Adult Burns Support Group

The London Burns Support Group meets roughly 4 times a year at present. It alternates between meetings with invited speakers then time for discussion and social events (summer and end of year). The group is open to any adults (16+) who have experienced a burn of any sort and any size at any age and have been treated at any hospital. If bringing family or friends means that you would feel more comfortable coming along then they would also be very welcome.

We recognise that there is no direct link between the size, seriousness or site of a burn and the size of the impact it can have on people’s lives. People tell us that it can be really valuable to meet others with similar (and different) experiences of burns. This group offers a unique opportunity to not only get support from but also to give support to other burns survivors.

It may also be possible to subsidise travel expenses for those who would like to come to the group but are unable to because of the costs. Please feel free to contact Lisa Williams on 020 3315 2504 or email lmwilliams@nhs.net to discuss this further and in confidence.

Upcoming meetings:

Thursday 15 September 2011, 6:30–8pm—guest speaker Dr Alex Clarke

We are fortunate to have guest speaker Dr Alex Clarke, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Visiting Professor at the Centre for Appearance Research, University of Western England. Alex will be presenting Managing a change in appearance.

Thursday 15 December 2011, 6:30–8pm—social gathering

End of year social gathering.

Our friends at Changing Faces have kindly agreed to host our events at their offices in central London. We have also secured funding for drinks and light refreshments. This venue offers a chance to meet with others in a relaxed environment away from the hospital or a noisy pub. As always the main aim is to provide a space in the London area to meet and socialise with people who have experienced some form of burn injury either directly or indirectly.

I would be very grateful if you could RSVP for the meetings so that I know roughly how many people to expect, can cater accordingly and provide a guest list to Changing Faces.

Please call Lisa Williams on 020 3315 2504 or email lmwilliams@nhs.net to confirm or if you have any questions. Changing Faces is based at The Squire Centre, 33–37 University St, London WC1E 6JN. Closest tubes are Euston, Warren Street and Euston Square.

For more info see their website at www.changingfaces.org.uk and for directions click here.

I really hope you will be able to join us and look forward to seeing you there.