An Unhappy Bunny

[catherinem]

I’m feeling fed up. The role of the support group co-ordinator is a thankless job, that’s why I’m feeling somewhat out of sorts. I’ve inherited what most people would say is a good personality trait. I’ve inherited this trait from my Daddy (see picture, there he is, some say he looks a bit like George Galloway) he’s the man who you would find digging a friend out of the snow, wrestling an unruly bullock, changing the oil in your car (you only asked him how to change the air filter) and then helping a friend to move house, then realises that he’s not eaten any dinner and missed Eastenders. Friends and family regard it as a positive trait except when there’s a realisation that he’s no where to be found and he’s doing another “favour” for someone, but in reality it can be a negative trait, particularly when some take it fro granted that certain things will get done, or a certain person will help you out. My gripe is that being the support group co-ordinator is a bit like that, you are juggling the needs and wishes of others before your own, although you do get a sense of accomplishment when you are appreciated and a great sense of belonging when you do manage to successfully get people together working towards the same goal. I think what is being overlooked are my own needs, I’m a ticcer too, I get tired, using public transport to travel to meetings can be tiring, it’s not just the tics it’s the effort, I don’t exactly blend in on public transport, strangers at times can be downright hostile towards me, so for me getting to places, especially outside Coventry takes a lot of effort on my part – not to mention financially, I am unemployed and somewhat skint. As well as trying to juggle the needs of everyone, there are the logistical problems to think about – those who have come to meetings have experienced my somewhat damaged cakes that have fallen foul to my bad timekeeping (running for the bus / train), there is also the balancing of the group funds liaising with people to book suitable venues, another task that due to my TS can be difficult. Luckily I have built up a relationship with two venues who don’t hang up on me when the coprolalia kicks in. This morning I received a couple of pieces of news wit regards to our group, yes! Nuneaton & Bedworth Council have booked a room at my local community centre, and no! Several people are unable to make it. In the larger scheme of things this isn’t good, KVCC is the last of our local amenities, and N&BBC are looking to close it if it doesn’t get used enough by the local community, that would mean as well as losing the youth club we would also lose, a playgroup, Brownies, Guides, Jobclub, Miner’s Welfare advice sessions, IT classes, Art & craft classes….the list goes on. If I have to cancel this meeting due to lack of support/turnout I will have to cancel again, I also have to balance the decision of carrying on (spending my Saturday afternoon, sitting on my own at KVCC and the group being a bit poorer) or cancelling the meeting thus saving the group money? You can see now why I’m not a happy bunny, it’s very disheartening when you put in a lot of effort, both in time and emotion and it comes to nothing. I did feel like throwing the towel in this morning, but I’ll persevere, I still have yet to meet up with some fellow villagers to discuss accessing funding for local community groups – but I feel that it’s pointless having a pot of money to spend and nobody taking advantage of this help, maybe I should use the funding I have got to revive the village youth club?

[mermaidmom]

Our group meets at night (7:00 - 8:30) and that seems to be easier for people to actually get to. Maybe you would have better luck trying that for one meeting?

[catherinem]

Where's your group based? I just felt that Saturdays would be easier, as it's not nice coming back from Brum on thr train in thr dark and some people come quite far. Also this particular meeting was intended for the parents and kids benefit, hence the choice of venue. I'd hate to have to call the council to cancel it, if I do that I feel like that I've messed them around and that we'd never be able to use council facilities again. When I ask the group what would be best for them I don't seem to get any answers.