This year, our nominated charity is the Island Leg Club. We were delighted to welcome Helen Naeger, who established the Island Group in 2018, as our guest speaker at the branch meeting held 5 March. Helen expressed her gratitude for the invitation and for selecting the Leg Club as our chosen charity for the year.
The Leg Club model, which began in Suffolk in 1993, addresses lower limb issues while fostering social connections. Now an international network, with clinics across the UK, Europe, and Australia, it continues to make a meaningful impact. The Island Group operates at the Community 2000 Hall in Easton, meeting every Thursday morning. No appointment is necessary.
Treatment is provided by a Practice Nurse or District Nurse from Royal Manor Healthcare, though the service is independent of the NHS and relies on raising its own funds for rent and equipment. Weekly sessions combine care with coffee and conversation, offering vital social interactions. Attendees seek treatment for ulcer prevention, advice, or simply to connect with others. A Care Coordinator and a footcare specialist also visit regularly, with volunteers lending their support. The club delivers tremendous social benefits alongside medical care.
Following Helen’s captivating and enlightening talk, a short Q&A session provided further insights. We expressed our gratitude by presenting her with £25 in appreciation of her visit and eagerly anticipate April 2026, when we will present the results of our fundraising efforts throughout 2025.