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Speakeasier volunteer awarded MS Society star

Amelia Taylor, one of Speakeasier's Client Liaison Officers, was absolutely flabbergasted when, at the Cheltenham MS Branch's Christmas Dinner 2009, she was awarded the MS Society star in recognition of outstanding commitment and support. (Branches may award only one star in any one year). Knowing Amelia's quiet modesty, the Society is probably not even aware of her work for Speakeasier!

Amelia is such a worthy recipient because she always puts the needs of others before her own. No matter how rough she may be feeling, if she has promised to do something for one of her MS colleagues, whether it’s shopping, a visit or anything else, she can be relied upon to keep her promise. She’s such an angel, one of life’s very special people.

Amelia is one of eight volunteers, all of whom either have MS or care for someone with MS, who make up our Speakeasier’s vital Client Liaison Officer (CLO) team under the excellent leadership of Karen Silman, our very capable CLO Coordinator. They keep in touch with our clients on a regular basis to make sure that their speech aids are functioning correctly, that ongoing support is given, plus feedback on any other information including reports of how much Speakeasier’s help has helped them!

Speakeasier has made a difference to Phil Witten’s life

The Editor of the Skipton Craven Branch of the MS Society, Phil Witten has been helped by equipment loaned from charity Speakeasier. Phil’s voice became weaker as a resultof his progressing MS and he found it difficult to make himself heard. His Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) at Airedale Hospital recommended a voice amplifier – but added that the NHS would have trouble funding one. When Phil’s wife called the MS Society National Helpline for advice they suggested contacting the charity Speakeasier. They found that Speakeasier was able to send an Echovoice Amplifier to Phil’s Airedale SLT for him to try out.

The Echovoice is a compact voice amplifier with re-chargeable batteries. It is portable and fits easily to a waistband or chest strap. It comes with a choice of throat transdermal microphone or a microphone headset. Controls on the amplifier can be adjusted to change volume and tone.

Phil says “The equipment was easy to set up once we had read the instructions. The transdermal microphone which fits round my neck sits near my voice box and was better than the headset which kept falling down. The amplifier is small and I can carry it around with me. It is very effective and I can now be heard without too much effort. I now have to learn to speak more slowly and with greater attention to annunciation of my words.”

Speakeasier have given the Echovoice on extended loan to Phil via the SLT at Airedale Hospital.

The “I am not drunk” card

An estimated 40% of people with MS experience slurring and indistinct speech which can make them sound drunk to people who do not understand their condition. Coupled with mobility difficulties when they are walking, the slurred speech can cause embarrassment and some people have even been refused entry to places like pubs and restaurants.

Now Speakeasier is issuing free cards which say:

“I have Multiple Sclerosis which causes my speech to be slurred … I AM NOT DRUNK and I am not brain damaged. Please be patient and help me.”

To receive your free “I AM NOT DRUNK” card, please send a stamped addressed envelope to: Speakeasier, PO Box 410, Cheltenham GL52 9GH. Telephone: 01242 705681

Radio 4 Appeal

Speakeasier's application to the BBC for a place on their Radio 4 Appeal broadcast has been unsuccessful. Feedback from the Appeals Committee indicates that there were a large number of applications and a limited number of broadcast slots; the need to reflect the spread of charitable activity meant that some strong applications had to be rejected.

Sun Life Financial (Canada) Donation

Speakeasier and beneficiaries thank Sun Life Financial of Canada for the generous donation of £5000.

Client Comments:

Mrs S from Wimbledon: Many thanks for the loan of the Powerbox Communication System. It will make a huge difference to my husband's life.

Mrs T from Southhampton wrote: Thank you for making it possible for my daughter to have one of the wonderful Speakeasier machines (a Lightwriter SL40). I used to get so frustrated not being able to make out what she was trying to say. To be able to have a conversation with her makes life so much easier for both of us.

Speakeasier Founder and Chairman receives National Award:

Steve Brisk (pictured right with the Mayor of Cheltenham) has been selected as the National Winner of the Recognition Awards 2011 for the substantial contribution and dedication he has made to the Speakeasier Charitable Trust. The citation reads; For ten years Steve has defied the onset of increasing disability to chair a small Committee and coordinate helpers nationwide in fund raising, organising events and stimulating publicity which have generated nearly £250,000 and brought a significant enhancement of the quality of life to more than 250 people. His selflessness, courage, good humour and determination to lead the charity despite his deteriorating condition and wheel chair restriction, are an inspiration to all who suffer from this most insiduous disease.

Masonic Lodge Donation

Speakeasier Treasurer, Nigel West and Amelia Taylor, Speakeasier's Client Liaison Officer receive a cheque for £300 from Mr Dale Nunn on behalf of the Foundation Masonic Lodge Cheltenham. Nov 2011



Ruth Lawy Award

Anne Wortley, a Speakeasier Volunteer, is the first recipient of the Ruth Lawy Award for her outstanding contribution to the Charity. Although Anne only joined Speakeasier in February as volunteer stock controller, within a short time, she involved herself in every area of the charity’s work. Chairman Steve Brisk said “Not only has Anne had an immense impact on the charity in terms of her tireless work, she has also inspired her colleagues with her amazing “can do” attitude.

This award commemorates Ruth Lawy who worked tirelessly for the charity and involved herself in every area of Speakeasiers operations before passing away in November 2010.
The presentation took place at a Speakeasier quiz at the Apple Tree in Woodmancote which raised a very valuable £225 which will go directly towards funding a speech aid for Wendy from Bedfordshire, costing £2,000. Nov 2011

 

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