2015 Regional Conferences Programme and registration form

Transcription

1 You re at the heart of everything we do 2015 Regional Conferences Programme and registration form

2 What you have told us about previous conferences I have really enjoyed all the sessions, very interesting and informative. Unsure what to expect as it was my first conference as an MND sufferer, but given the opportunity I will definitely attend again as I found it extremely informative. I had high expectations of the day and I was not disappointed. Venues Sunday 19 April 2015 Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport Chicago Avenue, M90 3RA Telephone Sunday 19 July 2015 Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport Waltham Close, London Stansted Airport Essex, CM24 1PP Telephone Sunday 25 October 2015 The Royal York Hotel Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AA Telephone Sunday 23 January 2016 Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS Telephone

3 Come and meet us at our regional conferences I m delighted to invite you to our regional conference in Manchester, and hope that we will see you at this or one of our other exciting events (see opposite page for more dates and locations). Our first event in Reading last month was a huge success and we had great feedback from attendees. People told us it was particularly good for opportunities to learn more about MND (including MND research), find out more about the work of the Association and meet with Association staff, trustees and each other, and to share experiences and ideas. If you are living with MND or you are a family member, friend or carer of someone with MND, if you are a volunteer or perhaps if you have a personal or professional interest in the MND Association then these events are for you. We look forward to welcoming all. These events are being held throughout the year at varied regional locations to enable as many people as possible to attend but they will also be broadcast live online with the opportunity to submit questions so everyone has the opportunity to hear the latest news and take part. This programme tells you more about when and where the events will be held, and what you can expect on the day. You can also register for an event using the form at the back of this booklet or through our website at regionalconferences If you are thinking about coming either in person or online we want you to get the most you can from it. There is a space on the registration form for you to tell us more about what you want from the event or any topics you d like us to cover. I m also happy to confirm that our Chair, Alun Owen, is due to attend all of the regional conferences in 2015 so he can hear from you directly. We look forward to seeing you there! Sally Light Chief Executive Register online You can book for any of the conferences online at Follow our regional conferences on Twitter using #mndrc

4 Session details Improving care and support MND affects day-to-day life in so many ways and we will be talking to you about this and how the Association helps people to manage. You will be able to learn how we help people affected by MND to access multidisciplinary clinical teams through our specialist care centres and you will hear from one of our care centre coordinators (who will also be on hand to meet you during the breaks). You can also find out more about our specialist staff, including Regional Care Development Advisers (RCDAs), and our Association Visitors. You can find out about how we loan equipment and provide financial assistance towards aids, adaptations and respite care. We ll introduce you to the services provided by our MND Connect helpline and you can discover how people affected by MND support each other through our online forum. We will tell you about our plans for future developments in services and you will have the opportunity to discuss this and ask questions. Campaigning and raising awareness We campaign and raise awareness so the needs of people with MND and everyone who cares for them are recognised and addressed by wider society. This session will explain how we raise awareness of MND and campaign for better services. We ll talk about how we will use the general election on May 7 and MND Awareness Month in June to raise awareness of MND and campaign for change. You ll hear about how you can get involved in our work, whether it s sending an to your local councillor, joining the online Campaign Network, meeting your MP or speaking to the media. One of our volunteer Campaigns Contacts will talk about what they have been doing to raise awareness of MND and improve services for people with MND living in the local area.

5 Research We fund and promote high-quality MND research both in the UK and around the world, which is helping us to understand more about the disease so we can work towards achieving our goal of finding a cure. This session will provide an introduction to MND research and the additional work that will be funded thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge. You will hear about the range of our research, from healthcare research to improve care and quality of life to laboratory-based research to develop effective treatments. You can learn more about the current work we are doing, for example the development of biomarkers of MND to speed up the diagnosis of MND and improve the accuracy of clinical trials. The session will include an opportunity to hear directly from a scientist we re funding. This will be your chance to hear the very latest on their work, with an in-depth update on their specific project. Programme Registration, refreshments and exhibitors Welcome Improving care and support Refreshments, meeting people and exhibitors Campaigning and raising awareness Lunch, meeting people and exhibitors Research Final thoughts Refreshments

6 Other information What interests you? There is a space on the registration form for you to tell us any topics you would particularly like us to cover during the conferences. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions on the day. Facilities for people with MND We carefully screen conference venues to make sure we find ones with the best possible disabled access that also offer value for money if you decide to stay overnight. We re here to help with arrangements and to do our best to make sure venues meet your needs just let us know what we can do. Watch online Can t get to an event? No problem, you can watch all the key presentations from the comfort of home. The main sessions will be streamed and you can watch them live or catch up with them later. No need to register, just go to our website at regionalconferences Costs There is no fee for the following groups: People with MND Family members and carers of people with MND Registered Association Visitors For other delegates there is a registration fee of 15, which includes lunch and all refreshments. Social media Keep up to date with the latest conference news using #mndrc. Dietary requirements Please let us know of any requirements on the registration form and we will make sure your needs are catered for. Travel and parking Parking is free at all venues. We will send travel directions when you register but if you have any questions about travel arrangements, please ring the events team. Questions? Our events team are here to help. Ring or conference@mndassociation.org Register online You can book for any of the conferences online at Follow our regional conferences on Twitter using #mndrc