Unique Lancaster charity continues to help those in need through difficult conditions

A unique Lancaster charity which offers support to people with neurological conditions has risen to the challenge of helping people through a pandemic - and with no permanent home of its own.
Neuro Drop In founder Sharon Jackson.Neuro Drop In founder Sharon Jackson.
Neuro Drop In founder Sharon Jackson.

Neuro Drop In is thought to be the only charity in the UK which helps anyone affected by a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, cerebral palsy, Huntington’s disease, ME, MG, MSA and acquired brain injury.

The charity had to leave its home next to HMP Lancaster Farms in July because HM Prisons needed the building back.

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They have now found temporary rented office space at White Cross, but are still on the look out for a permanent new home with wheelchair access.

Service user Les with his wellbeing pack.Service user Les with his wellbeing pack.
Service user Les with his wellbeing pack.

However, charity founder Sharon Jackson is keen to assure service users that they are still able to offer help and support to anyone who needs it, despite the difficult circumstances.

Despite having no centre, Neuro Drop In continues to support its members and their families by running online classes, delivering care packages and doing shopping for those who are still shielding due to their circumstances.

Volunteers have delivered more than 600 care packages since June, and Sharon runs many online meetings including a chat cafe, mindfulness, exercise videos and even an online choir.

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They also rent a room once a week at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club to hold a coffee morning, which is proving popular.

Tom Casey ready to deliver wellbeing packs.Tom Casey ready to deliver wellbeing packs.
Tom Casey ready to deliver wellbeing packs.

Sharon said: "Vulnerable people have had their situation made worse by the lockdown. People's worries got worse, and so we felt it was important to do as much as we could.

"Obviously we are limited in what we can do at the moment but we are trying so hard, and what started as a really scary situation for people we have managed to make into something really positive.

"The feedback we have had is very positive, and enquiries to us are increasing.

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"We have had three new people come to the coffee mornings that had never contacted us before."

One of the service users receives his wellbeing pack.One of the service users receives his wellbeing pack.
One of the service users receives his wellbeing pack.

Alongside the support they are giving, Sharon and her team are still trying hard to find a suitable new premises.

"When we got our notice to quit it was terrifying because we just didn't know what we would be able to do," Sharon said.

"I had a brief moment when I thought we would have to close.

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"It's a challenge where we are because we can't have people in the office because there just isn't the space. It's not ideal but it's better than having nothing.

Ann and John Sugden ready to deliver wellbeing packs.Ann and John Sugden ready to deliver wellbeing packs.
Ann and John Sugden ready to deliver wellbeing packs.

"We are trying to get the money together for somewhere new but it's really hard because all our events for the year have been cancelled.

"It's a challenge for us but we are rising to it and we have never stopped supporting people. Just because there's a lockdown and just because we have got no building, that doesn't mean vulnerable people don't need our support.

"Our volunteers have been amazing and we couldn't have done it without them, they have really made a difference.

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"The fact that we can still support people and bring them some comfort is great."

Neuro Drop In relies heavily on the generosity and support of the local people, businesses and community groups who give their time and money to help run the centre.

It receives no statutory funding and needs to raise more than £140,000 a year to cover costs - and this year has been helped by National Lottery funding.

They have also been helped out by Acorn Oak from Carnforth, who offered a storage facility free of charge.

If you know of any premises that might be suitable for the charity's new home, please contact [email protected]