Voice of the People
HANDYPERSON SERVICE
Handyperson volunteers carry out small/minor maintenance jobs in older people’s homes in the Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Callander and Clackmannanshire areas. The service is co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. There is no charge and donations are gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. For details during the current climate call 01259 928088.
COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING
The office in Cameronian Street regrets having to close its doors for an indeterminate period due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Staff do not know how long they will be unable to see clients on a face-to-face basis. However, there will be someone in regularly to check the phones, mail and emails. Please get in contact should you need assistance and
ROCKTALK
Stirling’s talking newspaper for the blind is free to visually impaired members of the community. Contact Mike Milne at enquiries@rocktalk.org.uk or 01786 816673.
NEURO CENTRAL
Neuro Central ensures that people in Scotland who live with neurological conditions, their carers and families, have access to high quality services and therapies, information and support in a friendly relaxed environment, so nobody has to feel alone. Due to Covid restrictions, it has not been able to hold the usual ‘face to face’ meetings in Stirling and Auchterarder since March 2020 and this has been particularly difficult for members who have longterm health conditions which means they have had to isolate. To get round this and keep in touch, Neuro Central has been conducting business via Zoom. There are regular online sessions which include catch-up meetings on the first Monday in the month at 11am and third Wednesday at 7pm; relaxation sessions every Thursday at 7pm (Wednesday on Mindfulness Week); mindfulness top up session on last Thursday in the month at 6.30pm and neuro physio exercise class every Thursday at 11am. There is more information on the website www. neurocentral.co.uk or email Secretary@ neurocentral.org.uk to find out how to join in. All welcome.
ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND
Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 8311 or 07733 302772.
GOING FORWARD STROKE GROUP
It is the intension of Going Forward to restart regular weekly meetings when all government Covid restrictions have been lifted, and conditions are safe for all members, helpers and committee to do so. Zoom meetings will resumes on August 5 after the summer break.
TOWN BREAK
The charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. For more information in the current climate, contact 01786 641841 or email admin@townbreakstirling.org.
PARKINSON’S
All Stirling and Clackmannanshire branch meetings have been cancelled until further notice. More details from Jim 01259 762734, Muriel 01360 850357 or national helpline 0808 800 0303.
STIRLING CITY CHOIR
The choir rehearses using Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. Current choir members should check their email for details. Any potential new members should contact the choir through the website www.stirlingcitychoir.org.uk. It is hoped that physical rehearsals will resume in St Columba’s Church Hall soonwhen guidelines permit.
ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION (STIRLING BRANCH)
If you would like any further information please contact the secretary on secretary.aashstirlingbranch@ btinternet.com, or by contacting the chairman by phone 07940 828 434, or email: james21healy@outlook.com.
DUNBLANE VERSUS ARTHRITIS
Monthly meetings curerntly cancelled. The website with helpline and forums are available to anyone requiring information relating to their arthritis and can be found at www.versusarthritis.org; helpine 0800 5200 520 and email helpline@ versusarthritis.org. Local contact: dolly.g@talktalk.net.
STIRLING STITCHERS
Do you enjoy textiles? Do you sew? Do you like to make things? This is a call to join Stirling Stitchers who are starting a new group and are welcoming new members. The group offers a friendly environment to learn new skills and tech niques or work on your own project. Plans are to meet on the third Saturday of each month from August to May at Lecropt Kirk Hall, Bridge of Allan with some meetings at Braeport Centre, Dunblane. Meetings will run from 110am till 3pm. Both venues have kitchen facilities. During this time there are plans to meet with like-minded friends, run workshops and enjoy listening to a visiting speaker. There is a library and occasionally sales tables for resources and inspiration It is hoped the group can become involved in community projects. All comers of any ability are invited to join in this new venture. if you are interested please contact stirlingstitchers@hotmail.com.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
Members have been out and about on the hills and crags enjoying the good weather, particularly in the east. On Thursday, the first ‘real’ pub meet since the first lockdown was held at the Birds and Bees in Causewayhead and members enjoyed the catch up. As expected, the Ochils Mountaineering Club’s 70th Anniversary dinner is postponed until next year- when it will be the 72nd anniversary dinner. The next camping meet is to Applecross on August 20, and details of forthcoming weekend meets to Glen Etive and Skye are on the club website, at www.ochils.com, or check out Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook for current activities.