Your stories
23rd October 2018
How long have you been a member of Shine?
I have been a Shine member since 2014.
The main reason to join Shine was that I felt so isolated and confused about my health condition, I had no place to go and seek help particularly about Spina Bifida. That is why I needed an organisation which is about this condition, who support people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
In what ways has Shine been able to help you since becoming a member?
Shine helped me to know and understand my condition. They were also able to put me in touch with the specialist Spina Bifida clinic at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.
Do you feel that Shine has offered a service, which has met your expectations?
The service I received from Shine over the years was very good, but thanks to austerity, it's harder to raise money now and so I think there's more to do for younger members these days.
Do you value your Shine membership and if so, why?
For me it is important to be a member of any related organisation generally, and specifically Shine. As a disabled person I need a platform where my voice can be heard.
Can you see Shine being ‘by your side’ for the foreseeable future?
I am really concerned about Shine’s future, especially with Government continuous policies of cuts and not looking after disabled people. I think in general perception Shine is under pressure of so called austerity and its felt that it will shrink and limit its services to children only and leave adult on their own.
In one or two words how would you sum up Shine’s services?
Shine is good especially the 'Blue Blobbers' social group, it's amazing! It helps us to gain social skills and come out from houses and meet with other people with the same condition, it also enables us to understand how different people cope with their conditions.
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If you've been affected or inspired by Nauman's story, you can help Shine to support more people just like him by donating £5. Simply text DOIT05 £5 to 70070, your donation will help pay for an information pack containing vital information for new members at a crucial stage in their lives.
Shine welcomed 772 new members in 2016, that's a total of £3860 before we've even began to deliver services. Your small donation could make a big difference.