Dawn Stilwell
Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk
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
Sirumpa Waranon
Youth Worker (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk)
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.
Peterborough branch
Welcome to the Huntington’s Disease Association Peterborough Branch.
Volunteers run our branch and provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by Huntington's disease in the local area. Our local Specialist Huntington’s Disease Adviser occasionally attends our meetings to support our branch members.
We aim to contribute to our local Huntington’s disease community by organising inclusive social events for people with Huntington’s disease, their families, and friends. During the year, we raise awareness and funds to help us achieve this.
Where and when we meet:
Please find below our upcoming events:
Monthly luncheons:
We meet every third Friday of the month at various locations in and around Peterborough.
Monthly branch meetings:
We meet every fourth Friday of the month at various locations in and around Peterborough.
Social events:
We have planned three events this year, such as bowling, crazy golf and a picnic in the park, so keep an eye out for further updates.
Fundraising events:
At present, we aim to hold the following tombola events this year:
- Itter Park (summer) – date to be confirmed
- Orton Hall Hotel (winter) – date to be confirmed
In addition, a friend of our branch organises an annual garden party at their home, which always has a fabulous turnout. Date to be confirmed.
Key contacts:
Please feel free to contact our branch on peterboroughhdabranch@gmail.com
Chair: Anne Constanti
Secretary: Helen Constanti
Treasurer: Gina Isaac
Branch Committee Members: Gill Skeels, Julia Parker and Linda Gray
Chair: Anne Constanti
Secretary: Helen Constanti
Treasurer: Gina Isaac
Branch Committee Members: Gill Skeels, Julia Parker and Linda Gray
Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser
Dawn Stilwell
01733301036
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
01733301036
dawn.stilwell@hda.org.uk
