Bobath NEWS Issue Nineteen Spring 2010
NEWSLETTER
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Invaluable The Virgin London Marathon inspires runners half a century apart It takes a lot of motivation to run the London Marathon and Bobath runners are no different. What is surprising and uplifting is how that motivation reaches down the generations. Take the stories of Jonathan Nield and Chris Barke. When his son, Alex was born in 2007 Jonathan had no idea that, almost three years to the day, he would be pounding the capital’s streets in support of the Bobath Centre.
But complications during birth meant that Alex had to spend the first two weeks of his life in the Special Care Baby Unit at Fairfield Hospital, Bury. Tests showed that he had been deprived of oxygen and, after 13 months and more tests, Jonathan and mum Victoria were told that Alex had cerebral palsy. In October 2009, Alex was referred to the Bobath Centre for therapy. “Those two weeks were invaluable to us as a family,” says Jonathan. “Bobath therapy has helped us to understand why Alex moves in a particular way, and what he has particular difficulty with. We could see a marked improvement in his ability in just seven days, which is so encouraging! We are determined that Alex’s physical disabilities will not hold him back in life and with the help and support of the Bobath Centre we believe we can achieve this.” For Chris, the connection goes back further. In 1954, Christopher Barke’s parents returned to the UK with their four children after an ill-fated post-war emigration to Australia.
Win a Mini First Support the Bobath Centre and have the chance of winning a new Mini First worth over £11,000. Tickets cost just £2.00 each, £1.90 of which will go directly to the Centre. You can request a book of ten tickets by calling us or purchase online by following the link on our website.
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Chris’s youngest brother, Simon had cerebral palsy and for three years his mother travelled with him from their home in Surrey to London where he was treated by Dr Karel and Berta Bobath. “At the time there was little other Jonathan and Alex help available for Simon” recalls Chris.
Chris’s father later went on to help build the White Lodge Centre in Chertsey, which is still providing a range of services for children with disabilities today. “It is now fifty years since the Bobaths offered support to my parents” says Chris. ”Though they have both long since died, I shall always be grateful for the help given.” Jonathan and Chris were just two of 14 Bobath runners motivated for different reasons to support this generation of children. We would like to thank all the Bobath team and everyone who contributed towards their sponsorship. See page six for photos.
The draw takes place on 14th October 2010. Please make cheques payable to ‘Bobath Children’. The winner will be notified immediately. All ticket stubs and unsold tickets must be returned to the Bobath Centre no later than 10th September.
Want to sell more? If you would like to sell raffle tickets on behalf of the Bobath Centre please contact the Fundraising team on 020 8442 2275 or go to our website for further details.
Not actual car
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The Great Big Small Charity Car Draw is promoted by the Foundation for Social Improvement, a charity supporting small charities like the Bobath Centre.
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Margaret wins another award
Dr Margaret Mayston has been named Qantas Australian Woman of the Year in the UK. This follows on from the Order of Australia she was awarded in the Australia Day honours in 2009.
Roll of Honour Laura Kelly
Michele Glassup
Simon Howe
Jennie Cassidy
Margaret is a consultant and Bobath senior tutor at the Bobath Centre and is working to set up the Australian Bobath NeuroDevelopmental Association in her homeland.
Richard Ingham
Jonathan Nield
Daniel Terry
Michael Christopherson
Congratulations to Bobath accountant, Davina Kerstein who has been recognised by the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sachs for her twenty-year trusteeship of the Friends of Federation of Zionist Youth.
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Peter Jennings
Stephen Allen Tracy Swain
The award was presented by peace campaigner, Dr Gill Hicks at a reception at the Langham Hotel in London attended by 250 guests.
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Andrew Dixon
James Stevenson Keith Yeoman
The One.400 Challenge is simple. Raise ÂŁ1,400 however you like. There is no pressure and no time limit and we are here to help. Just find the fundraising that suits you. For further information call Bobath Fundraising on 020 442 2275.
News Additions to the Therapy team…
We have three new additions to the Therapy team.
Julinie Nasir completed the Bobath foundation course in 2005 and Xanthe & Julinie previously divided her time between being a physio in the community and at a school for children with profound & multiple learning disabilities in west London. “I wanted to be in an environment where I could utilise the skills & knowledge I had gained on the course and develop my skills even further” she said.
Xanthe Hodgson previously worked in the NHS in Waltham Forest and Enfield, both in acute hospital and community paediatric locations, as well as in an independent integrated nursery and special school. Xanthe has long admired the work of the centre “I found it very beneficial clinically when I’d attended courses or accompanied patients receiving treatment, so I was keen to work at the centre, to challenge and develop my own skills and be able to work alongside such gifted clinicians.” The third addition is Kim Shadbolt who joined as a therapy assistant in September.
... and the Admin team.We welcome Mike Veitch who has joined as ICT co-ordinator.
The trustees of the Children’s charity met in November to review the strategic plan which ends this year. They also discussed plans to increase the number of trustees and the likely effects of the recession on our ability to treat children and train new Bobath therapists.
Trustee Away Day
© Bobath Centre
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Former chair of trustees, Raymond Nottage has died aged 93.
Raymond Nottage: An appreciation Raymond Nottage had a distinguished career in public administration, becoming Director General of Royal Institute of Public Administration in 1949 before retiring in 1978. During his tenure he was actively involved in the Institute’s overseas work and was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael & St George by the Queen in 1964.
In the late 1960s, Raymond became a neighbour of Karel and Berta Bobath and was soon asked to become a trustee of the charity. He went on to serve both the Children and Adult Centres for thirty years, including fifteen as chairman of the Children’s Council.
His lasting legacy, however, is the relocation of the Bobath Centre from the cramped and disability-challenging premises in Swiss Cottage to the current building East Finchley in 1991.The project was a considerable undertaking and Raymond’s ability to persuade others of the needs of those with permanent disabilities was crucial to finding the vast resources required. It is to his testimony that before he retired as chairman he ensured that the bank loan was paid off and that the building was entirely owned by the charity.
Ida Bromley says: “Raymond led the Council with both skill and humour. He expected the same dedication in tasks undertaken by members of the Council as he gave himself and was unstinting in his support to Council members. His colleagues remember him with affection and his contribution with gratitude.” Raymond Frederick Tritton Nottage CMG, 1916-2010
(what you really, really want) We only want to send you information that you are happy to receive, in the format that suits you. So, if you would prefer to be contacted by email rather than post we will be happy to arrange this.
Charity focus: Contact a family
Tell us what you want
They offer a freephone helpline with trained parent advisors who give information and advice on a range of issues including welfare rights, education and local services. They produce newsletters, parent guides and a directory of over 1,000 conditions with where to find support.
We hope you are happy with the way things are and, if so, we will continue to send you news and information unless we hear from you. If, however, you no longer wish to receive communications from the Bobath Centre, all you need to do is contact us either by letter or email and we will amend our records. Therapy information will continue to be sent by post.
Contact a Family provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children, no matter what their condition or disability.
Helpline 0808 808 3555 or Textphone 0808 808 3556 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Mon, 5.30-7.30pm). Visit www.cafamily.org.uk to find out about the support available in your area. Scope has published Cerebral Palsy: Information, advice and support for parents during the early years. For a copy, please call Scope Response on 0808 800 3333.
To contact us by email: fundraising@bobath.org.uk
Bobath Scotland has moved to new permanent premises in Glasgow. Their new details can be found at www.bobathscotland.org.uk
Bobath Scotland finds a home
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Fees rise signals difficult times ahead Stephen Latner, the chairman explained “We have been fortunate that our fundraising activities have enabled us to subsidise our treatment fees as well as provide resources for our treatment fund (which helps children who lack financial support) and significant projects. In the current economic climate, we cannot expect our level of fundraising to reach recent levels and this experience may well continue for some time.”
The charity had a planned deficit of £40,000 for 2009/10; however forecasts showed that this could be significantly larger in the coming 12 months unless steps were taken. “We are re-examining all aspects of our operations to help ensure we maintain our quality of service and ability to restrict our charges as far as possible” he said. A full statement is on the Bobath website.
New Children’s trustee The Bobath Centre welcomes Stuart Soloway as a trustee of the children’s charity.
Stuart’s has extensive experience of retail marketing including the Food, Fashion, Entertainment and Leisure sectors. He has held directorships at the Burton Group and Next before turning to Hollywood where he was the managing director of Warner Bros. Studio Stores Europe. “I actually got to meet some of the superstars like Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Costner as well as Bugs Bunny!”
Married to Susan for 36 years, they live in London and have two grown up children and one grandson. “Our second son, Benjamin was born with cerebral palsy so our interest in children with special needs stems from this experience” said Stuart. “When I was approached to become a trustee of the Bobath Centre I saw it as the opportunity to give something back to the many people who have helped us and Benjamin along his challenging journey so that he continues to enjoy his life to the full.”
Our thanks to Pat Dearing for sending us her sketch of the Bobath Centre. The drawing shows the 1847 schoolhouse that has been our home for the last 17 years.
Sleep (Swamp)
Turner Prize nominee Catherine Yass has donated a print of her work Sleep (Swamp) to the Bobath Centre. "It's about the places you go to in sleep or in daydreaming. To me this image suggests going on forever, both across into the distant horizon and down into the swamp" said Catherine.
The print is available from Vital Arts and proceeds will be donated to Vital Arts and the Bobath Centre. To buy a copy, go to www.vitalarts.org.uk
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New vetting scheme to be phased in Bobath staff working with children and vulnerable adults will be subject to new vetting regulations being phased in across the UK.
From April, key staff and volunteers will begin to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority and have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. From July, all staff changing jobs will be required to register. From next year, all existing employees and volunteers will be required to register. Staff will then be continually monitored.
The scheme replaces the need to have a CRB check each time a person changes jobs. It is estimated that eleven million people in the UK will be on the register by 2015.
© Bobath Centre
Children’s treatment fees have gone up by £5.00 a session - the first rise since 2008. The decision was taken at the January meeting of the trustees who reluctantly agreed a 4.3% increase.
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Basic instinct Week 1:
Course participants are introduced to the basic principles of the Bobath Concept and observe therapy sessions. They also begin lectures in child development and work on facilitation techniques.
© Bobath Centre
The Basic Bobath Foundation course is an intensive eight-week programme that challenges the most experienced of therapists. We asked three course members Yvonne, Marcia and Laura, to keep a diary of their time at the Bobath Centre. Marcia, Yvonne and Laura
Yvonne: On the first day at the Centre I am pleasantly surprised. Instructors take it easy on us; encourage us to connect with class mates by exploring London.
Marcia: We concentrated mainly on the philosophy of Bobath, child development, and some facilitation techniques. I was already familiar with some of the techniques, but we were getting more in depth with the handling.
Week 2:
The week begins with child development focussing on the third trimester of pregnancy. Course members continue to work on facilitation techniques, and have the first of their neuroscience lectures.
Marcia: This week we finished child development and started learning about different movement patterns for children with different types of cerebral palsy. The smiles weren't as big by the end of the week as we all know the assignments are going to start coming. Yvonne: Wednesday is my daughter’s birthday! Saw her in the evening on Skype.
Laura: Our first tutorial gave us a chance to speak in smaller groups and ask questions. I found the child development lectures really valuable as I had never had the opportunity to study it or its relevance to treatment in such detail before.
Week 3:
For three mornings course participants visit schools for practical sessions. Lectures also cover the classification of different types of cerebral palsy.
Laura: This week was a challenge as I hadn’t treated a child with Dystonic Athetosis before, but a really good experience and I felt I learned a lot from the lecturers who helped us one-to-one. Marcia: Partnered up to work with a child. Two sessions making assessments before applying the techniques we have learned. The end of this week came with the handing in of our assignments and the passing around of assignment No 2 - an essay. Oh boy!
Yvonne: A different tune is being played this week! By the afternoon everybody is quite tensed and panicked about the assessment. Some of the kids seem to have very mixed presentations and complex problems. Classifications only get slowly clearer as we discuss them in class.
Week 4:
Schools visits continue. Lectures include Occupational Therapy related topics including the development of vision.
Yvonne: Feeling lousy; coughing and hoarse, migraine. Had to go to bed, hopefully the rest will help. The essay and studies are not going well. It is hard
going to the schools for practicals and attending lectures.
Enjoyed our last session with “our child” on Friday. Workshops have been very beneficial, everyone learnt a lot. The weekend: essay, neuro-physiology studies, review classifications, trip to Soho for Sunday lunch. Laura: The learning is really coming together and it was great to have a chance to practice out treatment ideas with our school pupil and improve our handling and see the effect. The essays are a real challenge - so much information to include in 1,500 words!
Marcia: We had a workshop to perform at our practical session. We were so nervous, but a tutor spent time with us during our treatment session to try different techniques. It went really well and we saw progress during the workshop. The workshop is tutor-led and they guided us with ideas and helped us with our handling to improve our skills. The session was fine. We were so relieved!
To be continued in the next issue.
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The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate played host to the Yorkshire Trauma & Orthopaedic Charity Committee’s first fundraising ball in March. The ball was held in support of the Bobath Centre and 200 tickets sold out well in advance of the evening.
Yorkshire has a ball
Joanna Van Berckel, a Harrogate resident whose son is treated at the Centre reminded everyone of the reason for the ball with a moving account of her experience of having a child with cerebral palsy and the impact the Bobath Centre has had on her family’s lives. The event raised £3,000 for the Bobath Centre and we are grateful to Paula Conroy and her committee for organising the night. If truth be told, the reception roof has never been waterproof.
A roof over our heads
We are slowly improving the ways we communicate with families, students and supporters, but this is always going to be a case of ”evolution not revolution”.
IT: evolution not revolution
Some of our successes so far have been conducting job interviews with overseas candidates by webcam, registering our first 1,000 fans on Facebook and offering online versions of our literature. The website is next in line for a revamp.
We would like to hear your views about how the Bobath Centre can communicate better or what you would like to see us do in the future. Please email us on feedback@bobath.org.uk
Dave Hansen, the premises manager recalls having to hand out umbrellas to guests when the Centre was officially opened by our patron, The Duchess of Gloucester back in 1993. Until the last few years we have been able to patch it up, however the downpours of the last two winters have left the area looking like a water feature at times and unpleasant for families and visitors to sit in.
Lou Sanders & Katrina Thompson
Last year, we launched an appeal to raise £50,000 to replace the roof and, thanks to the generosity of several charitable trusts, we will have a new roof over our heads this summer.
Thank you to the 27 staff at Rolls-Royce who took part in the JP Morgan & Co. Challenge in Battersea Park last July raising £3,000.
Comedy partners, Katrina Thompson and Lou Sanders donated their first night’s takings of £100 from their new comedy night, Make Laugh Not War, which they staged in a north London pub.
Make laugh not war
Katrina and Lou are both veterans of the Edinburgh Festival and intend to do further fundraising for the Centre.
Virgin London Marathon 2010
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All photos © Bobath Centre
Rolls-Royce is a good runner
2010
© Bobath Centre
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Remember a Charity
If you are a fan of Deal or No Deal or listen to Classic FM you may have come across adverts for Remember a Charity.
Remember a Charity is the biggest ever public awareness campaign promoting the idea that we can all leave the world a better place by including a charity in our will. We are pleased to be one of the 140 charities involved the campaign which is supported by over 600 professional advisors and countless charity supporters.
We rely on legacies for our work to continue; if you are making or revising your will and would consider leaving a gift to the Bobath Centre we are happy to discuss this with you.
For a confidential discussion please contact Kevin Gillespie at the Bobath Centre 020 8444 3355.
Ruby and her tharapist, Marie accept a cheque from The Archer’s Diana Cormack
The season of giving Thank you to everyone who supported us around Christmas/Hanukkah.
We received many individual gifts from supporters and a number of businesses made donations instead of sending Christmas cards. Our local community
newspaper, The Archer sold over 400 calendars featuring photographs of the area and Jennie Cassidy again entertained the good people of Suffolk with her carol singing. In total we raised £5,600.
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10ks & Half Marathons
5ks Place availabs le
Adidas Women’s 5K Challenge 2010 Sunday 5th September Hyde Park, London
Run Liverpool Big Heart 5K Sunday 8th August Walton Hall Park, Liverpool www.runliverpool.org.uk/ Big_Heart_5K.php Urbanathlon 5K Sunday 25th July Sport City, Manchester www.urbanathlon.co.uk/
Asics British 10K London Run 2010 Sunday 11th July Places Central London av
ailable
Bristol 10K Sunday 9th May Bristol Harbourside www.bristolhalfmarathon.com/ bristol10k
City of Manchester 10K Sunday 4th July Sportscity, Manchester www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk
Promenade 5K Monday 7th June Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk Big Fun Run Norwich Sunday 22nd August Norwich, Whittlingham Estate www.bigfunrun.com
Can’t find an event in your area?
Contact us to find out what’s on.
Asics Liverpool 10K Sunday 3rd October Sefton Park, Liverpool www.runliverpool.org.uk
Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon Saturday 3rd July British Waterways Canal Dock, Wolverhampton www.bbchm.co.uk
BUPA Great North Run 2011 September 2011 Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne www.greatrun.org
The Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy does not directly endorse or recommend products or services advertised in Bobath News. We advise that you speak to your Bobath therapist before purchasing a therapy-related product or service.
Contact us
Editor - Kevin Gillespie 020 8442 2276 Assistant editor - Sarah Terrazas Editorial and advertising enquiries: 020 8442 2276 or email: kevin@bobath.org.uk
250 East End Road, London N2 8AU 020 8444 3355 Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Registered charity 229663 Bobath Centre for Adults with Neurological Disability, Registered charity 1039162 © The Bobath Centre 2010
Triathlons & Ultra Marathons Cotswold Sprint Triathlon Sunday 5th September Keynes Country Park, The Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester www.triferris.com/cotswold/ index.html Leeds Triathlon Sunday 12th September Roundhay Park, Leeds www.xtramileevents.com
Reading Triathlon Sunday 12th September Tri20 Swim Centre, Reading ceri@mysportingtimes.com
Round the Island 69 Saturday 19th June Cowes, Isle of Wight Following the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, run clockwise around the island on the same weekend as the Round the Island Race. Take in stunning views of the main land and the English Channel and see all the boats come around the Island as the afternoon goes on. The event is open to runners and walkers. www.xnrg.co.uk
Doyen of the Downs Sunday 5th December This run, starting at dawn from the historic County Town of Arundel, by the spectacular castle, takes you across the River Arun and works North-East up to the South Downs. From there, you have probably the most spectacular views (weather permitting) in the South of England across Arundel Castle and Cathedral to the sea beyond. www.extremerunning.org