Latest News
June 2021
Volunteers Week
We are so grateful to all the volunteers who give up their time to support the work of the Branch. Quite simply, we couldn't do it without you. Thank you to all those who work tirelessly to support people living with MND in the local area and those who volunteer at our events. You are all absolute stars!
May 2021
Recently Diagnosed Support Group
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with MND, you are welcome to join our online support group. It is an opportunity to meet others in the same position, ask questions and find out about available support. The meeting is facilitated by staff from the MND Care Centres and MND Association. The next meeting is on 24th June 2021 at 2pm. For more information and to receive the meeting invitation details, please email Ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
"Take action - invite your MP to MND Research event in June"
The MND Association are going to be hosting a parliamentary drop-in for MPs on Zoom from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday 18 June. Parliament doesn’t normally sit on a Friday, so MPs are usually in their constituencies and more likely to be free to attend a drop-in.
The overall aim of the event is to raise awareness of MND, build support for our United To End MND campaign and to grow our supporter base in Parliament. We are finalising the programme and running order of the session and will be able to share this with you closer to the time. We plan to use Zoom breakout rooms to direct MPs in attendance to speak to people living with and affected by MND.
It would be great if everyone could invite their MPs to attend this virtual meeting and if you're able to do that, please follow the link below.
Invite your MP: https://ecampaigns.mndassociation.org/page/82087/action/1?ea.tracking.id=cc.
The overall aim of the event is to raise awareness of MND, build support for our United To End MND campaign and to grow our supporter base in Parliament. We are finalising the programme and running order of the session and will be able to share this with you closer to the time. We plan to use Zoom breakout rooms to direct MPs in attendance to speak to people living with and affected by MND.
It would be great if everyone could invite their MPs to attend this virtual meeting and if you're able to do that, please follow the link below.
Invite your MP: https://ecampaigns.mndassociation.org/page/82087/action/1?ea.tracking.id=cc.
Yoga and Relaxation sessions
We are continuing to offer online yoga and relaxation sessions for anyone living with MND (including volunteers) living in South London and Kent. We will keep these under review as lockdown measures continue to ease.
The online sessions are still open to anyone (including volunteers) in South London and Kent who wants to attend, focusing on gentle seated relaxation and breathing exercises. All you need is a chair and a Zoom connection, and you don’t have to have your camera on if you wish
Upcoming dates will continue to be every other Tuesday at 11:00 am:
For more information, please contact Ahmed at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
The online sessions are still open to anyone (including volunteers) in South London and Kent who wants to attend, focusing on gentle seated relaxation and breathing exercises. All you need is a chair and a Zoom connection, and you don’t have to have your camera on if you wish
Upcoming dates will continue to be every other Tuesday at 11:00 am:
- 25th May
- 8th June
- 22nd June (to be confirmed)
For more information, please contact Ahmed at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
April 2021
Online support for newly diagnosed
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with MND, you are welcome to join our online support group. It is an opportunity to meet others in the same position, ask questions and find out about available support. The meeting is facilitated by staff from the MND Care Centres and MND Association. For more information and to receive the meeting invitation details, please email Ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
Research recruitment support
Please see below for details of a research study being carried out which focuses on the way that a person diagnosed with MND may experience changes in their thinking and behaviour. The study will finish at the end of June and the researchers are short of male healthy control participants between the ages of 60 and 75. Healthy control participants will receive some shopping vouchers (worth £30) as a thank-you for taking part and everything is remote and covid-safe. Anyone who is interested can sign up here for more information: https://forms.gle/JroxGymfxkGey2dTA
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Online carers support group
Do you care for someone living with MND? Join us for a virtual cup of tea and a friendly chat. The meetings usually take place on the 1st Monday of the month at 11am. For more details, contact Ahmed at Ahmed.Abdeldayem@mndassociation.org |
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AGM - 17th April 2021
After having to postpone the 2020 AGM due to the pandemic, we were delighted to be able to hold our very first virtual AGM on 17 April 2021. We recorded the AGM for anyone not able to attend at the time and you can view the recording here. If you have any questions after watching the AGM, or would like to be more involved with the Branch, please do not hesitate to contact us.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR AGM ON SATURDAY 17TH APRIL 2021
Please note that due to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday - we have taken the decision to bring the start time of the AGM forward to 1:30pm. If you're joining us online, we will start promptly at 1:30pm and will ensure the AGM is finished by 3pm.
Please note that due to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday - we have taken the decision to bring the start time of the AGM forward to 1:30pm. If you're joining us online, we will start promptly at 1:30pm and will ensure the AGM is finished by 3pm.
Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with MND? You are very welcome to join our Zoom online support groups - the next one is on 20 April. Please do contact Ahmed for the Zoom details. #MND
February 2021
Our latest Spring 2021 newsletter is now available to view on the website. Do take a look at what's been going on! http://www.midkentmnd.org.uk/newsletter.html
January 2021
We were glad to be joined by Minister for Care, Helen Whatley MP for Faversham and Mid Kent at our recent online support group meeting. Our support group meetings allow local people living with MND to 'meet' (currently on Zoom) with others in a similar position - it is an informal opportunity to chat, share experiences and tips and generally be a support for each other. It proved a useful experience as Helen listened to real life experiences from those attending.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with MND, we are here to offer our support and a chance to meet online with others in the same position. Please do join us for our online group meeting on 19 January - details below. You are not alone. .
As lockdown continues, we are continuing to offer online support to anyone caring for someone living with MND - do join us for our virtual support group on the 1st Monday of every month. We'd be pleased to see you.
December 2020
Have you or someone you care for recently been diagnosed with MND? Please do join our online group where you will have a chance to ask questions, speak to others who have also recently been diagnosed and find out what support is available to you. For more information, please contact Ahmed - the details are below.
November 2020
Are you caring for someone living with MND? You are not alone - we are holding an online chat for carers and you are very welcome to join us. Please see details of how to join us online below and if you have any queries, please do contact us.
Recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease?
If you or someone you are close to has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) you would be very welcome to join the online support group that is being launched later in the month. The group is made up of people in the same position as you and is facilitated by staff from the National Care Centre and the MND Association.
Meetings are held via Zoom and the next meeting is on 17th November at 14.00, it will last for about one hour.
Join on Zoom
ID: 894 0336 2849
Passcode: 445004
There is no need to book but if you would like to chat through what might be involved please contact Ahmed Abdeldayem on 01604 800651 or at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
Please note that although the meeting is password protected it is not a secure forum. Although participants may wish to identify themselves and provide personal information they do so at their own risk. It is expected that all participants respect the privacy of others.
If you or someone you are close to has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) you would be very welcome to join the online support group that is being launched later in the month. The group is made up of people in the same position as you and is facilitated by staff from the National Care Centre and the MND Association.
Meetings are held via Zoom and the next meeting is on 17th November at 14.00, it will last for about one hour.
Join on Zoom
ID: 894 0336 2849
Passcode: 445004
There is no need to book but if you would like to chat through what might be involved please contact Ahmed Abdeldayem on 01604 800651 or at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
Please note that although the meeting is password protected it is not a secure forum. Although participants may wish to identify themselves and provide personal information they do so at their own risk. It is expected that all participants respect the privacy of others.
Recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease?
If you or someone you are close to has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) you would be very welcome to join the online support group that is being launched later in the month. The group is made up of people in the same position as you and is facilitated by staff from the National Care Centre and the MND Association.
Meetings are held via Zoom and the next meeting is on 17th November at 14.00, it will last for about one hour.
Join on Zoom
ID: 894 0336 2849
Passcode: 445004
There is no need to book but if you would like to chat through what might be involved please contact Ahmed Abdeldayem on 01604 800651 or at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
Please note that although the meeting is password protected it is not a secure forum. Although participants may wish to identify themselves and provide personal information they do so at their own risk. It is expected that all participants respect the privacy of others.
If you or someone you are close to has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) you would be very welcome to join the online support group that is being launched later in the month. The group is made up of people in the same position as you and is facilitated by staff from the National Care Centre and the MND Association.
Meetings are held via Zoom and the next meeting is on 17th November at 14.00, it will last for about one hour.
Join on Zoom
ID: 894 0336 2849
Passcode: 445004
There is no need to book but if you would like to chat through what might be involved please contact Ahmed Abdeldayem on 01604 800651 or at ahmed.abdeldayem@mndassociation.org
Please note that although the meeting is password protected it is not a secure forum. Although participants may wish to identify themselves and provide personal information they do so at their own risk. It is expected that all participants respect the privacy of others.
We are so grateful to one of our Branch supporters, Jacqui, who has chosen to raise funds for the Branch. Jacqui was diagnosed with MND in January 2020 which makes us even more appreciative of the efforts Jacqui is making to support the Branch. You can read more about Jacqui's swimming challenge and how to donate on her Justgiving page. Good luck Jacqui and a huge THANK YOU!
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jacqui-jefferson
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jacqui-jefferson
September 2020
We are delighted that this year's Brenda Sheridan Walk will be taking place, at Shorne Country Park, on Saturday 6 September 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the format will be different this year but we are absolutely thrilled that 'Team Brenda' will still be able to walk in Brenda's memory - raising awareness of MND and raising funds for the Branch. We are, as always, so very grateful to Brenda's family for organising the walk, despite the pandemic - what determination they have shown!
To take part in this year's walk, you will need to email teambrendawalk4mnda@yahoo.com in order to register your time slot - the organisers can then ensure that numbers are kept within the Park's guidelines. Please keep groups to 6 or less and ensure that different households social distance when walking.
Once a time slot is confirmed, you will asked to register with the MND Association's 'mission5000' page and you can ask for any donated funds to be passed to the Mid Kent Branch.
https://www.mndassociation.org/get-involved/fundraising/fundraising-events/mission-5000/
Registering above will also enable the organisers to keep an eye on numbers attending. Anyone wanting to support the day but wishing to walk somewhere else - can still register as above - laps around the garden or around your block or local park, all count!!!
If you have an MNDA t-shirts, please do wear it on your walk and share your photos with the Mid Kent Branch group on Facebook, so that we can see what you've achieved!
Anyone wanting to support the day without walking can donate directly to the Branch JustGiving page or on the Team Brenda Justgiving page
Thank you again to Brenda's family for making this happen again this year - despite all the pandemic restrictions!
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the format will be different this year but we are absolutely thrilled that 'Team Brenda' will still be able to walk in Brenda's memory - raising awareness of MND and raising funds for the Branch. We are, as always, so very grateful to Brenda's family for organising the walk, despite the pandemic - what determination they have shown!
To take part in this year's walk, you will need to email teambrendawalk4mnda@yahoo.com in order to register your time slot - the organisers can then ensure that numbers are kept within the Park's guidelines. Please keep groups to 6 or less and ensure that different households social distance when walking.
Once a time slot is confirmed, you will asked to register with the MND Association's 'mission5000' page and you can ask for any donated funds to be passed to the Mid Kent Branch.
https://www.mndassociation.org/get-involved/fundraising/fundraising-events/mission-5000/
Registering above will also enable the organisers to keep an eye on numbers attending. Anyone wanting to support the day but wishing to walk somewhere else - can still register as above - laps around the garden or around your block or local park, all count!!!
If you have an MNDA t-shirts, please do wear it on your walk and share your photos with the Mid Kent Branch group on Facebook, so that we can see what you've achieved!
Anyone wanting to support the day without walking can donate directly to the Branch JustGiving page or on the Team Brenda Justgiving page
Thank you again to Brenda's family for making this happen again this year - despite all the pandemic restrictions!
July 2020
We are unable to meet face-to-face and so our usual social events, fund-raising activities and hospice support group meetings are all taking a different look at the moment.
We are determined that we will continue to 'meet' as we know how important it is for many of us to still being able to speak with others diagnosed with MND, or simply to show support for the work of the Branch, or just to have some fun at a social 'online afternoon tea' or an online quiz.
We are so grateful to all the support we are receiving. It is always humbling that so many people choose to remember loved ones that they have lost to MND, by making in memorium donations to the Branch. We will never be able to thank you enough but we will ensure that every penny is spent in making sure no one diagnosed with MND in our local area, should ever feel unsupported and that whatever assistance we can give, whether physically or emotionally, will be given and given quickly.
We are determined that we will continue to 'meet' as we know how important it is for many of us to still being able to speak with others diagnosed with MND, or simply to show support for the work of the Branch, or just to have some fun at a social 'online afternoon tea' or an online quiz.
We are so grateful to all the support we are receiving. It is always humbling that so many people choose to remember loved ones that they have lost to MND, by making in memorium donations to the Branch. We will never be able to thank you enough but we will ensure that every penny is spent in making sure no one diagnosed with MND in our local area, should ever feel unsupported and that whatever assistance we can give, whether physically or emotionally, will be given and given quickly.
July 2020 - Online support group meetings
We have now held a number of our online support group meetings, using Zoom technology - in place of our hospice support days at both Wisdom Hospice and Heart of Kent Hospice.
We have received really positive feedback from those attending who are enjoying keeping in touch with others living with MND and their families/carers. The meetings are very informal and simply a chance for us to update you on any news concerning MND and support in your area, and a chance for you to ask questions, or share your experiences.
If you have not attending one of the meetings before and would like to be included in future invitations, please do contact Sheila at sheilaathompson@btinternet.com and Sheila will ensure you receive the next invite. Please don't be put off by the thought of using technology, it is easy to follow and we haven't lost anyone into the great internet unknown yet!!
We have received really positive feedback from those attending who are enjoying keeping in touch with others living with MND and their families/carers. The meetings are very informal and simply a chance for us to update you on any news concerning MND and support in your area, and a chance for you to ask questions, or share your experiences.
If you have not attending one of the meetings before and would like to be included in future invitations, please do contact Sheila at sheilaathompson@btinternet.com and Sheila will ensure you receive the next invite. Please don't be put off by the thought of using technology, it is easy to follow and we haven't lost anyone into the great internet unknown yet!!
June 2020 - Global MND Awareness Day
Sunday 21st June 2020 is Global MND Awareness Day with many people and organisations from across the world, raising awareness of MND/ALS. This year's theme was based on the fact that although we are unable to meet in person, we can extend a 'Hand Of...friendship/support/thanks/love/solidarity' to others. We are very lucky, as a Branch, to have the support of Professor David Oliver, our Branch President. David chose to extend a Hand Of Solidarity and Care. David has shown a great deal of care to many people diagnosed with MND in the local area, over many years and we are grateful to him for his support.
As a Branch, we are grateful for the tireless hard work of our volunteers and of course to carers who are often not given the acknowledgement for their hard work. So as a Branch we would like to extend a Hand Of Thanks to all of you who support anyone living with MND. And finally, to those of you living with MND, we extend a Hand of Friendship. We take pride in offering support, as little or as much as you might want, and we hope that no one diagnosed with MND will ever feel they are facing their diagnosis alone. We are here to help - if you're not in touch with the Branch and would like to know how we can support you, please do contact us.
As a Branch, we are grateful for the tireless hard work of our volunteers and of course to carers who are often not given the acknowledgement for their hard work. So as a Branch we would like to extend a Hand Of Thanks to all of you who support anyone living with MND. And finally, to those of you living with MND, we extend a Hand of Friendship. We take pride in offering support, as little or as much as you might want, and we hope that no one diagnosed with MND will ever feel they are facing their diagnosis alone. We are here to help - if you're not in touch with the Branch and would like to know how we can support you, please do contact us.
June 2020 - Coronavirus Update - Online support groups
We continue to have really positive feedback on our online support groups taking place whilst we are not able to meet face-to-face. Our next online support group meeting is on Wednesday 1st July 2020 at 2pm. If you are living with MND or are caring for someone with MND and would like to join us, please do contact Sheila Thompson on 01634 723677. It's a very informal group but we are finding that it is proving to be a great chance to still 'meet' with others.
May 2020 - Coronavirus Update - Online support groups
We have now been able to establish online support group meetings to offer some support to people living with MND, in place of our hospice support days, until we are able to meet again in the person.
Our next support group will be held online on Wednesday 3rd June 2020 at 2pm.
If you would like to be involved, please contact Sheila Thompson on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677.
Our next support group will be held online on Wednesday 3rd June 2020 at 2pm.
If you would like to be involved, please contact Sheila Thompson on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677.
May 2020 - Coronavirus Update - NHS Volunteer Responders scheme
People living with MND are now able to self-refer for practical support via the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme (eg collecting shopping and prescriptions) by calling 0808 196 3646 (8am-8pm).
If you are not receiving the support you need, please speak to us by contacting Sheila Thompson on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677 so that we can assist you.
If you are not receiving the support you need, please speak to us by contacting Sheila Thompson on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677 so that we can assist you.
12 March 2020 - Coronavirus Update - Cancellations
Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus we have been advised by the MND Association to suspend all MND Support Groups and Social activities for the time being.
We will continue to monitor recommendations issued by the Government and as soon as we are able to meet again, we will advertise the dates on here.
In the meantime, Association Visitors are still able to support you via telephone, online or by email and we are now running online support group meetings which is at least a chance to see some other friendly faces!
Please do contact Sheila Thompson for more details on how we can support you on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677.
We will continue to monitor recommendations issued by the Government and as soon as we are able to meet again, we will advertise the dates on here.
In the meantime, Association Visitors are still able to support you via telephone, online or by email and we are now running online support group meetings which is at least a chance to see some other friendly faces!
Please do contact Sheila Thompson for more details on how we can support you on sheilaathompson@btinternet.com or on 01634 723677.
January 2020
We were delighted to have Juliette from Footprints Reflexology of Rochester with us at our January support and social afternoon. Juliette demonstrated her skills on her willing volunteer Sheila and explained the possible benefits of reflexology to people living with MND and their careers.
We are pleased to work with Medway Neurological Network, an organisation supporting people living with various neurological conditions in the Medway area. A new cafe is being launched, a joint initiative by the Medway Neurological Network and Medway Adult Education. We will be pleased to have a representative from the Branch at the cafe on the 2nd Friday of every month. This will be a chance to meet someone from the Branch in an informal cafe setting. Do go along and visit the cafe! For more information, please visit the Medway Neurological Network website.
December 2019
An enjoyable time was had by all at our Christmas lunch during our Peer Support Day held at The Wisdom Hospice in December! Love the hat Jonathan! For more details on our Peer Support Days, please visit the Diary Dates page.
November 2019
November saw us holding our annual Christmas Bazaar - a little early for some but certainly an opportunity to start getting in the Christmas mood and always a chance to see some old faces who come along every single year to support us. We are so grateful for all the support of our volunteers and our supporters who enable us to raise such a fabulous amount each year. You can read more on the Bazaar on our Fund Raising page.
September 2019
On a bright and sunny first day of September, we were so lucky to see another Walk to D'Feet take place, in memory of a very lovely lady Brenda Sheridan. Brenda's family kindly put a lot of hard work each year into organising the walk and this year was the best yet! Over 50 supporters turned up, of all ages and including some four-legged friends and set off into the sunshine. The family raised an amazing £1,000 (and still counting) which made all the hard work worthwhile. Thank you to all of the family for continuing to support the Branch.
July 2019
We were pleased to show our support at an event organised by the MND Association in Parliament to raise support for the Scrap 6 Months Campaign. The event was organised jointly with Marie Curie and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Terminal Illness. The focus of the campaign is on removing the Six Month Rule on life expectancy so that benefits can be accessed quickly by people diagnosed with MND and other terminal illnesses. The campaign is ongoing as we await a review of the benefits system as announced by Amber Rudd on 11th July 2019.
Oh and Sheila got to meet Jeremy Vine who is a fantastic, loyal supporter of the Association!
Oh and Sheila got to meet Jeremy Vine who is a fantastic, loyal supporter of the Association!
We were delighted to be involved with this year’s Medway Neuro Arts Festival, organised by the Medway Neurological Network. The MNN consists of organisations that are all working with to promote the interests of people living with neurological conditions in the Medway area.
The Arts Festival was held on 20 and 21 July 2019 and showcased the work of many of these organisations, including art work, wheelchair dancing, Tai Chi workshop, a poets corner, and a dementia garden planted by people living with dementia and their carers. The Festival was launched with the support of Kelly Tolhurst, the Rt Hon MP for Rochester and Strood.
There is no doubt that there is strength in numbers and given that many of the issues facing people living with MND are also a challenge for people living with other neurological conditions, it is really positive to be involved in events such as the Arts Festival in order to build connections with other charities and organisations who can work together to campaign on these issues.
You can see more of the activities and information about the Festival on the MNN website:-
http://medwayneuro.org.uk
The Arts Festival was held on 20 and 21 July 2019 and showcased the work of many of these organisations, including art work, wheelchair dancing, Tai Chi workshop, a poets corner, and a dementia garden planted by people living with dementia and their carers. The Festival was launched with the support of Kelly Tolhurst, the Rt Hon MP for Rochester and Strood.
There is no doubt that there is strength in numbers and given that many of the issues facing people living with MND are also a challenge for people living with other neurological conditions, it is really positive to be involved in events such as the Arts Festival in order to build connections with other charities and organisations who can work together to campaign on these issues.
You can see more of the activities and information about the Festival on the MNN website:-
http://medwayneuro.org.uk
June 2019
Our hard-working AVs Jean and Joyce had a happy and successful day at the Borstal Village Summer Fair. You can read more on our Fund Raising page
We were pleased to be able to take part in Medway Voluntary Action's 'High Five' event as part of Volunteers Week at the beginning of June. Thank you to Annette, Sheila, Jean and Dave who went along and encouraged the public to take part in 'high five' activities to say thank you to all the volunteers who give their time and support to some many worthy charities in the area. We cannot thank all our volunteers enough - without you the Branch would not exist to be able to support people living with MND in the local area. So - 'HIGH FIVE'!
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We had another hugely successful quiz night with Colin our Quiz Master Extraordinaire! Thanks to all of you who came along to support this event. You can read about the evening on our Fund Raising page. |
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As part of Volunteers' Week (1st-7th June), we are taking part in Medway Voluntary's Action's 'High Five' event. We will be having a stand at The Pentagon in Chatham on Wednesday 5th June. The theme of the event is 'High Five' where we will be giving a great big 'high five' to all our volunteers and encouraging others to volunteer their time in supporting the Branch. Do come along and find us on our stand to find out more about the work of the Branch and how you can help.
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May 2019
Dr Ellis being presented with her certificate by Maureen (L) an AV from North West Kent Branch and Sheila (R) the AV and Patient Care Co-ordinator for Mid Kent Branch
We were delighted to be able to present a 'thank you' certificate to Dr Cathy Ellis, Consultant Neurologist, who was nominated for this certificate by the Branch. Dr Ellis has been and continues to be a tremendous support to the Branch both locally and at King's College Hospital. Dr Ellis always goes the extra mile for her patients and we are extremely grateful for all she does for people living with MND in our local area.
We were pleased to be able to attend the official launch of the Medway Neuro Arts Festival which will take place on 20th & 21st July. The Mayor of Medway was presented with a £5,000 cheque from Rochester Riverside Community Fund towards funding the Festival.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Registered Charity Number 294354. Registered in England.
Company Limited by Guarantee No 2007023
Registered Charity Number 294354. Registered in England.
Company Limited by Guarantee No 2007023
