Our aim is to SUPPORT people affected directly or indirectly by Huntington’s Disease.  Discovering HD in your family is a traumatic experience.  You may feel isolated and drained, both emotionally and physically.  You may need to talk things through – your contact will be in the strictest confidence.  If you need help, support or advice or would like to know more about HD, please contact us.

We can offer information and literature on all aspects of Huntington’s Disease.  Most importantly we can put you in touch with our Regional Care Advisor, Alison, if you agree.  If you would like to join us just come along to the next meeting.  We promise you a warm friendly welcome.  We have all been in a similar situation at some time.  We are here to help.  We exist to further the aims of the Huntington’s Disease Association and to provide a local contact point for sufferers, carers and those at risk of HD who live in and around the South Essex area.

We are linked with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, which is a focal point for all neurological conditions, including Huntington’s Disease.  Our activities include: Regular weekly meetings, Social gatherings, Fundraising activities and events, Liaison with our Regional Care Advisor and HDA Head Office, Mutual support and sharing of experiences.  Advice on various aspects of HD, such as research updates, benefits and the importance of, and management of nutrition.

Where do we meet?

At the Ekco Sports and Social Club, Thornford Gardens, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6PU.

When?

Every Thursday morning between 11am and 1pm

What are our meetings like?

Our meetings are very friendly, relaxed, informative, supportive and health conscious. The first 30 mins. are meet and greet with lots of tea and cake and discussion of current information or branch activities, we also tend to put the world to rights in a very happy atmosphere, we play gentle music in the background (which anyone is at liberty to turn up, down or off!)  We offer advice and friendly, informed support based on our own experiences with HD.  This is followed by gentle exercise or indoor games at the end of which our physio, Sue, offers relaxation in a separate room for those who wish to partake.  This gives carers and family members important time to relax or chat in a supportive environment.  Most importantly we SUPPORT each other.  We also have outings, quizzes, music nights, dances, table sales, coffee mornings and lots more.  We are supporters of Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society (SODS) and have group outings to their shows at the Cliffs Pavilion.

Why not come along and see for yourself?

Cheers, Southend HD Branch.

** The layout and contents of this particular page were plageurised from the Merseyside Support Group literature, with their kind permission, and adapted to suit the needs of the Southend Branch. Thank you Shelagh, Mary and Christine **