MND social group offers lifeline to patients and families in York and North Yorkshire
Saturday 21 June marks Global MND Awareness Day, and St Leonard’s Hospice is shining a light on a vital source of support for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the area. Its growing MND social group, run in association with the MND Association York Group, offers a lifeline to patients, families and carers facing the daily challenges of the disease.
Once a month, St Leonard’s Hospice on Tadcaster Road opens its doors to welcome those living with MND, and a second monthly session takes place at New Earswick Folk Hall. There are wellbeing staff and a specialist palliative care social worker on hand to talk to those who attend.
Session times:
- Second Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3pm at New Earswick Folk Hall
- Fourth Wednesday of the month from 2 to 4pm in the Sunflower Centre at St Leonard’s Hospice.
Gil Boyd, who lives with MND, and his wife Theodora recently moved to York and have found the social group invaluable as a supportive community for living with MND.
Gil said “I’ve made lots of good friends here, all with MND, which has made my life easier. I’ve also had some complementary therapy sessions here, which were lovely.”
Theodora said: “As a carer, when I first thought about going to the Hospice for the MND social group, I was really apprehensive about being there. It made me start thinking ahead of what might happen to Gil. But when I got there, I was made to feel totally at ease. Being here enables you to have a social life with people who understand, because when you have a lot going on with MND, you don’t feel you have the energy to explore new things. But I feel supported there.”
Anyone who has been diagnosed with MND, or those they care about, can attend the group to relax in a safe environment and speak to the experienced team. Refreshments are provided, and free parking, including disabled spaces, is available at both venues. Free complementary therapies such as massage and reflexology are also offered to all those attending.
Margaret Webster, Complementary Therapy Lead at St Leonard’s, said:
“It’s a privilege to work with the MND community in York. Over the past 18 months, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with those who attend. The social group is a welcoming, supportive space where people form deep friendships and champion one another. For those not feeling ready to attend a group setting, we offer free complementary therapies at the Hospice or in people’s own homes, and many later choose to drop in to the group. All our joint work with the MND Association aims to help people with MND live well while feeling heard, understood and supported.”
To take part in the fortnightly MND social, just drop in at one of the upcoming sessions, no referral or booking is needed.
To find out more, email: wellbeingandoutreach@stleonardshospice.org.uk
