1. Providing funds for Essential and Compassionate Services when people living with these illnesses are most 'Without Wings,' or their freedom. This initiative is at the heart of our work. Here are ways in which we can help.
Psychological Support
Without Wings is very excited to announce that the Lisa Lowe Foundation has offered us the opportunity to tap into their psychology support services! Counselling sessions for people living with autoimmune arthritis will be funded by Without Wings, but will take place in the beautiful Lisa Lowe Centre in Douglas with one of their accredited counsellors. Protecting mental health not only provides that extra level of support and understanding, but is intrinsically important when it comes to controlling these often crippling conditions. Counselling is especially important, but not limited to, times of diagnosis, major flare, complications and surgery.
Practical Support
People struggling with these illnesses can apply to Without Wings for funding to cover short term help around the home, such as a cleaner or a gardener or certain rehabilitation services. We can also help fund the purchase of rehabilitation aids. On our ever evolving information page, you can also find details about support groups, benefits, useful charities and services. In addition to this, as part of our compassionate and useful information drive, Without Wings is committed to exploring self help methods that have a reliable track record of success and/ or might be of interest to sufferers and their loved ones. This information we will share on our information page and also via inspirational speakers. Everyone copes with their illness differently. Without Wings recognises and respects that for some such information can be a sensitive topic. This information is for people who find natural methods an important part of their strategy when dealing with their illness and would like to explore them further.
Complementary Therapies
People struggling with these illnesses can also apply to Without Wings for funding for Compassionate help in the form of aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, reiki and reflexology etc. We are also planning to hold events or provide information regarding complementary therapy via guest blogs under 'news.' Funding for these services is currently limited.
We are committed to helping as best we can. Any final funding awards for all services will be at the discretion of the trustees. This will enable us to make best use of the funds we have available.
2.Through raising awareness of these illnesses we move them into the public arena, so challenging public misperceptions and better educating friends, family and employers about these conditions. This in itself is an important first step to empower people living with what are often 'invisible' illnesses.
3. By acting as a hub of information, we will endeavour to connect people to local and other groups. Be it a Facebook page, online or physical group you are after, or information on how to live well, we will do our best to help you find your support 'tribe.' We will also provide links to information on your diagnosis from national sites. Please note that we are not responsible for whatever information you find on any site or group beyond our website. Within the confines of these pages however, we have a strict policy of only providing positive and nurturing information.
In addition to the above information, we will be featuring inspirational stories and 'top tips!' from people who live well with these illnesses, and sourcing RA related motivational speakers.