Back on Track Newsletter
This is my first attempt at a newsletter, let me know what you think and whether you want to add articles in future editions.
18th February 2010 No.1
Membership
We have 14 active members and are just about full at the moment, but if you know anyone who you think is suitable let me know. There are no plans to increase the sub from £3 as the finances are ok at the moment.
Boat
We have purchased a boat now called Pollyanna thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery. It is a lovely little boat, a 19 ft 2 berth cruiser. It is moored at Wroxham and is being serviced at the moment ready to explore The Broads. Although it can hold 6 or so people, its only comfortable with 2 or 3. I am planning to take it out once or twice a week during the warmer weather, so let me know if you would like a trip. The only cost will be £3 sub to go towards fuel.
.Finances
I am continuing to apply for grants when we need them. Asking organisations for hundreds of pounds and giving them nothing in return is definitely not easy, there is a lot of paperwork and conditions, and all the money has to be accounted for. When it comes to activities, half the money goes on transport which is always a problem. Although I am entitled to claim for my time running the charity, I don’t, as I regard all the members as friends. We should be ok for funds with our present activities for at least a year.
Website
I don’t know how many of you look at our website. At the last count 8 of you had your own pc with internet access, 3 of you had access to your parents pc and only 3 of you were without. A lot of work has gone into the website in the last 4 years, there are now 30 pages, all relating to mental health recovery. The latest which I added a few weeks ago is on transport, there is a link which, if you add your position and destination , will give you a choice of routes and details of how to get there by public transport. The diary which covers 4 years now is accessible on the website without a password, as people keep forgetting it. I’m disappointed that no one has used the forum yet. Our website address is www.backontracknorfolk.org.uk Don’t forget you can use the pc’s at the library, if you need help or want to get a pc let me know.
Activities
As you all know by now I am a strong believer in physical exercise as a way of feeling good, staying healthy and fighting depression, so the activities are as active and varied as I can make them, with an occasional meal to satisfy the lazier of you ! Last year we undertook 36 different venues/activities , up on 30 for 2008 and 20 for 2007. Not bad but we can do better can’t we ? How many did you attend !
Insurance
Due to the funding for the boat we now have insurance for the boat plus public liability insurance for £1 million. Please note that we still do not have personal insurance, but as you will not lose any benefits and are covered by the NHS that shouldn’t be a problem. Activities such as Karting , Tenpin Bowling etc. will be covered by the companies.
Future projects
So far it has been easier to get funding for projects than for running expenses, so I have applied for another grant. This time it is to set up a woodworking workshop where we can make things during the winter months, when everyone has difficulty finding something to do. My idea is to make nesting boxes for birds and other wildlife and erect them in local woods. I have a good knowledge of woodwork and production techniques and have premises that we can use. It is not as boring as it might sound, different types of birds require different nest boxes and there are other wildlife like bats, hedgehogs, insects etc. I have an RSPB books on garden birds if anyone wants to borrow it. I should know by the end of March if it is going anywhere.
Health Issues
On activities everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, having a laugh and not moaning about their problems, but everyone has their bad days when their illnesses are giving them a hard time and don’t want to go out. Don’t think that you are the only one. But also remember that going to the activities helps others as well as you, if no one else goes, it’s not much fun is it.
New competition
To add a bit of motivation the member that covers the most mileage on the organised walks this year will get free subs for next year. I am excluding John and me. No excuses accepted and the prize will be shared for any draws. We may also do something for Sports Relief.
Just a thought
Would anyone be interested in picking members up in their car for the activities ? We could probably get sufficient funding to pay 25p a mile, i know it doesn’t sound much but you would be coming to the activity anyway and most small cars get 40 to the gallon, so not only would you be helping guys out but would make a profit of £4 per gallon. Benefits should not be affected.
Advertising
As a result of the lottery grant someone phoned me from the EDP for a few details and included it in the Thursday edition. It was as follows : Elsewhere, Back on Track, a North Walsham based charity which works supporting people recovering from mental health problems, was awarded just under £5000. Ken Walker from the charity, said “ The money will be used on a boat which we have purchased to renovate and use to take people suffering from mental health issues on to the Broads and allow them to enjoy and appreciate the wildlife there.”
North Norfolk Workout Project
Do you want to refresh your mind, reduce stress levels and improve overall mental and emotional health ? These are not my words but I agree with them and think that this is a worthwhile project. I haven’t got the space to go into details, but it involves fresh air and exercise. Have a look at www.btcv.org/norfolk or ask Ken for a leaflet.
New meeting
I spoke to some of the guys at our last activity and we have decided to restart the evening get-together. So it will be on Wednesday evenings from 7 -10 at the Sports Centre in North Walsham. All members are welcome and we will be playing darts, pool and cards. Anyone wanting a bit more activity can challenge me to Short tennis or Table Tennis in the hall.
Trustees
One of the requirements to be a registered charity is that you have trustees. Our trustees are myself , Steve Evans, Alec Stevenson and Jennie Walker . All are approachable for information on Back on Track or advice.