FFES holds AGM

This has been the third full year of operation for our charity, FFES, which exists to improve the quality of life of people cared for by the Epilepsy Society, and those who support them. FFES now has a Membership of 63 and an Honorary Membership of 38.

There are still many residents who live at the Epilepsy Society who no longer have living relatives so our philosophy as a charity has always been to ensure everyone who lives at the ES is included in all that we do.

FFES has an excellent Board of Trustees, and we meet monthly with a packed agenda, ensuring we discuss the issues which most concern us and our members at the time. Trustees have worked tirelessly in a variety of volunteering roles to ensure we have strong governance, always focussing on ways in which we can improve and enhance quality of life for the people who live at ES as well as their support staff.

We are always really grateful to our members , many of whom volunteer their time to help maintain the Nature Trail and the Memory Garden as well as gardens in the Houses where their loved ones live; support our Sunday Sounds ‘events through the provision of delicious food, or by assisting at the events themselves; support and attend events we run on the Nature Trail; and, so important for us as a small charity, the many, many people who have donated money to support one or more of our initiatives. We thank them all for their kindness and generosity.

Thanks to the initiatives of our Trustees and Members, we believe that we have helped to enhance the lives of the people who live at Epilepsy Society in a variety of ways. Everyone, (staff, residents as well as relatives), has been able to look forward to the monthly Sunday Sounds events in the Recreation Hall with a different variety of Musical Bands on stage each month. All look forward with eagerness to the delicious homemade refreshments provided free for everyone attending. Last Autumn saw the welcome addition of the Saturday Pump Room café in the Rec Hall where people who live on site enjoyed a variety of games, a nailbar and also, this Spring, a disco with our own resident DJ! Many people enjoy their regular trips to the Nature Trail and have participated in events, such as the animal petting farm which we held last year and which we have already held at the end of March this year. The Paella van (with accompanying music) was a huge success last summer, as were the picnics and games on the trail. The Autumn pumpkin competition was fun too even though rain stopped play outside and all the pumpkins had to be weighed in from a wheelbarrow in the Rec Hall! Maintaining and continuing to grow and develop the Nature Trail has been a joy to all the volunteers working there. Spring on the Trail arrived with plenty of colour this year in the form of all the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths which we had planted in the Autumn. A lovely site to see!

There are regular attendees to the two swimming sessions held each week at Woodrow High House and Leisure Centre, with very grateful thanks to our Trustee, Julie, who set up the Tuesday sessions. These are both very enjoyable sessions, attended also by the Physiotherapist.

Do get in touch if you would like a full copy of our report to the AGM, and thank you for your support.