We have just delivered 1000 of these cards to the CNS team at Royal Stoke to be given out to patients undergoing Head and Neck treatment. Such treatment often impairs patients’ ability to chew, swallow and eat full portions.

Whilst this might not be too much of a problem at home, the thought of eating out with friends or family can fill the patient with dread. These cards are a nice way to request extra consideration from the staff at a restaurant. Just hand over the card to your server, and make a request for smaller (eg child’s) portion, extra gravy or sauce or even blend some food items that present a particular problem.

The presence of the NHS logo, with an explanation of the reason for the request can often result in the restaurant going the extra mile to satisfy the patient’s needs. Going out socialising is an important part of life, so if you’d like a card, ask your CNS or drop me a line with your address and I’ll post one out to you.

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Hi all, just a quick reminder that we meet at the Longton and Meir British Legion at 7.30 pm next Wednesday. Everyone welcome!

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I’m really chuffed to announce that Gemma, Landlady at the Archer, has agreed to nominate Headcases as their Charity of the Month for May 2024. All change that the regulars put into our shaker box will go into our funds. Once during May we can also hold a raffle in the pub to boost the money raised. If anyone has ideas for a good raffle prize, please drop me a line.

The Archer is one of the oldest pubs in the area dating back to 1790. After a number of name changes the pub is back to its original name and boasts some excellent historical drawings inside. A community pub offering a warm welcome and friendly service from Gemma and her team. There are a good selection of Hopback and other beers, and the weekly Quiz night on a Sunday usually sees a packed house.

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I was chatting with one of our friends last night at our April meeting. He’s noticed significant hearing loss after his treatment and has recently been prescribed free NHS hearing aids. He was very enthusiastic about the difference they made. As a wearer of hearing aids myself, I can relate very well to what he said.

This subject hasn’t come up before, so I thought it might help to link to a Macmillan article on the topic.

Hearing loss can lead on to social isolation, depression and even contribute to the onset of dementia, so if you feel you may have hearing loss or tinnitus, please don’t ignore it! Speak to your CNS, doctor or an audiologist and get the ball rolling.

Macmillan Article

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One of our Headcases friends brought flyers for this concert next Saturday at Central Hall, The Strand, Longton.

Charity collection for Stoke Air Ambulance, and special guests: Stafford Grammar Concert Band.

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Hi all. It seems like about 5 minutes since the last meeting! Since then we have bought and delivered 1000 business cards to the CNS team at Royal Stoke. We’re in the process of sourcing some additional Restaurant Cards too.

I was asked about wheelchair access to the Longton and Meir British Legion. There IS access via a ramp and double doors at the back of the small carpark attached to the club. The doors can only be opened from within by asking at the bar.

Hope to see you all on Wednesday. In the meantime enjoy your Easter Monday even if it is a bit soggy (again).

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