Welcome to Medway Neurological Network Website
We are an umbrella Community Support Group for the neurological charities/ support groups active in Medway, Kent, UK
Our AIM: To be the voice of all those affected by neurological conditions in Medway - a single point of access
Our Mission:
- To defend and improve the quality of health and social care services available to those with neurological conditions
- To raise awareness of neurological conditions in Medway and the support services that are available
- To campaign for improved disability services and facilities
- To promote and support services/ therapies/ research projects aimed at improving health & wellbeing, e.g. Medway Skylarks
Our Participants: Currently we have 15 neurological charities and support groups participating in our Network, and we are also fully engaged with 15 major service providers in Medway. All of our participants are invited to attend our AGM and General meetings. For a full list of our participants, and links to their websites, please see our Participants page
To view or download our MNN Flyer, please click HERE.
Our Contacts: Email: info@medwayneuro.org.uk Facebook: Medway Neurological Network Twitter: @medwayneuro1
Please click on the images below to find out about our Activities, Medway Skylarks and our Awareness Events.
Medway Skylarks
We help organise & promote this singing & movement (Sing to Beat Parkinson's) group, that has proven therapeutic benefits for all neurological conditions -
see our videos.
Awareness Events
We help promote our Participant's own awareness events and also organise our own, such: Medway Neuro-tech 25 on 4 September 2025; Medway Neuro Arts Festival 2019 & the Medway Neuro-Fair 2018.
STOP PRESS
1. Bread of Life Neuro-cafe: Next open Tuesday 25 August, 10am to 12 Noon. Address: 17, Darnley Road, Strood, ME2 2EU.
2. Jasper's Neuro-cafe: Sorry CLOSED Friday 17 July, 1p to 3pm.
Jasper's neuro-cafe will be closed for a summer break; it re-opens on 4 September.
3. Medway Skylarks: Is CLOSED for a summer break. Next Skylarks is on Saturday 12 September at University of Greenwich. See the Skylarks TAB for more details.
4. Medway Neuro-Tech 25(Flyer)
KMTV REPORT MEDWAY NEURO-TECH 25 BROADCAST ON 5 SEPTEMBER
See it now on this LINK .
Medway Neurological Network, in association with Kyndi Assistive Technology Services, and the Universities at Medway, held his event on 4 September 2025. We had 38 information stalls and a full programme of eminent speakers. For more information, including reports, photos, and videos as they come in please press the Neurotech25 TAB for details.
North Kent Rehabilitation & Wellbeing Fair, September 2027
NOTICE: Medway Neurological Network is looking for organisations or individuals who are willing to join the planning team for this event.
We are also looking for organisations willing to work in association with us, and for potential sponsors.
Please contact: info@medwayneuro.org.uk
to express your interest.
Purpose: To highlight the benefits of exercise, nutrition and wellbeing activities for those living with a neurological condition.
Celebrating Rare Diseases Day in MedwayFriday 27 February 2026 at Medway Adult Education Centre, Eastgate, Rochester - Report.
Medway Neurological Network organised this event to help raise awareness of neurological rare diseases.
We were honoured that the Mayor of Medway, the Worshipful Cllr. Trevor Clarke and Lady Mayoress Mandy Clarke, accepted our invitation to open the event. The Mayor gave a very well informed, and at times humorous, address.
Please click on the picture of the mayor to see a short film composed of video clips of his talk.
There was a good attendance of 25 people including representatives of: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Support Group, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Multiple System Atrophy Trust, and the Transverse Myelitis Society.
We were treated to a full programme of eminent speakers, see below.
We would like to thank: Phil Bungay for organising this event; Dan Mace for providing a free venue at Medway Adult Education; and Louise Bungay for serving refreshments purchased from Jasper's Cornerstone Cafe.
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Video Clips of Rare Diseases Day 26 Talks
Clare Delap, Head of Communications and Engagement at Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, presented a talk on Equity in Healthcare. Please Click HERE to see her Powerpoint presentation and please click on her photo to see video clips of her talk.
Professor David Wilkinson, Director of Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapy and Pro Vice-Chancellor University of Kent, spoke on Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonisms.
Please click on picture to the left to see video clips of his talk.
Prof. David Oliver, University of Kent, President of Mid-Kent Branch of Motor Neurone Disease Association, spoke on Diagnosis and support for people living with a rare neurological disease.
Please click on his picture, to the left, to see video clips of his talk. Click HERE to see David's presentation.
Dr Thomas Akoensi, Senior Lecturer on Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Kent, and Trustee of Medway Neurological Network gave the opening talk on What is a Rare Disease.
Please click on his picture to the left to see video clips of his talk.
Please click HERE to see a transcript of his talk.
Medway Neurological Network 10-Year Anniversary Cake-Cutting by Brigadier Peter Gilbert Deputy Lieutenant of Kent at Medway Neuro-Tech25
Please click on the picture to see a video clip.
Brigadier Peter Gilbert DL was Principal Guest at Medway Neuro-Tech25 Networking Lunch. He kindly agreed to lead the cutting of the 10-year Anniversary Cake ceremony, helped by Phil Bungay and Martin Nagler who are co-founders of Medway Neurological Network.
The cake, baked by Phil's wife Louise, was delicious. Needless to say, it was soon consumed by over 250 participants at the event.
Brigadier Peter Gilbert DL was Principal Guest at Medway Neuro-Tech25 Networking Lunch. He kindly agreed to lead the cutting of the 10-year Anniversary Cake ceremony, helped by Phil Bungay and Martin Nagler who are co-founders of Medway Neurological Network.
The cake, baked by Phil's wife Louise, was delicious. Needless to say, it was soon consumed by over 250 participants at the event.
Bread of Life Cafe 3rd Anniversary Celebrations, 12 November 2025
Phil Bungay and Martin Nagler represented Medway Neurological Network at this event, and are pictured here with the Worshipful Mayor of Medway Cllr Trevor Clarke.
John Western addressed a very crowded cafe and told us how he and his Team had renovated a derelict building to give us this splendid accessible cafe and micro-bakery. It was set-up to be a small community hub and is now used by many local charities and support groups, including MNN.
Two of the regular patrons gave a short testimony as to how the cafe had helped them. John thanked his volunteers for their great work and said that some had gone on to get paid jobs in the hospitality sector..
The Mayor of Medway then endorsed the good work of Bread of Life and called upon his Chaplain, the Revd. Edward Wright, to say a prayer of thanks for the cafe and for a successful future.
Manchester Rare Disease Showcase, 26 November 2025
Phil Bungay represented The Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Support group, and Medway Neurological Network, at this event. The picture shows Phil with Estelle Marshall.
The showcases had approximately 25 charities in attendance, and there were a series of talks by eminent speakers, see the Programme via the link below.
In addition to the curated programme, a selection of delegates also took to the stage with their own lightning talks; fast-paced, five-minute presentations about their work.
This event was organised by Beacon for Rare Conditions.
To see the Programme, please click the button below.
CONVERSATION ON WELFARE CHANGESMeeting - Friday 6 June 2025, 17.30 to 19.30 hrsMidKent College, Medway Campus
This was a chance to speak directly with Councillors and MPs about how the Government's
Welfare Reforms may impact disabled people in Medway.
The panel, pictured, comprised left to right: Cllr Teresa Murray (Deputy leader Medway Council & Chair Health & Wellbeing Board), Naushabah Khan MP (Gillingham & Rainham), Dr Linda Nicolaides (Chair Medway Neurological Network), Cllr Satinder Shokar (Medway Strood West), and Sophie Fournel (CEO Disability Assist for Independent Living)
A Zoom recording of this meeting can be viewed HERE
Organised by: Disability Assist • Medway Neurological Network • Disability Medway Network
Medway Neurological Network aims to retain its political neutrality
Medway Neurological Network AGM 2025
The MNN AGM was held on 9 April at the University of Greenwich.
We were honoured that Brigadier Peter Gilbert QVRM TD DL V joined us via zoom, and we were also pleased that Councillor Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Chair of the Medway Council Health and Wellbeing Board, participated.
The AGM discussed the Government's Disability Benefits green paper that looks to encourage people back to work by making it harder to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This has caused considerable concern within MNN and the wider disability community. Cllr. Satinder Shokar (present at the AGM) had prepared a motion to Medway Council that expressed concern about some of the proposals. MNN had drafted its own response, addressed to the Council. Phil Bungay presented the MNN position emphasising the need for fluctuating conditions needs to be fully acknowledged during PIP assessments.
Other topics discussed included: Removal of time restrictions on disabled bus passes; the MNN Neuro-hub proposal; and raising the profile of neurology in order to maintain and improve neurological services in Medway and Swale.
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Rare Diseases Awareness DayCelebrated at Jasper's Neuro-cafe, 21 February 2025
This MNN Neurological Rare Conditions event was honoured by the participation of the High Sheriff of Kent, Dr Gill Fargher
Laura MacDonald, Carecircle Technology Ltd (Chief Product and Partnership Officer) outlined the application of her companies secure medical digital database to the diagnosis and treatment of rare neurological conditions. She used, as an example, her work with the Wales Rare Case Centre.
Acacia Sooklal, Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board (Lead Integrated Care Pharmacist) described her role in developing medication policy. She was focussed on 'Aging well', Frailty, and medication in care homes.
The High Sheriff of Kent, Dr Gill Fargher (far right in large picture), said that she had been a GP for 32 years and was nearing the end of her tenure as High Sheriff. Historically the post had been very powerful in the provision of administrative justice. Now the role is less powerful, but still carries a high level of responsibility.
Rare conditions charities represented at this event: Ataxia UK; Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) Support Group; Huntingdon's Disease Association; Motor Neurone Disease Association; Multiple System Atrophy Trust; and Transverse Myelitis Society.
Michael and Jane Bennett, HSP Support Group, posted this REPORT on the event, on the HSP website.
Neurological Alliance Parliamentary Reception, 16 January 2025
In furtherance of the '1 in 6' Campaign, the Neurological Alliance held a Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons.
Phil Bungay represented the Medway Neurological Network, accompanied by Rochester and Strood MP, Lauren Edwards. The aim of the reception was to inform and educate parliamentarians about the experience and challenges of living with a neurological condition.
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MNN AGM 2024
The very well attended MNN AGM was held on Wednesday 27 March at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. The keynote speaker was Cedi Frederick, Chair of the Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board. His very informative talk engendered searching question from CEO Neurological Alliance England, Georgina Carr, and CEO of Parkinson's UK, Caroline Rassell - and many others. Please click below to see our AGM Newsletter report.
MNN Information:
1. Medway Skylarks provided by Music4Wellbeing in association with Medway Neurological Network. Skylarks is CLOSED for a summer break. Next session: Saturday 12 September, in the Nelson Building. The weekly sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 10am to 12 noon at the University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, see the. FLYER for more details. To register, please email: welcome@music4wellbeing.org.uk
2. Rareminds: Mental Health for the rare conditions community. New Wellbeing Hub is now live. Provides support for individuals living with rare conditions. Please click HERE to see the summer Rareminds newsletter.
3. Neurological Alliance (England)
i). Has launching a campaign to achieve a clinical neuroscience workforce fit for the future. This is a united call to action.
Ahead of the NHS 10-Year Workforce Plan, over 30 organisations have endorsed our consensus statement, “A united call to action: Delivering a clinical neuroscience workforce fit for the future in England”. The statement brings together professional bodies and national health charities with a united call to strengthen the clinical neuroscience workforce. It sets out solutions to today’s challenges and actions needed to secure a workforce fit for the future. Crucially, expanding the workforce is essential to improve services, care and outcomes for people with neurological conditions.
ii). Neurological Alliance (England) has published the results of My Neuro Survey 2024.
They show:
- Just 1 in 3 respondents felt the health care they receive meets their needs.
- Almost half (48%) do not feel supported by the health system.
- Over a quarter of people couldn’t access a neurologist or specialist nurse in the past year.
- More than 4 in 10 said they don’t know who to contact between appointments.
- Three quarters said their condition impacts their ability to work or study; 6 in 10 are struggling financially.
iii). New NHS Service Specification for Adult Neurology has been published
Neurological Alliance (England) has contributed to this standard and has published the announcement on its website. The standard sets minimum service requirements for both specialised neurology services and core (ICB commissioned) neurology services across the country.
Neurological Alliance (England) has contributed to this standard and has published the announcement on its website. The standard sets minimum service requirements for both specialised neurology services and core (ICB commissioned) neurology services across the country.
4. Bread of Life Neuro-cafe , 17 Darnley Road, Strood, ME2 2EU: Next open on Tuesday 25 August, 10am to Noon. This Neuro-cafe is open on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 10am to noon, see this flyer. To see a video of Medway Skylarks performing 'Bye Bye Love' at the launch ceremony with: the Mayor of Medway Cllr. Nina Gurung; the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Brig. Peter Gilbert; and the Medway Singers, please click HERE.
To see a video of the Neuro-cafe launch event please click HERE. To see the Mayor of Medway's photo-compilation of the Launch, please click HERE.
5. Jasper's Neuro-cafe, Rochester Community Hub (First Floor), Eastgate, Rochester ME1 1EW
Jasper's is CLOSED on Friday 17 July 2026 . Jasper's is closed for a summer break; re-opens on 4 September. Weekly on Fridays during term time, hosted by a rota of neurological charities, 1pm to 3pm. For more information please see the Medway Neuro-cafe tab, and this FLYER
6. St Augustine’s Place of Welcome, Neuro-Information Point. 192, Rock Road, Gillingham, ME7 5PW. Manned stall on 4th Wednesday of month, 9 to 11am. Light refreshments and activities including crafts provided by Medway Adult Education; look out for the MNN banner.
Next St Augustine's stall: 26 August 2026. 7. Walter-Brice Centre Neuro-Information Point, Tilley Close, Hoo, ME3 9AE: This Neuro-Information Stall will be open on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10am to noon; next Information Stall, 4 August 2026. Please click HERE to see the flyer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80O5MOfx9xM
Medway Neurological Network is a member of Medway Voluntary Action and is on the JOY database of approved service providers.
9. Medway NHS Foundation Trust (Medway Maritime Hospital. Please click HERE to see the News at Medway - April 2026. Miracle baby. Specialist Wheelchairs Enhance Patient Support. Medway League of Friends has provided 4 Tilt--in-Space wheelchairs for people with neurological conditions. Team Lead Neuro-physiotherapist Michael Saramba said: We’re really pleased to have these wheelchairs, which will significantly enhance the quality of neurotherapy services we provide to our patients. Even a relatively small change like introducing this new equipment can make a meaningful difference to their comfort and care.
10. Key to Care, MS Awareness Event, 24 April 2024, Eastgate House: Home Instead, in association with Medway Neurological Network and the Multiple Sclerosis Society conducted a deep-dive into provision of care for those living with multiple sclerosis, see this FLYER for more information. There were presentations by the MS Society, Disability Assist , and Kent MS Therapy Centre followed by light refreshments at a pop-up Neuro-cafe. A lack of Neuro-psychological serves in Medway was identified as a major gap in service provision. See the Awareness Events tab for more information.
11. Dementia Awareness Day Event, 15 April 2024, Rochester Cathedral. Anna Chaplaincy in association with the Open University organised this event. Please Click HERE to see the programme. The keynote talk was by Dr Jitka Vseteckova, School of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Open University; 'The Five Pillars for Aging Well' - click HERE for a photo. Adrian Bawtree, Director of Music and Organist at Rochester Cathedral, then led a community singing session; please click HERE
to see a video clip of 'Early One Morning'. Medway Neurological Network/ Non-visible Disability Initiative had a stall at this event - click HERE to see a picture. There is an excellent report on this event on the Rochester Cathedral website, on this LINK .
12. Kent & Medway Integrated Care System (ICS): The Kent and Medway Integrated Care System is a partnership of organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up health and care services to improve the lives of people across Kent and Medway. The ICS has four key purposes:
- improving outcomes in population health and healthcare;
- tackling inequalities in outcomes, experience and access;
- enhancing productivity and value for money;
- supporting broader social and economic development.
See News For You, 26 September 2024: Our annual general meeting, book your vaccinations, protect toddlers from flu.
13. Medway and Swale Health and Care Partnership (M&SHCP): Is one of four Health and Care Partnerships within the Kent & Medway ICS. A wide range of stakeholders are involved in the Medway and Swale’s health and care partnership, including the acute hospital, community healthcare providers, the mental health trust, councils, and commissioning colleagues, as well Healthwatch representatives.
14. Medway Women's History Month: Featuring Sue Bulpin (FND Action), Sam Ramp (Dyslexic Poet), and Kate Belmonte (Mutual Aid Road Reps) feature in 'Overcoming Adversity - Medway's Female Community Doers' at the Net on Saturday 22 March 2025. See this LINK for details.
15. Walking Football, Tuesday mornings 10am to 11am, Chatham Town football ground, see FLYER for details. Organised by Parkinson's UK, Medway groups, but open to all living with a neurological condition.
16. New Year's Honours List: Many congratulations to Dr Patricia (Trish) Vella-Burrows, Co-Director Music4Wellbeing, on being awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Wellbeing. Trish founded Medway Skylarks and Music4Wellbeing trains 'Sing to Beat Parkinson's' facilitators and runs 'Create Well' sessions.
17. New Alzheimer Drug, Lecanemab: KMTV report, 30 November. Please click HERE to see report, including local Medway reaction provided by Lorraine Brown..
18. Garden Party - NVDi in Action: Raising awareness of Non-Visible Disabilities and showcasing the work of the Medway Non-Visible Disability Initiative (NVDi): Eastgate Gardens 22 July 2022 For a report please visit MedwayNVDi.org.uk.
19. Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Webinar: Phil Bungay participated in this webinar, hosted by NHS England. It included talks by: Geogina Carr, the CEO of the Neurological Alliance; Wendy, who gave an talk on being a patient living with Dystonia; Dr Jason Price a Consultant Neurophycologist at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough; Dr Michael Dilley from the Wolfeson Neuro-reabilitation Services at St Georges Hospital; SW London, and Phil a person living with Parkinson's.
This webinar was part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme by NHS England. The IAPT programme began in 2008 and has transformed the treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England.
To access this very interesting webinar please click HERE.
Parkinson's World Awareness Day events, 11 April 2023
Medway Neurological Network organised two events to commemorate this day; please click HERE to see the University of Kent report.
i). Voluntary Community Sector Information Fair, 11am to 3pm at The Paddock Island, Chatham, ME4 4NZ (between the Pentagon Shopping Centre and the Bus Station).
This event enabled over 20 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations, such the Alzheimer's Society, the MS Society and Parkinson’s UK to promote their local services. In addition, a combined community choir, led by the Medway Skylarks (a fun singing and rhythmic movement Group for people with neurological conditions) performed at midday. The Queen's Gurkha Engineers supported this event by providing tents and a marquee and also provided Pipes & Drum accompaniment to the opening ceremony; performed by the Mayor of Medway Cllr. Jan Aldous. We are also pleased to announce that the Lord Lieutenant of Kent asked Mr Bill Cockcroft DL to represent her at this event.
ii). A fundraising meal was held at the Gurkha Brothers Restaurant, ME4 4FS, 6pm to 9pm, on behalf of the Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT) and the Nepalese Parkinson's Disease Association. A raffle organised by Home Instead was held on the night. The Director of the new Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapy, Prof. David Wilkinson, hosted the event. The event was opened by the Worshipful Mayor of Medway, Cllr Jan Aldous, and VIP attendees included: Mr Bill Cockcroft, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent; Lt Col Guy Cheeseman, Commandant of the Royal School of Military Engineering; Lt Col Ryan Castro, Commandant of The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers. The Queen's Gurkha Engineers piped in the food.
There was a video calls from Sudhir Krishnan (Krish), who is trekking in the Himalayas to raise funds for PCIT (click HERE to see his video report) & to donate to Krish's fundraiser please visit his Just Giving page.
Munal Subedi, President of the Nepalese PD Association, video called from Kathmandu to tell us about the work of this charity. Neil Bindemann , Director of Person-Centred Neurosciences Society (P-CNS) also gave a presentation of his work, including launching 'Cafe Neuro Kafe' to tackle loneliness and isolation in people living with neurological conditions.
