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About our new Administration Officer Caroline recently moved to this area from Hampshire and lives in Ruskington with her husband, a retired Royal Navy Marine Engineering Officer. Caroline has spent 26 years working for the Civil Service, latterly in Portsmouth Naval Base initially as a VIP events officer and before leaving as an Internal Auditor. These postings tested her organisation and administration ability and offered plenty of opportunity to develop these skills further. Outside of the office environment Caroline is part of Girlguiding UK, having previously held Unit Guider and Division Commissioner roles. She is also a keen gardener, enjoys relaxing with her embroidery and craft activities and keeps her husband and friends in homemade cakes. |
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Caroline Morrice and Angela Tarren |
The Group's central office is in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. It was opened officially back in Spring 1995 by legendary West Indian cricketer Clive Lloyd. His 16 year old son Jason was at that time recovering from GBS. Prior to this for several years, the Group's administration had been taken care of by the Group's founder, Glennys Sanders, from her home in Sleaford.
The Charity's Administration Officer is Caroline Morrice and her deputy is Angela Tarren.
The Group's stock, including all the literature, has always been stored at the Sleaford office and the staff found themselves in a small office swamped with boxes, the amount of which seemed to grow and grow. Relief came when the office next door became available and was acquired by the Group. The partition wall was knocked down, doubling the office space. It is now a comfortable environment with three desks and three computers. The quality oak furniture was generously donated by Angela's husband's firm 'Powergen'.
There have been many changes over the years and the office has gradually taken on more responsibility and acquired some of the work that was previously carried out by members of the committee. Information technology has naturally brought about some changes to the work structure. Less post is now received, but there are more enquiries to deal with electronically, and many of the messages are from overseas. The number of referrals to the Group has decreased slightly now that people are finding information on the Internet, though not as much as one would imagine, because it seems that access to information is not in itself sufficient for those also looking for some sort of emotional support.
As well as dealing with the day to day enquiries and general administration, the helpline phone is run from the office, as is the local contact administration. The helpline telephone line is diverted from the office to a volunteer's house each day, with the calls being reported to the office the following day. The volunteers are themselves former sufferers with knowledge of the illness from a personal vantage. The majority of calls received are from relatives of patients, patients themselves and hospital staff. Literature is supplied free to all, although there is a charge for multiple supplies. The material available is now wide ranging and includes information for patients and relatives, medical staff and children. Ward packs are available to hospitals and include all relevant information for staff.
Over recent years the office has detected an upsurge of recognition of the Group amongst the medical profession, reflected in the frequent number of enquiries from those seeking GBS literature and requesting visits for patients. The ever increasing number of awareness presentations given to medical professional groups and the activeness of local contacts making their presence known at their hospitals have contributed significantly towards medical interest in the Support Group.
The office is made aware of new patients from a variety of sources, including letters/faxes, calls to the helpline, e-mails, the office telephone, and from local contacts and hospitals. Packs are sent to enquirers without delay, and include information about GBS and the services offered by the support group. The referrer's details are also included on the Group's mailing list, in order that they receive three complimentary editions of the journal 'Reaching Out' for the first year. A local contact living nearby is also sent details of the patient, so that he/she can offer some hands-on support to the patient and his/her relatives.
The office does not receive many visitors, but occasionally someone will knock on the door, like a gentleman who one day had to walk past the office to pay a fine at the magistrates' office. His father had just been diagnosed with GBS and the family were not aware that a Group for GBS existed and were bewildered, not knowing anything about the illness. He went out with his arms full of literature and he and his family were most grateful for the support they received subsequently.
The office address is: GBS SG, LCC Offices, Eastgate, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EB. Telephone/Fax:- 01529 304615, e-mail: admin@gbs.org.uk. The office hours are 9.00 - 1.00 weekdays.