for residents to engage and learn

● Promote the event widely via council websites, social media, and local networks to maximise community awareness and participation

● Encourage councillors and council staff to attend and support the event, affirming the Council’s commitment to health inclusion and public education

Don’t forget to spring into healthy habits by joining one of our exercise classes.  With our continuing subsidy of 50% off the class cost up to £100 per person annually, we encourage you to give one a try.  

 

So why not spring into a new you and come along to one of the many events April to September.  

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my note here.

 

Warmest wishes,

Arthur