Sutton Shakers August Meet-Up
Jackie Farrell who leads Sutton Shakers support group reflects on their August meetup.
Sutton Shakers meetup 2nd August 2024
14 members of our Sutton Shakers met at Holiday Inn, Sutton, for a lunchtime meetup 2nd August. Apologies were given from another 5 unable to attend.
Waiting for our food is a good opportunity for sharing news.
Jackie explained to the group the importance of taking part in the Neurological Alliance 2024 Survey. Highlighting the benefits of the survey helped the group understand the importance of taking part. If filling in the online form was too much, the Neurological Alliance also offer the option of completing it by phone or with a paper copy.
Jackie also shared her experiences with the Logitech ‘Link’ vertical mouse and explained how she is in contact with Logitech Diversity team and had 3 types of mice for the group to try, no, not the ones in the nursery rhyme! The group thought it a good idea to have a survey on how computer mice could be improved/adapted to help those with hand tremors.
The 3 types of Logitech mouse and NTF publications
A couple of our group have started a local meditation/chair yoga class which they found very helpful.
Alan whose tremors are quite bad, shared his experience with PIP. He already had the enhanced rate but 2 years later received a reassessment pack which downgraded him to standard rate. He went to tribunal and I’m pleased to say this had a successful outcome of allowing his appeal. He also went through a similar experience applying for a Blue Badge. Alans initial application was turned down, but with perseverance and communication with local authority he eventually spoke to an occupational therapist who signed off the Blue Badge. In addition, she was keen to understand Essential Tremor better along with potential treatments. It is quite clear that people with Essential Tremor sometimes have to really fight to receive help but it can have its rewards! Alans advice is, don’t give up if turned down and if going to tribunal, he recommends to attend on your own.
The Holiday Inn staff looked after us well and we had a relaxed afternoon with likeminded people.
Our next meeting is Friday 4th October at Holiday Inn, Sutton at 1pm.
For more information about Sutton Shakers please contact Jackie Farrell This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
