What we do

The DFSG helps bring families together for mutual support, the sharing of information and experience, and for social activities.

Subsidised Annual Group Holidays

We organise two or three holidays within the UK every year, and also offer a break in France. The accommodation is fully accessible for the disabled and there are lots of activities for all members of the family.

We try to find venues that offer activities and entertainment for all the family as well as organising competitions such as quizes and wheelchair races.  Holidays abroad have included Euro-Disney, France, Rotterdam, Holland and Belgium.

Family Outings / Events Each Year

Our annual events include sailing at Bewl Water in Kent and a New Years Eve Party. Other events vary but have included, for example visits to Peterborough Truck Fest, Legoland, a steam train ride and party, a day at the Blue Planet Aquarium, a visit to the Model Car Exhibition, a trip to Holiday on Ice, bowling, local coffee mornings, tea-parties and picnics. If an event proves popular we will aim to offer it every year, as with our day at Newmarket races and our trip to the Duxford air show at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Our holidays and events.

Workshops and Annual Conferences

With the help of relevant professionals, we can provide workshops in such areas as adaptations, physiotherapy, complementary medicine, equipment, lifting and education.

We usually have guest speakers at our workshops and at our annual conference, which also gives families the opportunity to meet and socialise, as well as catching up with thelatest news on research and up to date therapies. Workshops and annual conferences

Telephone Support

As well as the office telephone line, we have a family help line (0800 121 4518, which is a free phone number). Families can ring at certain times and speak to another family or, alternatively, they can ring the office about any questions or problems they may have, and we can also try and put them in touch with a family.  Family help line  We can also provide information for professionals, who may have come across Duchenne muscular dystrophy for the first time in their careers.

 DFSG Fund Raising

One of the group's main sources of fund raising recently has been from the sponsorship raised by our runners in the London Marathon. Due to the continued expansion of the group and the increase in activities offered by us on a nationwide basis, our financial resources are always under pressure. However, we continue to be well supported by the fund raising efforts of individuals, such as Richard Bareham who in July 2008 took part in his second London to Cambridge bike ride and hopes to raise over £2000 for us, and by charitable organisations such as the Four Acre Trust and the Yapp Charitable Trust who have supported us for a number of years.  We are entirely funded by voluntary contributions and while we wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of our regular supporters, we continue to actively seek new supporters and sources of funding.

 

Other Topics

About DMD

Helping you to understand Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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Find out who you can contact for help and advice.