Posted 9th December 2019
38 Dyscover Members and staff enjoyed a very entertaining party-night at the Abba Platinum Tribute Show last Friday night. Everyone had fantastic fun with several dancing and singing in the aisles. Several Members commented on how much they enjoyed going out as a group and socialising with other Members, and having the whole event planned and managed for them so they could relax and enjoy themselves.
Posted 15th November 2019
What an honour it was on Tuesday to have HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO and the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Richard Whittington visit us and officially present our Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service!
After meeting with the charities leaders and admiring the work our gardening volunteers have created in the courtyard, HRH met and sat in with Suzanne and a supported Conversation Group before meeting with a variety of Volunteers, interested to hear about their different roles and what they enjoy about Dyscover. The award was officially presented to Sue Toothill (our 2nd longest serving volunteer) who did us the proud honour in receiving the (rather heavy) 3D engraved Crystal award.
Posted 7th November 2019
Our wonderful board of Trustees. They met this week for their quarterly trustees meeting, where we were sorry to say goodbye to Lorraine who has given such a lot to Dyscover over the past 3 years.
Posted 1st October 2019
We have teamed up with Paul Graham OT and Amanda Beck project manager from QEF’s mobility service to explore the impact of aphasia on driving. Last week members completed a questionnaire and today we asked their opinion on 1) the assessment process, 2)communicating with the DVLA and other agencies and 3) how easy they and their families have found the return to driving.
10 members have successfully regained their licences after stroke and agree on the huge difference it has made to their independence and confidence.
Paul and Amanda were delighted with how the session went and will be taking the findings back to their colleagues. Several members are keen to take up Paul’s invitation to help with the regular training sessions they hold for their driving instructors.
Posted 1st October 2019
Posted 1st October 2019
Dyscover’s aphasia ambassadors had an informal training session on manning information stands in their Ambassador Group Meeting. Barry McIllroy shared tips and advice with the other ambassadors from his experience of talking to the public on a Dyscover information stand, with tips on how to initiate conversations (greet people with a smile and ask about their day!), and how to talk to the public (be natural, be yourself!). Caroline and Barry talked through the different questions ambassadors might be asked and how to use Dyscover’s leaflets to signpost people to the relevant information.
Posted 30th August 2019
So wonderful when a Member shares a special moment with us – 10years post Aphasia and Stroke, Kevin has returned to driving and came by to show us his new specially adapted wheels. We are very happy for Kevin and his new found independence, and whilst a reminder that recovery can be long, there are milestone goals that can be achieved along the way.
Posted 30th August 2019
Great support on Wednesday from Dyscover Members who attended a forum discussing the barriers faced when travelling by air. They said they want:
1. Help desks with real people
2. Assisted check in & Security
3. Quiet space in airports to ‘re group’
4. Hidden disability ID that is internationally recognised
5. Conversation Partner trained air & ground crew
Posted 22nd August 2019
A group of 8 Members and their relatives from age 15-74 enjoyed an energetic day at our favourite outdoor activity centre High Ashurst. These days offer unrivalled opportunities to try something totally new and push through physical and mental barriers in terms of ability and strength. It is also a great chance for family members to get involved and meet others.
Debbie had never tried abseiling before and was very proud to say “Well…I tried” after her successful decent.
Posted 22nd August 2019
Leatherhead Court was turned into a pop-up florist last week as Members learnt the art of floristry from group volunteers Edda & Anne.
Edda demonstrated various types of arrangements, using different containers & materials. Her expertise was really inspiring. Members went on to create their own arrangements to take home.
Get involved, have fun and help us to raise vital funds.
