Charity Golf Day

Charity Golf Day In support of “Friends of The Hull Memory Clinic” (NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund King’s Fund Project reg. number1052727 ) Friday 6th May 2011 Cottingham Parks Golf & Leisure Club Tee off time 1.30pm £30 per person (includes course fee and 1 course supper) Dine only £10 Prize Giving, Fun Fundraising and Entertainment in the Club House From 6pm Book now to avoid disappointment For more details Call 01964 626029/01482 342476 Or email thehumberteam@gmail.com Or visit our blog www.humberprojectteam2009.blogspot.com

Friends of The Hull Memory Clinic

Things have been going on behind the scenes not only in the building works. The inaugural Meeting of the Friends of The Hull Memory Clinic was held on 6th August this year. The group was fully established at a second meeting held on 5th November. The aims and objectives of the group are:- Aims:• Raising awareness/reducing stigma. • Support the clinic with fundraising • Sharing information with carers groups • Link with other support organisation eg. Alzheimer’s Society etc • To offer consultancy and advice to the Memory Clinic Objectives: • Publicity and promotion through activities/events/news letter/notice board • To set up bank account. Nominate treasure. To put together funding bids etc • Educate general public, carers and members of the group about the clinic and local resources. • Link members with the Memory Clinic to feedback to the group and vice versa to keep people informed of any changes or developments The Group felt it was important that no member should feel pressured in issued this statement as part of the Constitution. Statement The Friends of the Memory Clinic recognise the demands and changing circumstances of its members and will be sympathetic to their needs at all times.

The loneliness of a long distance walker!

In the early hours of an August weekend, I stumbled out of the delightful bunkhouse. After weeks of preparation at the pub, telling my friends about the challenge. But, not actually doing any training for it. With some serious chilli eating the night before, Stella consuming and no sleep due to Roger’s snoring and the other delightful strangers. I was ready to go with my new ‘cool’ rucksack and my walking boots that have not been worn in years. I set out at 06.30 into the morning sunshine (not really, this is the UK remember). Our support crew, consisting of June and Emily, were primed and ready for action (which involved rolling over, going back to sleep and dreaming of the fantastic Full English that awaited them at a more civilised hour) actually, bless them they did a marvelous job. I set off on the first peak with the gang of 9 and Millie the dog. After walking at the back of the pack for a while. I decided I would go catch the leading boys up and leave the pensioners behind (jokes). I reached the top of first peak and still no sign of them after a quick look at the picturesque view of mist. I then decided to run down to try catch them up, still in thick mist which was rather scarey. I finally caught up to them and we arrived at the man eating bogs and streams, whilst I tried to tiptoe and leap over and around the wet and boggy bits to keep my feet dry. Stupid idea, as I was using up far too much energy gambolling around like a demented lamb. I ended up falling in regardless. A straight, but very wet and boggy line was the answer from then on. The delights of wet feet and blistering commenced, the boys started pulling away again. Also, I wanted a wee. So, I thought of a brilliant dignified idea of climbing this stone wall and what did I do? fall off the wall . Anyway, having had deep meaningful conversations with a few cows and sheep eating my nuts and raisins. I accomplished my first peak. As I sat down with the support team, the boys were just leaving to commence the second. After having a rant to June about why I decided to do it for 15 mins, I put some dry socks and blister plasters on and started peak two. At this moment, I looked up and thought why am I doing this, if only I had my IPod to listen to motivational songs like ‘aint no mountain high enough’. Oh yes, I recall why I did not have it. Yes, my brother said it would be anti social of me whilst walking with others. With the boys at least 15 mins ahead and the others I was clueless to how far behind, I was on my own. Regardless, I reached the second peak up in the clouds and I had a signal on my phone. So, as I marched along, I had a few brief phone calls in the blistering wind. I soon dropped below the cloud. But, my goodness, that first bit of the steep descent is a bit of a killer on the knees! You would think you would look forward to the journey down, mistakenly I assumed that as you are going downwards its easier! Do not believe it! It actually hurts more and to top it off I lost my footing and catapulted down landing on the knee. Ouch! God knows where my determination came from, but I plodded along. At this point my knees are unbelievably painful and my feet were in sheer agony and I thought I have another peak to go. Then I needed a wee again. I turned around no one behind, so just pulled my pants down. Ah that’s better I thought, I then turned around two men was behind me. I thought oh brilliant, I bet that was not spectacular scenery there were expecting. Eventually, I saw the support team June and Emily waving at me outside a pub (Cruelty). My hand signal back was not one of the same nature. I decided not to stay long just asked them to fill my water up and swap boots for trainers and commence the third peak. By heck this was steep and quite frankly the only bit of the walk I enjoyed. I remember someone informing me that when you are walking you should always take the time to turn around and see what was behind you, you miss so much if you simply have your head down with the sole task of getting to the top and on this climb it was bliss. The strawberry raw jelly fuelled a burst of strength to reach the top. I did it! Woohoo. I have done it. Get me to that pub. This was torture I passed a finger-post saying 1½ miles to Horton. Knowing I could normally run that in less than 15 minutes, I briefly flirted with striking up a jog to try to get that beer. Sanity, and gravity, quickly re-asserted themselves, which is more than can be said for the sanity of the person who amusingly erected the 1½ mile marker at least 3 miles out. At this point, I was tearful and thankyou to my wonderful friends text messages of support I reached the half a mile finger post such a short distance that still looked so far, occasionally disappearing from view before reappearing but I hobbled to that crisp pint in agony and opened my mouth to say “I’m never ever going through that again”. I did it "The 3 Peaks Challenge" a gruelling 37.5 km (23.3 mi) to 42 km (26.1 mi) (depending on route) circuit of all three peaks with nearly 1,600 m (5,249 ft) of ascent and descent. Please donate to the charity I, put my body through sheer torture. http://www.justgiving.com/The-Hull-Memory-Clinic/2

Charity Golf Day

A new date has been set for the charity golf day!!

Friday 6th May 2011

watch this space for more details.

A Quick Catch Up

There's a lot happening with the King's Fund Project lately - hence my lack of posts on the blog! Not to mention developing my own plans to work with arts projects with people suffering with dementia and their carers. King's Fund Project We have spent the last few months finalising our designs for the development, ordering furniture, looking for areas where we can cut costs a little and the all important fundraising! The fundraising includes the return to the Yorkshire Three Peaks this weekend. However, we plan to sart the work within the next month and hopefully will have an opening event date set soon.

The Three Peaks Challenge

Some 20 or so walkers will be setting off at 6am this Sunday from Horton in Ribblesdale to attempt the three peaks challenge. Some experienced walkers, and some not so.... Spare a thought and maybe a few £s for us when you are tucked up in bed!! The money raised will go towards some of the little extras we hope to include in our improvements to the Hull Memory Clinic. The Hull Memory Clinic is an internationally renowned, specialist clinical and academic centre. It is the only memory service in our Trust and in the Hull and the East Riding area. The clinic is unique in that it provides ongoing psychosocial interventions for people with dementia and their families alongside specialist memory assessments.

In the scheme which has been part funded by The Humber Foundation Trust and artly by The King's Fund Enhancing the Healing Environment, we hope to improve the exsiting clinic by making the space more user friendly for those suffering with dementia and memory problems.

If you wish to make a donation you can do so in person at the clinic or send a cheque payable to The Humber NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund to The Hull Memory Clinic, 39 - 41 Coltman Street Hull.

Latest Fundraiser!!

A bit of a late entry to the blog - but Its been a bit full on recently. Getting nearer and nearer the strat date for the work and so much to do!! At the Charity Shop Fashion Show Linda raised a fabulous £150.00 - well done on all your hard work, the night was a brilliant one. Thanks to all those who were daring enough to take to that catwalk! At The Fudge benefit night we managed to raise £112.00, thanks to all those who ate or drank there on the day - we went twice!!! All these small amounts add up and are getting us a little nearer to our target. Big Thanks to all!!!

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Sunday 2nd May

On Sunday May 2nd some 20 or more walkers will be setting out at 6 am to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The challengers are raising money for the Hull Memory Clinic King’s Fund Project. The improvement scheme aims to adapt what was an old day centre, creating an environment more suitable for those suffering with memory problems and dementia. Introducing art into the project is a major part of the scheme and the monies raised will help towards a proposed art gallery where anyone can submit art to be displayed. Please visit our archived posts to read more about our plans and progress. If you would like to sponsor any of our walkers or help in anyway, please email thehumberteam@googlemail.com for more information on how you can help.

Fudge Fundraiser

After the success of our last fundraising event hosted by Fudge Restaurant 93 Princes Ave, we have decided to hold another.

Here's how it works -

• Book a table or just call in to the cafe/restaurant at anytime during the whole of 13th April.
• Tell your server you are supporting The Hull Memory Clinic when you book your table or place your order
• Enjoy your meal, or drink and a slice of lovely home made cake.
• Pay your bill, reminding the staff you are supporting the cause. At the end of the evening, 15% of all the amount spent by our supporters during the whole of the day will be calculated. This final amount will be donated to The Hull Memory Clinic King's Fund Project. It doesn't matter how much you spend, all those 15%s add up!! Book your table - they are going fast!!! http://www.fudgecafe-restaurant.com/

First of the service user art workshops

What a lovely session this was. Alison, Rob and myself spent 2 hours working with one of the service user groups. Using the theme of "The Seasons" we started by drawing things and colours which made us think of the different seasons. The ladies produced some inspiring work.

After a cup of tea, we went on to the more exciting part of the workshop when each of the ladies worked their own piece of fused glass. Using pre-cut peices of glass our artists were able to create a small glass tile decorated with a flower adding their own individual touch with their chosen embellishment. Can't wait to see the finished result when the tiles are returned to us after completing the process in the kiln. More pictures can be seen in our gallery section.

Buying Furniture - Yippee!!

Friday 12th March Exciting day today. We spent the morning looking at furniture options for the project. Sounds dull I know but I never realised there were so many options of seat depth and height, fabrics and design features. There will be something comfortable to sit on for all!!

Charity Shop Fashion Show

St Aiden's Church Community Hall Southcoates Avenue Hull HU9 3HF Friday 9th April From 7.30pm Tickets £3 available at the door

Exhibitors include Virgin Vie: Homemade Cake Stall: Book Stall: Flower Stall: Jewellery: Foot Massage And Much More!! All monies raised donated the The Hull Memory Clinic King’s Fund Project. Charity Number 1052727.

Arts Workshops begin

On Friday 26th February the team took part in the first of a series of workshops delivered by Hazel Burnham. Hazel is the glass artist chosen by to produce the glass we plan to use throughout the scheme. Over the coming weeks, Hazel will be working with clients, carers and staff to develop a theme for the project in addition to producing some of the glass art which will be used in the building.

Fundraising Concert

Sunday 28th February.

What a success and fun day it was!! Carousel Theatre Company entertained some 90 guests with their show "The Best of British" The audience were taken you back to important events in England in the 1940s and 50's. From The Festival of Britain, the advent of Television to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. They were also joined by Cliff Richard on his summer holiday, Muffin the Mule and the crazy Goons. We were also joined by Tommy Steele, Arthur Askey and Anthony Newley on the journey through the past.

Other fund raising efforts on the day included the ever popular cake stall, Fair Trade fancy goods, a beautiful flower stall and a hand made card stall. Proceeds from the Sunday lunches served in the Cafe were also donated to the cause.

We held a large raffle with prizes kindly donated by clients, carers, staff and members of the public. The prize for the free draw, a voucher for £20 to be spent at Bo Kays Florists was won by Chris Cuthill.

The event raised £430 in all - so a BIG THANK YOU to all those who attended, donated prizes or helped in any way.

The Carousel Theatre Company came back to the club on 2nd March to give a sneak preview of thier next show "The Not so Old Time Music Hall" which is due to start touring the area 15th March. Around 15 guests were treated to their second trip down memory of the week!!

A further unexpected £11.00 was donated on the day!

We have full approval!!

February 24th Not quite such an early start this time. We arrived at Trust HQ at Willerby Hill for a quick coffee and run through before our allotted 20 minutes. Conscious of the heavy agenda the Trust Board have, we had managed to reduced the presentation time down to a swift 10 minutes to allow a bit of time for questions from the board. Again we are delighted to say that our project has been given the stamp of approval. Our hard work continues!!

Project presentation to King's Fund panel

February 16th. An early start!! 7am train to London. We had a slightly giddy journey with us all wondering what the day might hold, all going over our "scripts" wondering if we could actually stay within our allotted 20 minute presentation slot. Two and a half hours on the train and taxi the King's Fund HQ and we were there, going through our presentation over a cuppa and toast. Two hours later we left the building relieved and delighted with the neccessary approval from the panel, which was thankfully made up of friendly faces we knew!! Just the Trust Board now!!

Update - what's been happening lately!

Well!! If you think the team were resting over Christmas, you'd sadly be wrong. Although there appears to have not been a lot going on we have been beavering away preparing our presentations to hopefully get the green light on the project from both The King's Fund and the Trust. On Fedruary 16th we are due to travel to King's Fund HQ to report back to them on our planned scheme. The panel need to be happy with our plans and that we have done enough to involve our users, and as the scheme is about enhancing the healing environment, we need to have addressed the issue of introducing art into the scheme sufficiently. The following week we are due to presnt to the Trust Board to seek their approval. Scarey times!!