We had already discussed this at Committee level and now have received (from MNDA Head Office) direction:

“A number of branches and groups have already suspended their get togethers, meetings and support groups to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to people with MND or those in contact with them. Our teams have discussed the ongoing situation with neurology consultants and MND specialists in our care networks and, on their advice, we are recommending that all branch and group meetings where people living with MND and their carers are present taking place before the end of April are suspended. Of course, we will continue to monitor and review the situation and update you if advice changes.

Our advice is also that AVs and other support volunteers should where possible try to avoid face-to-face meetings with people affected by MND for the time being to minimise the risk to those most vulnerable to this virus.

We realise that branch and group get togethers and AV visits are a valuable source of information, social interaction and support. Do please consider alternative ways of keeping in touch with each other, perhaps by phone calls, emails, Facetime, Skype, social media etc as we want our community to stay connected and in touch.

If you need further support our helpline MND Connect – 0808 802 6262 – is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and then 7pm to 10.30pm”.”

Additionally, our AGM will be postponed and under review. Our President Dr Timothy Harrower will present on treatments and new research during our annual Awareness/ AGM as soon as we are able to accommodate members without compromise of risk by meeting under current conditions. Please bear with us. We have a newsletter to update members out online soon.

Accordingly, and for the time being (reviewed towards the end of next month) we will not be having any face to face meetings at the Mardon Center. I know you will understand why and I also know you may feel as frustrated as us – but we cannot afford to take avoidable risks with everyone’s welfare.