The ABI Café group were delighted to receive a visit from Fiona McLeod MSP on 5^th April 2012. She was very aware of the issues which the group faced and stressed that she is happy to be contacted by any of the members at any time.

Fiona gave an overview of some of the recent changes to care in Scotland and discussed a number of topics which were of interest to the group.

Fiona also spoke about the following:

• Gas/Electricity Efficiency – The Energy Assistance Package is no longer ‘means tested’ but dependent on ‘energy efficiency’ and therefore available to anyone.
• She is aware of the difficulties surrounding Homecare and encouraged anyone experiencing difficulty to contact her directly.
• She offered to raise a motion in Parliament about recognising Acquired Brain Injury.
• She also offered the group tickets for Prime Minister’s Question Time.

The group really appreciated Fiona’s visit as well as her offer to distribute posters for the Acquired Brain Injury Seminar on 17^th May 2012.

In other news: some of the group stated that they would be interested in attending a Universal Comedy ‘Taster Session’. Universal Comedy is an organisation which aims to help people with long-term conditions to increase their confidence through comedy. 

The group have a Seagull Trust Canal Trip planned on Friday 13^th July 2012 at 11.00am.

An Acquired Brain Injury seminar is planned for Thursday 17^th May 2012 between 2-4pm at the Ceartas Auditorium. Further details are available from Pam Thomson.