See the full Report on Our meeting and Listen to our Guest speaker here –
Our Meeting was held on Zoom , and has produced another great presentation for anyone with a balance condition
Introduction
Where we clarified some guiding principles of the group and our meetings.
Confidentiality – As a support group, we encourage all to speak openly about what issues that they face, but as such we ask everyone to respect everyone’s privacy and keep confidential any specific personal matters that are supplied during our meetings
We are not doctors – We are not medically trained or qualified, so we will never seek to advise on treatments or medical matters. Whatever advice or personal experiences are shared, everyone should always consult with their own medical and healthcare experts for the best medical care and advice.
We are not a charity – We are not a registered charity, we handle no money, we have no money. We are just people helping people. Where we require money to fund leaflets or posters, we approach local companies for them to buy on our behalf.
Positive Only – We are a support group, with the emphasis being upon support, so we encourage everyone to seek the positive in what we discuss, in our members situations and our overall attitude to our mutual challenges. Let us always try to find solutions rather than be dragged down by the problems, and let us always give encouragement and hope to each other.
Tolerance & Friendship – The group is for everyone, and we can all seek different things from belonging to this group, but at the very least I hope we will all find some degree of friendship and comfort from meeting and knowing our fellow members. Let us all be tolerant of differences and respect that balance disorders come in many flavours and affect any person in any walk of life and at any age – so we of all groups, should acknowledge and celebrate the variety and differences in our members.
Charity Support – The group is supported by the Menieres Society and VeDA as an official support group listed by both of their web sites. We support both charities in their good work for all things related to balance issues. We have agreed to abide by their own good and common-sense guidance for support groups and we will encourage members to consider membership of either charity and sharing of member contact details with both at future meetings. Fund raising ideas on their behalf will also be discussed going forward. [See Our Friends section for details and links for both charities]
Guest Expert Speaker – Michaela Burton
Vestibular audiologist, hypnotherapist and mind coach.
The Presentation was –
Your Anxiety Tool Kit
for Balance Disorder Sufferers
During a pandemic winter
This presentation dealt with the high overlap of anxiety issues with Balance disorders, what causes this and importantly providing us with strategies for self help in reducing our own anxiety. Michaela also discussed the additional anxiety triggers due to our imminent pandemic winter and gave advice on further options to help with this important issue over the coming months.
[Before you click and watch the video you may wish to read the notes and appeals by scrolling down first – thank you]
Click Here to View the meeting on YouTube
Or
Click Here to View the meeting on FaceBook
Michaela’s experience in treating people with imbalance led her to obtain a MSc degree in Audiology rehabilitation with specific interest in the effects of anxiety in imbalance in 2011 from Aston University. Further to this she studied and gained the Diploma in hypnotherapy and mind coaching in Nottingham. She take’s great joy and pride in being able to help people with both the physical rehabilitation of their balance system and in improving their mental well being, whether this is directly associated with imbalance or from other factors or circumstances. In Michaelas own words “It is a wonderfully satisfying feeling for us both each time I see my clients successfully find relief and benefit when they do it differently!” .
Michaela Works at the Renowned NHS Balance Clinic in Leicester, and treats patients privately at the London Road Clinic Leicester and at her own practice www.do-it-differently.co.uk
Other details covered in our meeting
Members Questions
Q&A’s were hosted and moderated by BBC’s radio Leicester’s Rupal Rajani
Many Members were able to ask Michaela questions relevant to their own circumstances, and Michaelas advice was well received by all.
General Group Discussion
After the Q&A session we spent another hour with most of the 40 members attending discussing their own experiences and offering their own insights on what works for them in moments of stress and anxiety. This section cannot be shown on our public video, but was a very positive experience for all attendees.
Members Appeals and information
We are still requesting help with the following as we improve our own website.
PIP – a member is encountering difficulty in receiving disability benefits, so help with this is welcomed.
Retirement with a balance disorder – a member is about to retire and is looking for any insight or helpful tips relevant to having a balance condition
Please email Kevin to offer your help on any of the above appeals. Thank you.
Members Stories
Member stories are proving to be very effective and very well received by many non members, many who are just starting their journey with a balance condition. Reading your story and your experiences and emotions helps many realise that they are not alone with these conditions and their is hope for a better future. Please share your story with us. It can be anonymous, in writing only or as a video. We all have a story in us, so lets get this out, shared and watch it help others ! [Please Contact kevin@lifeonthelevel.org]
Social Media Content
Kelly has been doing a brilliant job building our Facebook following and keeping fresh content flowing. Kelly asked for any members to please get in touch via our Facebook page or email kelly@lifeonthelevel.org
End of Meeting Notes
Well done and thank you to all members and guests who made it to the meeting – your involvement is what makes each meeting so special and rewarding for all.
Please come and join us if you feel we can help and don’t wish to face your challenges alone. You are very very welcome.
