The Cambridgeshire Group of the MND Association offers support to all those in the county who are affected by Motor Neurone Disease. This includes their partners, carers, relatives and friends.
We have a small group of Association Visitors who 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.
The Group 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.
Contacts
If you are newly diagnosed or would like to talk to someone about MND please contact MND Connect on 0808 802 6262 or email connect@mndassociation.org first.
The Association's Helpline offers information and support to people affected by the disease.
Local support
We organise monthly social meetings that you are welcome to join. If you would like information about local support please contact: jenni.barnett@mndassociation.org
Financial Support
If you would like information about our financial support grants and how to apply please either call MND Connect 0808 802 6262 or visit: Support Funds | MND
Fundraising
If you would like information about fundraising please contact Supporter Care on Fundraising@mndassociation.org and 01604 611860
Association Volunteers
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 15 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 Barnett
"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
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.
Liz Cooper - Community Support Co-ordinator (CSC)
As the Community Support Coordinator for East Anglia, I lead on the provision of support to families and professionals via our national and local team including Association volunteers who are supporting families in Cambridgeshire and across East Anglia. Along with my colleague Alli Anthony (Service Development Manager), Roger Widdecombe (Relationship Fundraiser) and other regional and national colleagues in Campaigning, Communications and the National Care team we endeavour to hear the voices of and support all people affected by MND.
Email: Liz.cooper@mndassociation.org
MND Connect Contact:
Phone: 0808 802 6262
Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org
All requests for assistance must be made using the request form for funding.
This financial assistance is provided through our Support Funds and needs to meet certain criteria.
The Wellbeing support fund for individuals, main unpaid carers, children and families are available on the Financial Support page.