Balance Support Group Meeting
Minutes 22/11/08 10am-12pm Education Centre, Freeman Hospital
Attendee: Emma, Clare (from the Audiology Department), Val (Hearing Therapist), Natalie, Eileen, Jim, Kim, Joy.
Apologies: Fiona.
Agenda topics:
1. Data protection
Discussion/action
It was agreed that we would look into the relevant forms needed for Data Protection – so that all members could agree that we could withhold their names/addresses, purely for communication purposes (It was thought that Clive may know more about this).
2. Future meetings
Discussion/action
It was agreed that the group would meet on the 4th Saturday, every two months – with the next meeting being on Saturday 24th January 2009. Other 2009 meetings will therefore be in March, May, July, September, November. We agreed that for 2009, the meetings would be held at the Education Centre from 10am-12pm. Another venue may be sought in the long term. Val will post these minutes to all the people who have expressed an interest in the group.
3. Speakers/visits
Discussion/action
Members liked the idea of having a Speaker at each meeting. Suggestions included: Alternative Therapists, Yoga Teacher, Pilates Teacher, Ménière’s Society, RNID, Emma’s friend Ilia who has fully recovered from Uncompensated Labyrinthitis, Medic-Alert, Pharmacist to discuss drug options for dizziness/migraine, Benefits Agency. Emma to approach some speakers and also other members agreed to ask around. We discussed that some Speakers may want a small donation/expenses.
It was suggested that if the group was successful, Members may like to participate in trips, such as going to a restaurant/cinema and other activities that were hard for Balance patients.
4. Funding
Discussion/action
Emma agreed to look into funding for the group and open a bank account in its name. The group discussed possibly having a subscription for the group, to help financially.
5. Website
Discussion/action
Clare suggested it would be nice for the group to have its own website eventually. Val/Clare agreed to ask someone they knew at the Freeman who may be able to help out. For now, Emma will advertise the future meetings on her site www.labyrinthitis.org.uk
6. Committee roles
Discussion/action
The group agreed that the roles of the committee would be:
Other offers most welcome.
7. Points of contact
Discussion/action
Emma gave out her website email iliaandemma@hotmail.com for anyone who wanted to contact her in between meetings.
8. Name of group
Discussion/action
The group thought about possible names for the group and it was decided that it should be a positive title. Emma suggested people email her with any ideas but it was decided that she would make the decision if she did not from anyone.
Standing Firm.
(Supporting People with Balance Problems in the North-East)
The meeting closed at 12pm.