A big thank you to everyone who supported our open day!
More than 70 service users and their families along with speakers, exhibitors and volunteers attended our annual event at the end of June 2024.
Sponsored by Roche*, the day provided a much-valued opportunity for people with and affected by MD conditions to connect with each other and the MD Support Centre team along with a wide range of companies and organisations.
Coventry’s Finham Park 2 school provided a fantastic venue for a relaxed and sociable occasion, with stands, talks, therapy taster sessions and a free buffet lunch.
Sessions included mindfulness and breathing with MD Support Centre osteopath France Quirin, and guest speaker Claire Naya, a tutor from the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy. Our trustees and recently launched Adapting to Change group were also on hand.
One attendee summed up in our exit survey at the end: “Great sessions and a fantastic way of seeing other people just like me with the same struggles and worries.”
Members of our MD Support Centre social group on Facebook were likewise positive about the benefits of the day, with comments including: “Very well organised, great speakers, fab lunch buffet and great meeting other people who understand what it is to be ‘less-abled’. Congratulations to all the people involved in organising it.”
Our volunteers were also inspired by their experience. Leena Siddiq said: “The whole team were welcoming and it was great to meet lots of different people from all walks of life. It was lovely to see the impact of the event on the visitors and to meet the other volunteers. A great cause to volunteer for, I’ll definitely be back!’
Muscular Dystrophy UK was among those with stands at the event, alongside the Regional Driving Assessment Centre and MIND, plus Bennett Workplace and Wenman Healthcare, providing a one-stop shop of information and expertise.
Jessica Glendennan, an Information, Advocacy and Helpline Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:“I attended an eye-opening session with care advisors answering questions on a panel, where people described their difficulties sharing information about their muscle wasting condition in hospital. I shared information and people were interested to learn about what MDUK can provide.
“A great day of cross-collaboration and meeting people from the muscle wasting community. I also enjoyed meeting some volunteers who were interested in learning more and shared their experiences.”
Warwickshire-based Wenman Healthcare work in partnership with MD Support Centre to support the charity’s work and our service users, and provided open day visitors with insights and advice about mobility equipment and independent living.
Ian Wenman, Director of Wenman Healthcare, said: “It was a pleasure to be exhibiting at the show and meet some lovely people. We look forward to working more closely with MD Support Centre and are committed to ensuring our team understand the requirements those with MD.”
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Pictures © Lauren Malhas Photos
*Roche Products Ltd. provided financial support for the running of the open day, but had no involvement in the content or setting up of the event.