COMMITTEE MEMBER BIOGRAPHIES....
Chair & Association Visitor - Alison Aviss
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - I had applied to become an Association Visitor then saw a newspaper article about the work of the local group, so I called straightaway and the rest is history!
Why do you volunteer? - After losing my Mum to MND in 2006 I wanted to do something to turn a very negative experience into something more positive. I am passionate about improving the lives of families affected by this disease and want to make a difference in any way I can.
What does your role involve? - As the Chair, I lead the group to provide support to people with MND in our area and help and deliver the goals of the Association: raising awareness, campaigning and fundraising. As a visitor, I work directly with families affected by the disease, offering support and signposting to information and services. I also work closely with the health and social care professionals as part of a comprehensive service for those affected by MND.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - All volunteers are really valued by the Association and I really feel part of the team. The fundraising we do enables us to provide support grants for local people with MND towards the cost of home adaptations and specialist equipment to help them live at home and with dignity – that’s fantastic!
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - I had applied to become an Association Visitor then saw a newspaper article about the work of the local group, so I called straightaway and the rest is history!
Why do you volunteer? - After losing my Mum to MND in 2006 I wanted to do something to turn a very negative experience into something more positive. I am passionate about improving the lives of families affected by this disease and want to make a difference in any way I can.
What does your role involve? - As the Chair, I lead the group to provide support to people with MND in our area and help and deliver the goals of the Association: raising awareness, campaigning and fundraising. As a visitor, I work directly with families affected by the disease, offering support and signposting to information and services. I also work closely with the health and social care professionals as part of a comprehensive service for those affected by MND.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - All volunteers are really valued by the Association and I really feel part of the team. The fundraising we do enables us to provide support grants for local people with MND towards the cost of home adaptations and specialist equipment to help them live at home and with dignity – that’s fantastic!
Vice Chair & Campaigns Co-ordinator - Heather Smith
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - When my partner, Steve, was diagnosed with MND in 2009, the group was mentioned to us. It was great to know that there was support out there if we needed it.
Why do you volunteer? - I volunteer for a range of other disability charities, work in the voluntary sector, and I enjoy volunteering! The experience Steve and I had whilst he was living with MND showed that some aspects of local Health and Social Care provision needed further development and staff working in these sectors needed more knowledge to be able to provide better care. When Steve died in 2012, I decided that I wanted to do more to make sure that other people had a better experience than we did. I saw some adverts for volunteer roles with the group and decided to get in touch with the Chair and it went from there…
What does your role involve? - I became Campaigns Co-ordinator in 2013. This was a new role and something which the MNDA is encouraging branches and groups to develop. I work with the National Office campaigns team to inform the group of the particular campaigns the Association is running and how we can support them. The role also involves getting to know local Health and Social Care professionals, politicians, and other decision-makers to develop local campaigns and influence and improve the experience for people living with MND, their carers, families and friends. There are also opportunities to get involved directly with National campaigns - I am currently one of the MNDA’s General Election Campaign Champions which will keep me very busy this year!
Last year, I also became Vice Chair. I deputise for the Chair as required, and contribute to the group’s annual development plan.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - The MNDA welcomes support from volunteers in all manner of ways. You can volunteer your time and skills as little or as much as you wish, either regularly or just when you might have a couple of hours to spare. There are so many things happening that you can try new things and make a difference at the same time. There is a lot of support for volunteers – I had no campaign experience before I got involved with the group but I have been given help and advice and developed a new range of skills and knowledge in a short space of time. Volunteering with the MNDA has also enabled me to have a voice in the changes required to improve the future for people living with MND and to meet some inspiring people and make new friends.
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - When my partner, Steve, was diagnosed with MND in 2009, the group was mentioned to us. It was great to know that there was support out there if we needed it.
Why do you volunteer? - I volunteer for a range of other disability charities, work in the voluntary sector, and I enjoy volunteering! The experience Steve and I had whilst he was living with MND showed that some aspects of local Health and Social Care provision needed further development and staff working in these sectors needed more knowledge to be able to provide better care. When Steve died in 2012, I decided that I wanted to do more to make sure that other people had a better experience than we did. I saw some adverts for volunteer roles with the group and decided to get in touch with the Chair and it went from there…
What does your role involve? - I became Campaigns Co-ordinator in 2013. This was a new role and something which the MNDA is encouraging branches and groups to develop. I work with the National Office campaigns team to inform the group of the particular campaigns the Association is running and how we can support them. The role also involves getting to know local Health and Social Care professionals, politicians, and other decision-makers to develop local campaigns and influence and improve the experience for people living with MND, their carers, families and friends. There are also opportunities to get involved directly with National campaigns - I am currently one of the MNDA’s General Election Campaign Champions which will keep me very busy this year!
Last year, I also became Vice Chair. I deputise for the Chair as required, and contribute to the group’s annual development plan.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - The MNDA welcomes support from volunteers in all manner of ways. You can volunteer your time and skills as little or as much as you wish, either regularly or just when you might have a couple of hours to spare. There are so many things happening that you can try new things and make a difference at the same time. There is a lot of support for volunteers – I had no campaign experience before I got involved with the group but I have been given help and advice and developed a new range of skills and knowledge in a short space of time. Volunteering with the MNDA has also enabled me to have a voice in the changes required to improve the future for people living with MND and to meet some inspiring people and make new friends.
Secretary - Barbara Crook
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - I was first aware of the group when my mum was diagnosed with MND and we received a visit from our local association visitor, Alison Aviss. The family were supported by receiving invaluable advice and information with a friendly approach.
Why do you volunteer? - Having witnessed the effects of MND so closely, I wanted to participate in working towards a world free of MND.
What does your role involve? - As secretary for the group, my role is interesting and varied. Recording our monthly committee meeting minutes, distributing newsletters, acknowledging donations and general communication are some of the regular tasks. I also get involved in raising awareness of MND and fundraising at various events throughout the year.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - Working with such a proactive committee is very rewarding.
The Association recognizes the relevance and achievements of its volunteers, providing training, support and gratitude.
It is encouraging to witness the enthusiasm and generosity of those who give their time to raise funds for the Association.
How did you hear of North Wilts MND? - I was first aware of the group when my mum was diagnosed with MND and we received a visit from our local association visitor, Alison Aviss. The family were supported by receiving invaluable advice and information with a friendly approach.
Why do you volunteer? - Having witnessed the effects of MND so closely, I wanted to participate in working towards a world free of MND.
What does your role involve? - As secretary for the group, my role is interesting and varied. Recording our monthly committee meeting minutes, distributing newsletters, acknowledging donations and general communication are some of the regular tasks. I also get involved in raising awareness of MND and fundraising at various events throughout the year.
What are the most positive aspects about volunteering for MNDA? - Working with such a proactive committee is very rewarding.
The Association recognizes the relevance and achievements of its volunteers, providing training, support and gratitude.
It is encouraging to witness the enthusiasm and generosity of those who give their time to raise funds for the Association.
Association Visitor - Susanne Webb
I have been a part time holistic therapist for 10 years and after being made redundant from my office job with a large financial organisation in 2009, I started voluntary work with Prospect Hospice. Whilst there I met several people with MND and later attended the bi-monthly MNDA support meetings offering relaxing treatment to MND sufferers and their carers. I regularly help with fundraising events and I am due to start my AV training in a few weeks .
I have been a part time holistic therapist for 10 years and after being made redundant from my office job with a large financial organisation in 2009, I started voluntary work with Prospect Hospice. Whilst there I met several people with MND and later attended the bi-monthly MNDA support meetings offering relaxing treatment to MND sufferers and their carers. I regularly help with fundraising events and I am due to start my AV training in a few weeks .
Newsletter Editor - Andrew Sargent
Just over a year ago I answered an advert for an editor for the North Wilts Group newsletter. It seemed an ideal way of using my copywriting experience. Compiling the quarterly newsletter is stimulating, and I particularly enjoy the fact that it keeps me very much in touch with the activities of the Group and its keen supporters.
Just over a year ago I answered an advert for an editor for the North Wilts Group newsletter. It seemed an ideal way of using my copywriting experience. Compiling the quarterly newsletter is stimulating, and I particularly enjoy the fact that it keeps me very much in touch with the activities of the Group and its keen supporters.
Committee Member - Jo Hyde
I am a Health Care Professional with a particular interest in supporting patients and families living with Motor Neurone Disease and have been involved with the North Wilts Group since 2007. Over the past few years I have seen how the group have made a difference to the care and support of people that find themselves facing a life limiting disease.
I work at Prospect Hospice where I am part of the Family Support Team, and I am pleased to provide the link between the hospice where we hold our monthly committee meetings. I am glad to use my knowledge of what people might need as a volunteer, to help improve the experience of people that are affected by Motor Neurone Disease locally.
I am a Health Care Professional with a particular interest in supporting patients and families living with Motor Neurone Disease and have been involved with the North Wilts Group since 2007. Over the past few years I have seen how the group have made a difference to the care and support of people that find themselves facing a life limiting disease.
I work at Prospect Hospice where I am part of the Family Support Team, and I am pleased to provide the link between the hospice where we hold our monthly committee meetings. I am glad to use my knowledge of what people might need as a volunteer, to help improve the experience of people that are affected by Motor Neurone Disease locally.
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Registered Charity Number in England: 294354
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