Shine's Health Team

Shine’s Health Team are specialists who have decades of experience advising on the best options for keeping healthy. They also understand the worries, concerns, frustrations and possible problems you might face.

Advising at NHS clinics, arranging training events for Shine member, providing health information, giving one-to-one advice to individuals, parents, pregnant women, relatives, carers and fellow professionals - are all part of a day’s work for the Health Team.

Shine’s Health Team can advise on matters such as:

  • Shunts and ETCs (endoscopic third ventriculostomy)
  • Bowel and bladder issues
  • Skin care
  • Tests and treatments
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Effects of ageing
  • Orthopaedics
  • Sexual health relating to the conditions.

Shine’s Health Team can also help:

  • With planning a pregnancy - for folic acid advice and how this reduces the chance of spina bifida
  • During pregnancy, if you are told your baby has spina bifida, hydrocephalus, or anencephaly
  • At any time when you or a member of your family gets a diagnosis - whether it is during pregnancy, as a baby, child, or as an adult.

 

Shine's Virtual Health Hub

Our Virtual Health Hubs provide a free, one-stop health check and advisory service for Shine members aged 18 and over.

The Health Hub offers all-round, online support from our specialist health team about spina bifida and hydrocephalus and related conditions, to support you with understanding your condition more fully, setting your health goals, and supporting your relationships with your healthcare professionals.

The team can advise on continence management, mobility, adaptations and other challenges of daily living, and will also support you in contacting your GP, health professionals, or relevant organisations if you want us to do so. 
 
The online session will be delivered via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, so you will need access to a computer or tablet with audio and a camera for the health check.

If this would be of interest to you, email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk or call 01733 555988 to request an appointment, and we’ll get back to you to arrange a date and time.  

Testimonials about the Virtual Health Hub from our Shine members:

“It’s like having an MOT – you can have all your checks in one go. You are treated as a whole person, rather than in ‘bits’...”

“Some of us are getting older. We need to think about the future. There are things I need to do – I know I need to lose weight and strengthen my arms.’’

“The team gave me practical tips, such as buying a new kettle so it doesn’t strain my shoulder.”

“There is a lack of information, knowing where to go for help. It helps to go through everything together here. Knowing you are not alone. Knowing where to get information. Knowing there is someone there. Even though things are tough you can cope. I can go home happy; I’m alright.”

"Can't thank you guys enough - you have been really helpful and so understanding."