Letter from Jackie Conn (2020-11)

NEW STRUCTURE EXPLAINED–Jackie Conn, Parkinson’s UK Network Support Officer

Dear Leicestershire and Rutland Members

We all hope this newsletter finds you well. In this brief update I would like to share with you some important information about changes to how our local activities will be structured in Leicestershire and Rutland, as well as other key updates from Parkinson’s UK.

The Dissolution of the Branch

The current committee has for many years given their time and energy to support people affected by Parkinson’s across Leicestershire. Due to personal and health related reasons, several of our committee members have regretfully had to withdraw from their volunteering duties. Moreover we have been without a Chair for quite some time so there has been no option but to look at alternative structures for local group activity for the Branch.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the committee for their support over the many years, and especially the support they have given me during the last three years. Their efforts have been incredibly helpful to our community, and made a big difference to the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.

In consultation with the committee the option chosen has been to change to a new structure. This will see the dissolution of the Branch and Sub Groups, and in its place the creation of two Activity Groups.

Instead of a full committee the Activity Groups have a simpler volunteer structure. The two lead volunteer roles are a Finance Contact and a Group Coordinator.

These volunteers will coordinate the overall activities of the Activity Group, supported by other volunteer roles called an Activity Host and Activity Volunteer.

NEW STRUCTURE – TWO ACTIVITY GROUPS

AGM & Governance

The change over to the new structure of Activity Groups, means that there is no longer a requirement to hold an AGM. It also means that committee minutes are no longer needed.

Finances

This new model will also mean the Activity Groups can retain all monies needed for delivering planned activities for the following two years. . We will also be able to continue to offer members financial help through the Assistance Fund. (Contact Helen Brewin, Local Adviser)

I would like to thank the small number of existing volunteers who have ‘stepped up’ and offered their help to deliver local activities. As a charity, without volunteers coming forward and giving up their time we would be unable to offer the support and activities we deliver. Volunteer help is vital toensuring that we have a vibrant and active Parkinson’s community within Leicestershire.

NEW STRUCTURE & NEW VOLUNTEERS – CAN YOU HELP?

We do still have several vacancies where support is needed. Do please contact me for more information about the opportunities to volunteer, your help would be greatly appreciated. 

The new structure has been put in place to reduce the administrative responsibilities of volunteers, and aims to make volunteering more enjoyable and more flexible for the volunteer.

I will be working closely with Activity Groups to support them, and give any assistance I can. 

The description of the volunteer roles and where they are needed are given below. You will see that in many instances you would be working with someone else. The exercise classes and the choir have specialist leaders and most Local Groups already have a host.