Cambridgeshire Branch: About us

The Cambridgeshire Branch of the MND Association offers support to all those in the county and surrounding areas who are affected by Motor Neurone Disease.  This includes their partners, carers, relatives and friends.

We have volunteer trained Care Service Navigators and Association Visitors attached to the Branch who have personal and direct contact with those living with MND.  They offer support, help, and guidance to those living with MND and their families. They can help with navigating the way through the health and social care system.

We may purchase or contribute towards the cost of specific equipment where it is not available locally from the NHS or other statutory agencies, or where there would be an inappropriate delay in obtaining it, contribute to the rental of or adaptations to equipment to match individual needs, pay for professional counselling for people living with MND and their carers or contribute towards the cost of holiday and respite breaks which can be hugely beneficial to the family.  We arrange taxis with wheelchair access to enable people to attend our regular branch social afternoons or to attend hospital appointments etc.

The Branch is entirely self-funding and run by volunteers, relying on income from fund raising events and sponsored activities or on donations from events organised by clubs, pubs and individuals.

Contacts

If you are newly diagnosed or would like to talk to someone about MND please contact MND Connect first.

The Association's Helpline offers information and support to people affected by the disease.

Cambridgeshire Branch Officers and Committee

AVs and CSNs

Brenda Parkes – Care Services Navigator

Prior to retirement, I worked as a community Occupational Therapist with the Physical Disability Team in south Lincolnshire. I initially joined MNDA as an Association Visitor in Peterborough/Cambridgeshire and then later became a Care Services Navigator. In this role I try to "join the dots up" with any of the services the person with MND might need at the time. Because of the complexities of MND, this can be quite a challenge - and especially since March 2020.

Sue Hallifax

I spent my working life as a teacher and my husband was a civil engineer. We worked in many African countries for over 15 years. Sadly, my husband was diagnosed with MND in 2002 at the age of 51. He died six and a half years later.

It was a challenging time with lots of 'downs' but many 'ups'. The support of so many people at this time was amazing. I learnt so much through these years about the illness and also about surviving the illness and making the most of life. I think it was my husband who suggested I became a volunteer. He would have written me a good reference I think!!

So nearly 10 years later I am still an Association Visitor. I have met inspirational people. It can be difficult but generally very rewarding. Working with the 'MND Association and volunteer family' becomes addictive! We would love some more volunteers though.

Jenni Barnet

"I started volunteering in 2021 having previously worked as a hospice palliative care Occupational Therapist before joining the MNDA. My work focused on the mental and physical aspects of living with an incurable disease, so I am hoping my professional background will help me in my volunteering role.

During my career I have met some truly inspirational people living with MND who have without doubt been the catalyst to my joining the association.”

Gary Bennett

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My working life and career has been in administration and data management. Alongside this, I have actively engaged in voluntary work to support others in various ways. I have always held an interest in the field of health and social care and the voluntary roles I have undertaken include being a Samaritan, mental health advocate, a berveavement support worker and doing general case work.

I was motivated to join the MND Association as a volunteer Association Visitor so I could use my transferable skills to support those living with and affected by the demands and challenges that Motor Neurone Disease presents.

When not volunteering, I enjoy walking and trekking, yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music and life-long learning by doing courses.

Area Support Co-ordinator (ASC)

ASCs provide support, information and guidance to branches and groups and individual volunteers to enable them to increase capacity and develop services locally. They run induction and development workshops, as well as bring groups of volunteers together to network and share best practice. They also develop new volunteering opportunities both for individuals and by the establishment of new groups.

ASCs also work proactively with statutory, voluntary and independent sector providers to promote and influence provision of timely and equitable access to a co-ordinated network of care for people with MND and their carers that meets our standards of care. They provide support to AVs on an individual and group basis, as well as identifying and delivering development opportunities for AVs.

Your local ASC is Liz Cooper.

Liz Cooper - Area Support Co-ordinator (ASC)

Email: [email protected]

MND Connect Contact:
Phone: 0808 802 6262
Email: [email protected]

All requests for assistance must be made using the request form for funding.

Carer's Grant Application Form and Quality of Life Grant Application Form are available on the Financial Support page.