Support in the East of England

We are here to support you whether you are looking for peer support or advice from a professional. Below you can find out more about our Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers and local branch and support groups.

Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers

Our specialist advisers are experienced and compassionate care management professionals. 

They support anyone who needs their help at any stage of the Huntington’s journey. They can help people living with the disease, people at risk of inheriting the disease, family members and carers, and children or young people. They can even advise friends, neighbours, employers and your medical team.

Our Specialist Huntington’s Disease Advisers can help by:

  • providing a listening ear, advice and emotional support
  • delivering our confidential telephone helpline service
  • communicating with medical, health and social care professionals
  • working with specialist Huntington’s disease clinics
  • advocating for the person with Huntington’s disease to get the best support
  • organising and attending local support networks and carers’ group meetings
  • providing information resources on symptoms and how to manage them
  • connecting younger family members with our Youth Engagement Service - HDYES
  • giving support for sensitive end-of-life care
  • educating medical, health and social care professionals
Dawn - Huntington's Disease Association

Dawn Stilwell

Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk

0173 3301036

dawn.stilwell@hda.org.uk

Rachel - Huntington's Disease Association

Rachel Boothman

Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire

0153 6211496

rachel.boothman@hda.org.uk

Huntington's Disease Association

Sirumpa Waranon

Youth Worker (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk)

01992 661953

sirumpa.waranon@hda.org.uk


Branch and support groups

You can click on each branch and support group to find out more about the groups and where they meet. If you can't see one in your area and you are thinking about setting one up, please email branch@hda.org.uk and we can support you in doing this.

Colchester and District support group

Welcome to the Colchester and District support group of the Huntington’s Disease Association. We have been offering support and advice to local people affected by Huntington’s disease for a number of years.


The meetings are attended by anybody affected by Huntington's disease or wanting to find out more information.

Key contact

Barry Mitchell
colchesterhdagroup@gmail.com

 


 

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

Dawn Stilwell

07900922528

dawn.stilwell@hda.org.uk

Southend branch

Welcome to the Huntington’s Disease Association Southend Branch. Our branch is run by volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by Huntington's disease in the local area. Our local Specialist Huntington’s Disease Adviser attends our meetings to be able to support our branch members.

We welcome people from Southend and surrounding areas. You will receive a warm and friendly welcome and benefit from a loving, supportive environment. The meetings include:

  • Tea and cake
  • Friendly chat with like-minded people
  • Exercise and relaxation sessions (only if you want to take part!)
  • Updates on the very latest research

 


 

Where we meet

Ecko Club,
Thornford Gardens,
Southend,
Essex,
SS2 6PU

 


 

When we meet

We meet every week on a Thursday between 10.30am – 1pm.

Throughout the year we also hold various events including our canal boat trip and Christmas quiz night.

 


 

Key contact

Please feel free to get in touch with Pat Nelson, our Branch Chair, on 07954 657 603 if you would like to know more and she’ll be very happy to answer your questions.
 

 

 

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

Dawn Stilwell

07900922528
dawn.stilwell@hda.org.uk