Pip's Blog

Trouser Press for Sale - All proceeds to BMTSC!

2012-02-16T11:34:00.000Z

For Sale

Trouserpress - colour mahogany

Used once

Originalprice £200

£100 ONO

Allproceeds will be donated to the BMSC

ContactAlison on 0118 9420005 or 07545570571

Would you like the chance to win up to £25,000?!

2012-02-16T10:55:00.004Z

Would you like to win up to £25,000? Why not join the Unity Lottery, the Nations Charity Lottery - 50p in every £1 comes back to BMSTC as profit!

We have registered with this fundraising scheme and will get 50p for every ticket sold through this new exciting venture!

You can join the scheme from as little as £4.34 per month to be entered into the weekly draw. You can apply by following this link or for more details see their website www.unitylottery.co.uk and type Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre! Good luck! :0)

MS Society Lambing Weekends!

2012-02-16T09:56:00.000Z

Our good friends the Reading and Wokingham Districts MS Society are holding their popular lambing weekends at Rushall Farm 17 - 18 and 24th - 25th March.

They are looking for volunteers to either help on the day or to bake a cake/s for either weekend. Please contact Rosemary Tocock if you can help rktocock@btinternet.com or simply support them by going along to enjoy this wonderful event :0)

For more information see their website here!

Problems with balance and coordination?

2012-02-15T10:03:00.001Z

Mostpeople with MS can probably answer YESto this.

Have you heard of Nordic Walking?

Maybe….Maybe not

What is Nordic Walking?
NordicWalking is an enhancement of ordinary walking using poles similar looking toskiing poles.

Physiotherapistsin Scandinavia highly recommend this type ofactivity to a number of people including people with neurological conditions.

Byusing poles, the walker uses the upper body muscles as well as the legs and thepoles help to propel the walker along.

Otheradvantages of walking with poles worth mentioning are increased heart rate,oxygen uptake and calorie expenditure, reduced pressure on joints, ability towalk more upright, increased safety and support. The activity is less strenuousthan the actual level of physical exertion. The combination of exercise andnature may create positive impact on mood. Last but not least there is a socialelement to Nordic Walking.

Atypical lesson will start with warm up exercises using the poles, then theactual walk and finish with some stretching exercises. The activity is easilyadapted to the level of fitness of the user. You can actually run with thepoles.

Weare thinking of setting a class up at the MS Therapy Centre in thespring/summer based possibly in Prospect Park. Criteria for inclusion: ability to walk independentlyor with one stick. Have a think about it – maybe you would enjoy it?

Ifyou are interested in joining a Nordic Walking group, please contact Henrietta@bmstc.org or 0118 901 6000

Tracy Watkins is running the Reading Half Marathon!

2012-02-14T15:43:00.003Z

Our Tracy is running this years Reading Half Marathon for BMSTC!! This is the first half marathon that Tracy will complete on the 1st April. She's been training really hard for this event. If you would like to show your support and sponsor her, please see her Just Giving Page here!

Tysabri to trialled for secondary progressive MS

2012-02-14T15:42:00.001Z

Scientists are soon to begin trials to test whether the licensed MS drug Tysabri could be used as an effective treatment for people with secondary progressive MS. Read more here.

Failure to address mental health problems in people with long-term conditions costs NHS billions

2012-02-14T15:39:00.001Z

Source MS Trust
A recent report from the Kings Fund and Centre for Mental Health has highlighted the importance of recognising and treating mental health problems in people with long-term conditions. The report calls for better integration between services for physical and mental health problems. Read more here.

Social care in crisis - help lobby for change

2012-02-14T15:37:00.004Z

Source MS Society:
A report published by a cross-party group of influential MPs has today found that people who rely on social care in England are being let down by fragmented and under-funded services. Read more here.

Teenagers with MS

2012-02-14T15:35:00.000Z

Source MS Trust:
A good relationship with parents is important for emotional well being.
MS is usually diagnosed in people aged 20 to 40 but it can occur in teenagers. Read more here.

Stall holders wanted for the craft village at Boars Bridge Festvial!

2012-02-14T15:31:00.002Z

Boars Bridge Festival is over the weekend of the 15th to the 17th June 2012! We are looking for stall holders who would like a place in the "Craft Village" Please feel free to circulate this to anyone who you think might be interested. If you would like tickets for the event please email info@boarsbridgefestvial.co.uk or pippa@bmstc.org Thank you! :0)

Stall holder information click here!

Event information click here!

Gowrings Mobility Roadshow 2012 - 28th Feb to ast March at Portsmouth.

2012-02-08T13:15:00.000Z

Source Gowrings Mobility:

Join us as the Gowrings Mobility Roadshow 2012 visits another interesting and exciting, accessible attraction.

Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower
10am-4pm, Tuesday 28th Feb, Wednesday 29th Feb and Thursday 1st March 2012

Escape the winter blues at a special event organised for us, offering free entrance to one of the Historic Dockyard's most enthralling attractions. Come and see us at Explosion.

FREE Parking and FREE entry* for disabled visitors and their carers.

Come and meet the Gowrings Mobility events team next to the Grand Magazine and a selection of local charities based in the café that has a view across the waterfront to the Spinaker Tower. For more click here.

MS Life 2012 - Manchester 14th and 15th April 2012

2012-02-08T13:05:00.002Z

Source The MS Society:

TheMS Society has announced that Manchester is tohost its flagship national event, MS Life - Europe’slargest event of its kind – for the third time when it returns to the city from14^th-15^th April.

Thefree two-day lifestyle event will take place at Manchester Central and is aimed at everyone affected by multiple sclerosis(MS), whether personally or professionally. Find out more click here!

MS Information Day places filling fast!

2012-02-07T11:35:00.000Z

"Embracing Life With MS In Berkshire"

MS Information Day 30th March 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading. Places are filling quickly. Booking essential, closing date for registation 10th March.

"MS Specialists, Therapists and Nurses from Berkshire would like to invite you to an information day to be held on 30th March 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ.

This first information day is for people affected by MS within Berkshire has been organised in collaboration with Dr. Faraz Jeddi, Consultant Physicians in Neurorehabilitation and Neurodisability."

For more information click here.

Had enough of snow?!!

2012-02-07T11:34:00.001Z

Source Disability Holidays Guide:
Villa Costa Blanca is a specially designed villa which is situated on the outskirts of Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, and is fully accessible to wheelchair users, the elderly and anyone with mobility difficulties.

If you would like a holiday where the winters are warm and the summers are hot and VERY LITTLE RAIN, then you will love it here! For more click here:

Let's Talk Health Questionnaire

2012-02-07T11:28:00.004Z

Source Reading Borough Council:

Let's Talk Health Questionnaire - have your say click here to complete survey.

MS doesn't mean....not getting to the bar

2012-02-07T11:12:00.002Z

Source Shift.MS
MS doesn’t mean giving up on your ambitions, just rethinking how to achieve them. This wasn’t always my attitude—when I was first diagnosed in 2008, at age 23, I felt as though I had to completely reassess my entire life. Read more here.

The facts about MS

2012-02-07T11:11:00.001Z

Source MS Trust:
An article published on Tuesday, 30 January 2012 by The Daily Mirror has caused some concern. It was written by Dr Miriam Stoppard, who has a weekly column. The MS Trust was particularly concerned at the number of incorrect facts and statements in the article. A link to the article can be found here and we address the main items of concern here.

Access to fampridine which can help walking for some people with MS

2012-02-07T11:09:00.001Z

Source MS Trust:
Fampridine is licensed for adult patients with MS who have a walking disability (defined as scoring 4-7 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor experienced in the management of MS. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a widely used measure of neurological disability.

For more click here.

Reading Road Runner and Coach joins Team BMSTC for the Reading Half Marathon!

2012-02-07T11:06:00.002Z

We are delighted to have Reading Road Runner and Coach, Kathy Tytler to join our team of atheletes at the forthcoming Reading Half Marathon.

Kathy will be running the RHM course in her pyjamas carrying an MS Therapy Centre collection bucket.

Thank you very much Kathy:)

Unity Lottery

2012-02-06T12:40:00.004Z

Do you want to play a lotterygame which would give you a chance to contribute to our Centre and a 1 in 63chance of winning a prize? Prices range from £5.00 to £25,000.

I am trying to gauge if therewould be enough interest in starting this at the MS Centre. The lottery ticketsare £1.00 each and we receive a percentage for every ticket purchased. You can payby direct debit, credit card or cheque .We would have to pay a start off cost,and to recoup this and make it viable we would need around 100 regular players.

If you might be interestedplease email kirsten@bmstc.org or call Kirsten on 0118 901 6000. Thanks :0)

Reading Borough Council issus an alert:

2012-01-31T10:44:00.002Z

Source Reading Borough Council:

"Vulnerable people in Reading are being pressured into paying too much for mobility aids by unscrupulous door-to-door salesmen.

Reading Borough Council Trading Standards is backing an Office of Fair Trading campaign to raise awareness of misleading claims being made by sellers of products including scooters, wheelchairs and walk-in baths. For more click here. "

Note:
Don't forget members of BMSTC can get a discount on mobility aids and equipment through our local, reputable and trusted company Sun Mobility. If you are purchasing items from them simply tell them you are a member of BMSTC. See their website here.

Why not Nominate BMSTC for a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service?

2012-01-31T10:24:00.001Z

We had a National MS Therapy Centre meeting here at BMSTC last Sunday. Other Centres have previously been nominated to receive a Queen's Award for Voluntary Services from their membership and report great benefit in receiving this highly regarded award.

People who benefit from the service can nominate a group, however people involved in the organisation including Trustees, Volunteers and staff are unable to make a nomination for their group.

Nominations need to be received by the 30th September to be considered in that year. If you think BMSTC deserves to receive this recognition, please find out more details here. Thank you!

Invitation for Carers of people with MS to take part in a Survey

2012-01-31T09:18:00.002Z

Online questionnaire request from Laura Kelly, a PhD student working on a Programme Grant funded by the National Institute of Health Research which aims to explore how sharing health experiences online affects people (for example decreasing their sense of isolation; increased understanding of the condition/health behaviour; support for self-management; or possibly ways in which it might make them feel worse!). For more information click here.

Long term conditions consultation closes at midnight this Saturday.

2012-01-31T09:16:00.001Z

Source Bracknell Forest Council:

This is a final reminder that the Long Term Conditions consultation will be closing at midnight this Saturday.

Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to date. Don't forget to pass this on to anyone else who might want to contribute. Please see the link to complete the online form. For more click here.

Cow Lane re-opened this Monday

2012-01-31T09:14:00.002Z

Source BBC:

A commuter route in Reading has reopened following the installation of a new 1,600-tonne bridge.

Cow Lane has been closed since early December for Network Rail to remove and replace one of two bridges and lay a new road under the structure. For more click here

Clinical trial for secondary progressive MS

2012-01-31T09:13:00.000Z

Source MS Trust:
A phase III trial, Ascend, involving 850 people in 15 countries will investigate the effectiveness of natalizumab (Tysabri) in secondary progressive MS.
Many people initially diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) find that over time the frequency of relapses decrease but disability gradually increases. This is known as secondary progressive MS. For more click here.

Best wishes to Patron Paul Daniels

2012-01-31T08:52:00.002Z

Source Get Reading:
(We have sent our best wishes from all at BMSTC to Paul)

TV magician Paul Daniels is recovering after mangling his hand in a circular saw while doing some DIY at his Wargrave home. Read more here.

Are there lots of side-effects associated with the currently available disease modifying drugs?

2012-01-31T08:50:00.002Z

Source the MS Trust:

The MS Trust has asked Professor David Bates, Consultant Neurologist at University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust to answer some of the most challenging questions people with MS ask about disease modifying drugs.
Watch the video here.

Please be aware of increase in theft from cars

2012-01-31T08:48:00.002Z

Source Reading Borough Council:

An alert has been circulate from Thames Valley Police to make people aware of an increase in theft from cars. Please be sure to not leave anything of value on display in your vehicle. For more infomration see their website here.

MS Information Day - 30th March 2012 at Hilton Hotel Reading

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000Z

"Embracing Life with MS" The Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ (Near the Madejski Stadium).

MS Specialists, Therapists and Nurses from Berkshire would like to invite you to an information day to be held on 30th March 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ.

This first information day is for people affected by MS within Berkshire has been organised in collaboration with Dr. Faraz Jeddi, Consultant Physicians in Neurorehabilitation and Neurodisability.

Our aim being to provide up to date information with strategies to embrace quality of life. The information day is suitable for people with MS, their families, carers and professionals. Booking essential, closing date 10th March 2012. For more information and booking details click here!

How do you explain MS using Madonna, Adele and Kate Nash? Only Movies on my Mind can do that.

2012-01-25T11:18:00.003Z

From Shift MS:
by Movies on my Mind
The progressive nature of multiple sclerosis is a hard thing to get your head around, especially if you’re the type of MS’er for whom symptoms come and go.
The truth is that half of all MS relapses may leave some lingering problems, however slight. On average, around 65% of people with relapsing remitting MS will develop secondary progressive MS within 15 years of being diagnosed.

If MS progression is such a common feature of the disease, why haven’t scientists done better in trying to prevent it?

It’s easy to get lost in scientific lingo, therefore, in true Shift.ms style, let’s try and simplify progressive MS in a less stuffy way.

For a moment, let’s pretend that this disease called multiple sclerosis is the British music industry. Read more here.

Reading Half Maraton update:

2012-01-25T11:15:00.002Z

A big thank you to Carol Bowker who came to the Centre last night to talk to our Reading Half Marathon runners. Carol in an elite runner and has completed over 80 half marathons, so she had lots of tips on training to pass on to our team.

We still have a couple of places left for the race, so if you know anyone who wants to take part and raise funds for the Centre, please contact the Centre on 0118 901 6000 or email jackie@bmstc.org

Thank you Sirius Automotive!

2012-01-25T11:06:00.001Z

Sirius Automotive have kindly part sponosored the "Embracing MS in Berkshire" Information day on the 30th March 2012 at the Hilton Hotel in Reading. They will be coming along on the day with two of their vehicles to exhibit and a promise of some goody bags to hand out to people on the day! Visit their great website here!

For more information see our events page at www.bmstc.org or email pippa@bmstc.org
Places for the MS Information Day are limited and booking is essential :0)

MS pill Gilenya undergoing safety review

2012-01-25T10:35:00.001Z

Source the MS Society:
The European Medicines Agency has begun a review of the 'benefits and risks' of the new MS pill Gilenya (aka fingolimod) following concerns over the treatment's effects on the heart after the first dose. For more click here.

Singing for Health at BMSTC!

2012-01-25T10:33:00.002Z

Post by Silvia Lane:

"Today I've spent a very enjoyable hour singing at the centre. We are a group of 3-7 so far, looking for more people who might want to join us. We meet on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm at the centre, usually up in the meeting room, sing for an hour, (not necessarily to Royal Albert Hall standard but enjoyable nonetheless) have a wee chat and go home with more endorphins in our body than before." If you would like find out more or join in please just come along to BMSTC on a Tuesday at 2.pm :0)

Experts review vitamin D advice

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000Z

Source BBC:
(Not an MS article but still of interest, there is also an interesting comment at the bottom of the article from " 'Whowrote this' - Anyone saying it wasn't like this in their day might like to know that in the 1940's the UK fortified margarine and milk powder with vitamin D. Supplements were handed out and milk and rusks were fortified with Vit A and D. The truth is we understood a considerable amount about nutrition before the war but afterward pharmaceuticals dominated and this knowledge was regarded as archaic"

The chief medical officer for England, Dame Sally Davies, is to contact medical staff about concerns young children and some adults are not getting enough vitamin D.

Government guidelines recommend some groups, including the under-fives, should take a daily supplement. For more read here.

If you are going to the Olympics or Paralympics then this transport service maybe of interest to you

2012-01-23T16:21:00.000Z

Source First Group Games Travel:
Welcome to our site! First are working with Games Organisers to deliver 2012 Games Travel options. We offer Park & Ride, coach and accessible travel to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic events.

Whether you want to travel by coach to Weymouth and Portland or the Olympic Stadium, or you prefer the flexibility of Park & Ride we have a range of cost effective, simple transport services to get you there.

We also have accessible options for blue badge parking and coach parking facilities for tour operators. For more click here!

It’s time for a better deal for neurology

2012-01-23T16:18:00.005Z

Source The Neurological Alliance:

In December 2011, the National Audit Office published a groundbreaking report into the state of neurological services in England.
The report found that despite an £800 million increase in spending on neurological services since 2006, both quality of care and availability of vital services remain patchy. For more click here.

Talking Therapies

2012-01-23T16:15:00.005Z

Source: Berkshire NHS Healthcare

Problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and phobias are very common. Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable service that helps people with these problems.

We are here to help adults aged 18+ from Berkshire and we have a team of advisors and therapists who can help you to overcome life’s difficulties and problems and manage them better. For more click here.

BMSTC Pamper Evening - Tuesday 20th March!

2012-01-17T15:38:00.002Z

BMSTC Pamper Evening!

Tuesday 20th March 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Beauty therapies include: massage, Indian head message, mini manicures, threading waxing and more…

All around £10 per therapy!

£5.00 Admission to include entry to prize draw

Wine Bar

For more information email kirsten@bmstc.org or call Kirsten on 0118 901 6000

For my patients with MS

2012-01-17T15:36:00.003Z

Dr Faraz Jeddi Consultant Physicians in Neurorehabilitation and Neurological Disability, Royal Berkshire Hospital, is running the Reading Half Marathon for BMSTC! If you would like to support him, please visit his Just Giving Page here!

NHS 'facing neurology disease time bomb'

2012-01-17T15:35:00.002Z

Source BBC:

The NHS in England is facing a time bomb if it does not get to grips with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, campaigners say.

The Neurological Alliance, which represents 70 groups, said a combination of poor services and rising case numbers was causing problems. For more click here.

BrainStorm sees positive data in ALS stem cell trial

2012-01-17T09:42:00.002Z

Source Reuters:
(Reuters) - Data from the first ALS patients in a clinical trial treated with BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics adult stem cell therapy did not show significant side effects and the treatment has so far proven to be safe, the company said on Tuesday. Read more here!

REMAP - A great organisation!

2012-01-16T14:29:00.001Z

Remap is a very special charity, working through a nationwide network of dedicated volunteers. They use their ingenuity and skills to help people with disabilities to achieve much-desired independence in some aspect of their lives, or to enjoy leisure opportunities previously closed to them.

This is a great organisation! If you want to contact the local Case Officer for REMAP in Berkshire you can email him: BrianEJCarpenter@aol.com

2012-01-16T14:28:00.001Z

Source MS Trust:
A significant figure in research into bladder problems for people with MS has been given a CBE for her services to Uro-Neurology in this year's New Years Honours. For more click here.

Firategrast effective at reducing relapse rates

2012-01-16T14:26:00.003Z

Source MS Trust:
Higher doses of firategrast produced a 49% reduction in the number of active lesions visible on MRI scans.
Firategrast is an experimental oral treatment for relapsing remitting MS. Like natalizumab (Tysabri), firategrast is though to work by preventing certain immune cells from passing through the walls of blood vessels into the central nervous system. For more click here.

Fundraiser for BMSTC

2012-01-16T14:25:00.000Z

I will be having a fundraiser in aid of BMSTC to showcase all the phabulous new products from Phoenix Trading. It's on Saturday 28th January, 10 - 4. Please come, and bring a friend. For more information please click here!

Warm in West Berkshire Workshop Launch

2012-01-12T14:34:00.001Z

The Warm In West Berkshire Launch Workshop is taking place at Shaw House, Newbury on Friday 20th January from 9.30am - 1.00pm. Warm in West Berkshire is a Department of Health funded initiative that will run until the 31st March 2012. To book a place on the workshop please click here.

Lords vote against time limiting benefits

2012-01-12T14:28:00.002Z

Source MS Society:
Plans to limit the out-of-work disability benefit Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) to just one year were rejected by the House of Lords yesterday. For more information please click here.

Long Term Conditions Consultation

2012-01-12T14:15:00.001Z

Bracknell Forest Council consultation on Long Term Conditions is open for feedback until the 4th February. To take part click here.

2012-01-12T14:13:00.001Z

Check out this great new charity which Lydia (one of our former physio helpers with the fantastic hair!!) is involved with setting up!

They're just starting out at the moment but watch this space for more news! If you fancy giving diving a go then do get in touch with her, she would love to hear from you!

www.diveability.org

Reading Half-Marathon is an 18,500

2012-01-12T14:11:00.002Z

Source Reading Post:
(BMSTC have a few places left if anyone wants to run for us!)

The Mizuno Reading Half Marathon is a sellout with runners on their marks for all general public and corporate charity relay places.
The organisers announced on Monday that the entry sheet is full, with the maximum 18,500 places taken. For more click here.

More money for disabled facilities grants in England

2012-01-12T14:06:00.004Z

Source MS Trust:
The Government has announced £20 million additional funding for Disabled Facilities Grants in England for the financial year 2011-2012, which ends this April. The money is specifically to help more people remain in their own homes for longer. What's not known yet is how the funding will be allocated among the various councils in England. For more click here.

Informal Carers needed to take part in study

2012-01-10T11:24:00.001Z

Department of Social Policy and Intervention

Informal carers needed to take part in study
I am a DPhil student in the Social Policy Institute at the University of Oxford, carrying out a study of informal carers’ attitudes to pensions and pensions planning. I'm looking to interview working-age carers about their experiences of caring, and about their attitudes towards pensions and pensions planning.

I'm looking to interview people who:
regularly providing around 20 hours a week of unpaid care/support to family, friends or neighbours

are aged between 35 and 65

are based in Berkshire, Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire
If you would like to take part, the interview should last for no longer than an hour, and can be arranged for a time and place to suit you.

If you would like to find out more, please contact me on 07515371010, or email me on Sarah.Hutchinson@stx.ox.ac.uk.

Many thanks for your time.

Sarah Hutchinson

DPhil Candidate, Department of Social Policy and Social Work

St Cross College, University of Oxford.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T11:11:00.003Z

Happy New Year everyone! :0)

Scans 'show mindfulness meditation brain boost'

2012-01-05T11:11:00.001Z

Source BBC:
The theory that meditation can reduce stress, depression and even chronic pain is one that has been gaining in momentum in recent years.

So the BBC's David Sillito has been learning the art of mindfulness meditation in order to find out for himself. To watch click here.

(Watch this space for a Mindfulness Course which will be available at BMSTC later this year!)

Marshalls Needed for Reading Half Marathon!

2012-01-05T11:09:00.002Z

We are now looking for road marshalls to help at this year's Reading Half Marathon which will be taking place on Sunday 1st April.

If you would like to be part of Reading's premier event and support our fantastic team of runners, please call Jackie at the Centre on 0118 901 6000 or email jackie@bmstc.org

Gowrings January Sale!

2012-01-05T11:08:00.002Z

Source Gowrings Mobility:

Don't miss the Great Gowrings Mobility Stock Clearance Sale. Get fantastic clearance bargains before we move to our new premises in Thatcham.

Gowrings Mobility Showroom, Newbury, Berkshire.
10am-4pm, Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th January 2012

For more click here!

Scientists in MS "Breakthrough"

2012-01-05T11:04:00.003Z

Source BBC:
From new drug therapies for cancer to artificial corneas to a vaccine for malaria, 2011 has been a year of remarkable medical breakthroughs.

One of the most significant breakthroughs came from research scientists in Edinburgh and Cambridge who have discovered what they say could eventually be a cure for multiple sclerosis. To watch click here.

The Government must make reforming the care system a top priority - Telegraph

2012-01-05T11:03:00.000Z

Source The Telegraph:
SIR – As a society we face a growing care challenge. We should celebrate the fact that we are all living longer lives, particularly disabled people and those with long-term conditions. But the unavoidable challenge we face is how to support the increasing number of people who need care. It is a challenge which we are failing to meet – resulting in terrible examples of abuse and neglect in parts of the care system. For more click here.

Accessible Britain!

2012-01-05T11:01:00.002Z

Welcome to Accessible Britain! Accessible Britain is a new, exciting organisation set up by disabled people for disabled people.

Accessible Britain has one main aim: To provide a forum for disabled people to share positive experiences of all accessible places throughout the UK.

Accessible Britain needs your reviews! To help develop this exciting new forum, please review any accessible place, hotel, holiday or extreme activity; for example, a country park, a sports centre, a tandem skydive, UK holiday destination or even your favourite place to go out for a coffee! Help disabled people access Britain! Visit the website here: http://www.accessiblebritain.co.uk/

Fingolimod consultation closes soon

2012-01-05T10:59:00.000Z

Source MS Trust:
Time is running out for replies to the consultation about fingolimod (Gilenya), with comments needing to be with NICE by 5 January. For more click here.

Christmas closing and opening

2011-12-21T11:39:00.000Z

BMSTC will close at 1.00 pm on Friday 23rd December and re-open at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday 3rd January. Limited Oxygen Therapy will be available during this time. Call 0118 901 6000 for details.

On behalf of everyone here at the Centre I would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year!

Pip xxx

Chief executive to leave council

2011-12-21T11:28:00.001Z

Source BBC:

The chief executive of Reading Borough Council is to leave as part of the authority's plans to save about £1m.

Michael Coughlin said he was in talks with the council about the timing of his departure. Read more here.

Wolfson Foundation Awards £20million To UCL For Experimental Neurology Centre

2011-12-21T11:26:00.002Z

Source Medical News Today:
A new centre dedicated to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases will be established at UCL following the award of a £20million grant from the Wolfson Foundation, it was announced today. To read more click here.

Vitamin D in food to combat Scots MS

2011-12-21T11:22:00.003Z

Source BBC:
A University of Oxford professor has said rates of multiple sclerosis are so dire in Scotland essential foodstuffs should be fortified with vitamin D.

Prof George Ebers has said the Scottish government is now leaving itself open to legal action from people who go on to develop MS in future because the link between the condition and vitamin D deficiency is so strong. To watch click here.

Local Giving matched fund raises £6,000 for BMSTC!

2011-12-21T11:21:00.001Z

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the Centre via the 'Double Your Money' email that Jackie sent out last week. A total of £2,780 was donated, of which £2,500 will be matched by the fund plus gift aided where able.

In total we shall receive almost £6,000 which is fantastic and a great way to finish the year which has been very difficult on the Fundraising Front. Happy Christmas Everyone :)

(P.S. For those who were unable to support the appeal on this occasion, we are told there will be another Local Giving Match Fund opportunity in spring next year!)

MS - Scotland's lonely disease.

2011-12-21T11:16:00.002Z

Source BBC:
Scotland has the highest prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis of any country in the world, with 1 in 500 Scots living with this progressive neurological disease. In this hour-long documentary we get a glimpse into the lives of a handful of those individuals.

We find out how they deal with the problems that MS throws up, and meet several who refuse to let the disease beat them. To watch click here.

Vote for BMSTC!

2011-12-21T11:15:00.003Z

Please vote for BMSTC! We have 56 votes already, we need 44 more to reach 100 before the ! Thank you to all who have voted :0)

To vote click here!

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) given green light by Devon and Cornwall NHS

2011-12-21T11:13:00.003Z

Source MS Trust:
The Peninsula Commissioning Priorities Group has announced that, following a review of evidence, functional electrical stimulation (FES) should be available for people with foot drop caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord whose walking has not improved with other options such as ankle supports. For more click here.

(Don't for get we offer a FES Clinic at BMSTC, email ruth@bmstc.org for more information about our service)

South Central Ambulance Service awarded 'trust of the year'

2011-12-21T11:11:00.006Z

Source BBC:

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS) has been named trust of the year.

The announcement was made at the 2011 Health Business Awards at the Emirates Stadium in north London on Wednesday.

NHS figures have showed it to be the best performing ambulance trust in England in terms of response times. Read more here.

Cow Lane road closure

2011-12-21T11:10:00.003Z

Source BBC:

The installation of a new bridge in Reading could bring delays to traffic in the town as Cow Lane is closed for six weeks from the 19th December to 30th January. Read more here.

Flint House Police Rehabilitation Centre raises £1017 for BMSTC!

2011-12-16T11:12:00.001Z

We would like to say a huge thank you to the team at Flint House for raising and incredible £1,017 for us from their Christmas Raffle! What a fantastic Christmas Gift, well done to the organisers and thank you for your support. Merry Christmas! :0)

For more information on their work see their website http://www.flinthouse.co.uk/ or visit their Facebook page here.

Implementation of neurological services remains patchy

2011-12-16T09:43:00.003Z

Source MS Trust:
Implementation of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Long-Term Conditions has been poor and lacked clear leadership, coordination, and monitoring information, according to a report published by the National Audit Office. Read more here.

Neurology emergencies up by a third

2011-12-16T09:42:00.001Z

Source MSN News UK:
Emergency hospital admissions for people with conditions such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis have risen by almost a third despite a huge financial investment in services.

A National Audit Office (NAO) study found important indicators of care for people with neurological conditions have "worsened", and the Department of Health is unable to say whether extra spending has been effective. Read more here.

BMSTC Christmas Party - Friday 16th December

2011-12-15T11:52:00.000Z

Double your money!!

2011-12-15T11:11:00.000Z

Would you like to make a donation to the Centre and have the amount doubled before your eyes! All you have to do is log onto http://localgiving.com/charity/bmstc and make your donation. Simples!

If you are a UK tax payer, they will add a further 22% to the donation.Fantastic! :)

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Volunteer Oxygen Operators needed!

2011-12-15T10:52:00.001Z

Would you like to volunteer at the Centre? We need some more oxygen operators to help us on a regular basis. Full training and support given to willing volunteers who can commit to coming to run a session every week.

In particular we are looking for help on a Tuesday (a.m. and p.m.) or a Wednesday/Thursday (p.m.) If you're interested please email pippa@bmstc.org Thank you!

University of the 3rd Age - including the Virtual U3A

2011-12-13T10:07:00.000Z

The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for the Universities of Third Age (U3As) in the UK. U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.

To find your local group follow this link: http://www.u3a.org.uk/find-a-u3a/search-by-town.html
Alternatively if you are unable to attend a group but wish to join the Virtual U3A follow this link:
http://vu3a.org/

School gets cash for DNA research

2011-12-13T09:10:00.003Z

Source BBC:A school in Kent has been awarded £250,000 by the Wellcome Trust to conduct research into multiple sclerosis. Watch here.

Rare gene links vitamin D and multiple sclerosis

2011-12-09T09:26:00.001Z

Source BBC:
A rare genetic variant which causes reduced levels of vitamin D appears to be directly linked to multiple sclerosis, says an Oxford University study. Read more here.

BMSTC needs your vote!

2011-12-08T15:47:00.001Z

Please vote for BMSTC! We need 100 votes to be on the awards list - we have 12 so far so only another 88 votes are needed - please share this with your family and friends on Facebook to spread the work. Thank you :0) To vote click here!!

Fooling immune system reverses mice multiple sclerosis

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001Z

Source New Scientist:

TO FIGHT an autoimmune disease, you've got to outwit a rogue immune system that has turned on itself. By doing just that, symptoms of multiple sclerosis have been reversed in mice. For more click here.

Disabled Motoring UK welcomes Government u-turn over disability benefit

2011-12-08T15:43:00.001Z

Source Disabled Motoring UK:
Disabled Motoring UK welcomes the news that plans to axe mobility benefit payments to disabled people living in care homes are being dropped. The Government had planned to cut the “mobility” part of Disability Living Allowance – currently worth £51 per week – for those in residential care, claiming that existing Local Authority contracts with care homes should cover residents’ mobility needs.
For more click here.

New MS pill refused again by NICE

2011-12-08T15:40:00.001Z

Source MS Society:

The new pill for people with relapsing-remitting MS, called Gilenya (formerly known as fingolimod), has been refused by NICE for a second time on the grounds of poor cost effectiveness. For more click here.

NHS priorities may provide benefit for people with MS

2011-12-08T15:39:00.001Z

Source MS Trust:
The Department of Health has published its new NHS Operating Framework outlining performance targets and financial requirements in England for the year from April 2012. The MS Trust welcomes the fact that the Framework focuses on several issues that could potentially benefit people with MS. For more click here.

Treatment of clinically isolated syndrome with interferon beta 1a reduces the risk of conversion to MS

2011-12-08T15:37:00.001Z

Source MS Trust:
Results from the REFLEX study (REbif FLEXible dosing in early MS) show that interferon beta 1a delayed clincal relapse and subclinical disease activity in people with clinically isolated syndrome whether given once or three times a week. An earlier study (ETOMS) found that 22mg of interferon beta 1a once a week was effective in delaying the diagnosis of MS, this study compared the effects of two dosing regimes with placebo. For more click here.

Alok Sharma opens BMSTC Christmas Fayre

2011-11-29T10:29:00.001Z

Alok Sharma, Member of Parliament for Reading West, was invited to open the Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre’s Christmas Fayre on Saturday 19th November. The event was entirely organised by the members of Centre, who all suffer from MS, a degenerative disease for which there is no known cure. See the press release on his website here

Agreement signed for Brambles Respite Care Centre

2011-11-28T16:33:00.001Z

Source MS Society:

"The MS Society has signed an initial agreement to transfer Brambles Respite Care Centre to a new provider, possibly preventing it from closure.
Following a revised offer from the company previously interested in taking over the centre, MS Respite & Care Services Ltd, ‘Heads of Terms’ have been signed to transfer the centre into their ownership."

Fantastic news! For more click here

Vote for BMSTC in the Great Exhibition 2012!

2011-11-28T13:45:00.001Z

"The Great Exhibition2012 would love to work with the The Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis TherapyCentre in helping to promote all the great work you do for people sufferingwith the condition. The aim of the Great Exhibition 2012 is to celebrateeverything that is Great about Britain, and the charity work that takes placein the country is very important. You are up as a Great on the website,and we want you to get as many votes as possible for the Great. Here isthe link for the profile which you should feel free to send to as many peopleas possible! http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/berkshire-multiple-sclerosis-therapy-centre

Not only this, but wewould like to propose that when you reach 500 votes our CEO Julie Benson willcome down the centre for half a day and volunteer. We would also make afilm to show all hard work that the centre does which will be put on yourprofile to show people our experience of volunteering at the centre. Thiswill enhance the profile of the Great, show people what you do, encourage peopleto make donations to the charity and visit your website."

For more information on the Great Exhibition 2012 see website: http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/about-the-great-exhibition

Two MS patients in their 30's talk about the challenges of "Coming Out" with MS

2011-11-28T12:08:00.000Z

Source the BBC: - Listen again http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017lbqh

Five programmes exploring the ways in which we decide how far to be honest about ourselves, and in doing so become vulnerable to the judgements of others.

2. Cathy, Andrew and Emily

Multiple Sclerosis is most often diagnosed in people aged between 20 and 40, a time when careers and relationships are of primary importance. Two MS patients in their 30s talk about the challenges of coming out with the disease, and how far to be totally open about it. This Sunday 27th November, BBC Radio 4 at 2.45 pm.. For more click here

This year the Christmas Spirit has found 3 local bands. Each of them have decided to help local charity the

2011-11-28T09:44:00.001Z

This year the Christmas Spirit has found 3 local bands. Eachof them have decided to help BMSTC!

On December 3^rd , the Reading Spring Gardens BrassBand are giving a concert at Park United Reform Church 19:30-21:30. Proceedsfrom the raffle at the concert will go to the BMSTC.

On Dec 13^th, Breakaway Brass will be playingcarols to entertain the public in Broad Street from 18:00, whilst members fromthe centre collect.

On Dec 16^th, the clarinet group from Trinity Concert Band will be playingat the Centre to entertain members at their Christmas Party and on Dec 20^ththe band will be playing carols in Broad Street from 18:00. Trinity’s ChristmasConcerts are on Dec 17^th at Bearwood College TheatreSindlesham.

The BMSTC is grateful to these musical groups for sharingthe Christmas Spirit with us. If you enjoy music, especially Christmas music,why not join them at one of the concerts.

Listen to BBC Radio Berkshire this Sunday 10a.m. to midday and hear our Jackie!

2011-11-27T16:28:00.000Z

Listen again http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p004gk6l

Our Patron, Martin Salter, is standing in for Debbie McGee on BBC Radio Berkshire this Sunday, and our Jackie Malcolm, has been invited along as his guest along with our new friend Alok Sharma, Reading West MP! For more click here!

Smoking and MS

2011-11-24T12:17:00.001Z

Source Shift.MS

"We spoke to Lauren from the Mayo Clinic about smoking and how it affects the course of MS. In the midst of the crazy-busy poster hall at the MS conference, Lauren managed to give us a good insight into her study." To watch click here.

How drug trials work

2011-11-24T12:04:00.001Z

Source MS Society:

A new research blog has been launched by the MS Society on how drug trials work.

"We hear about new ideas in medicine all the time, but why do we have to wait so long to get a treatment? It can take years or even decades to get a treatment through clinical trials and it can be very frustrating to wait for that research to happen, but there are good reasons for research to take so long."

For more click here.

Spasticity and spasms webcast

2011-11-24T10:10:00.001Z

Source The MS Trust:
A webcast on one of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis has benn launched on the MS Trust website. For more click here.

RCN claims 56,000 NHS posts cut or at risk

2011-11-23T11:57:00.001Z

Source: Nursing Times
"Among the biggest cuts identified are at Heatherwood and Wexham Park NHS Foundation Trust. The RCN says it lost 280 full time posts in 2010-11 and plans to cut another 533 by 2014, equating to more than a quarter of its total 2010 headcount." Read more here.

Ray of hope for Helen Ley Centre

2011-11-23T11:55:00.001Z

Source BBC:
A care centre in Warwickshire for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) could be saved from closure because a potential new owner has been found. Read more here.

Future Forum advises how the NHS should work in 2012 - 2013

2011-11-23T11:54:00.001Z

Source the MS Trust:
On 17th November, the NHS Future Forum published a letter to the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley. This letter requests priority is given to a number of areas in the Department of Health's Operating Framework for the NHS 2012-13, the document that will set out the structural plan for next year. Read more here.

Heatherwood hospital in Ascot 'could be privatised'

2011-11-23T11:53:00.001Z

Source the BBC:
Hundreds of residents turned up to a meeting on the future of a Berkshire NHS hospital that could be privatised. Read more here.