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AUTUMN 2024 InTouch | 3 NEWS ROUNDUP Disability Connect Support Group Disability Connect runs a Parents Support Group meeting via Zoom every Monday from 7.00 – 8.00pm. This is open to anyone seeking advice or support for parenting, upcoming Needs Assessments, starting or leaving school and anything in-between. Northern Branch Staff Changes Rachel’s farewell with the Hamilton Coffee Group. Michael Schneider will be returning to his Fieldworker role with the Northern Branch from Monday 26th February. Sadly, this also means that Rachel Woodworth finished her temporary contract with us on Friday 23rd February. Rachel has been a huge support to many of you over the last 6 months and will be missed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachel for the work she has done for the branch and Northern members. A note from Rachel: It saddens me to have to say ‘Au Revoir’ again, but some things are out of your control, and I leave you with some ‘HOPES’. I hope I have left things better for you and have added at least a little positivity and ease to your life over the past 6 months. I hope the social positive ‘Hump Day Gatherings’ continue to welcome the MDN community to connect, unite and befriend, providing a welcoming supportive network of people with empathy and understanding, each on a journey but members of the same umbrella group; MDA. I hope the Hamilton Coffee Group knows that I think of them whenever I look at my beautiful orchid; it brightens my day. Thank you. I hope the attendance of members at the East and South Coffee ‘Hump Day’ Gatherings continue to grow and thrive with friendships formed which brightens your day too. I hope the Northern Branch Staff, Denise and Lynn, know how much I have loved working alongside you again to make a positive difference in the lives of our members. I hope you all attend the MDA AGM on Friday 26th April at 7pm so you can have your voice heard. I hope you understand that MDA IS your collective voice. Wishing you all the very best until next time our paths may cross. Rachel