COMMUNITY
Fifth Sense Hubs
Our network of Hubs provide opportunities for localised medical engagement and patient support, wider awareness-raising (through working with other relevant organisations and pubic engagement activity) and fundraising. They are built on the principle of one or more trained volunteer patients (Hub Pioneer) recruited from Fifth Sense membership working in partnership with a specialist Rhinology clinic (partner clinicians).
Newcastle/The North East Support Hub
Fifth Sense has a support hub in Newcastle which has run informal meet-ups for members of the group in the Newcastle area.
If you are based in Newcastle or surrounding areas and would like to join the group then you can email us at Newcastle@fifthsense.org.uk
Hub Activity
March 2020
It was great to have been invited by the Northern Acquired Brain Injury Forum to talk to members in Middlesborough. Fifth Sense Newcastle Hub member Michele. talked about her experiences and how she lives with anosmia caused by a head injury.
November 2018
Following the success of the first Patient Information Day this lead to a further event which was held on 24th November 2018 where Fifth Sense members came together with clinicians from Freeman Hospital/Newcastle University, sensory mapmaker Kate McLean and her colleague Rachel Hancock to discuss A Patient’s Journey Through The Healthcare System – further details to follow soon.
January – August 2018
Following the event and at the request of our local members, the Newcastle hub arranged regular ‘Meet ups’ which took place throughout the year. Members got together for a coffee and a catch up where they could talk to others who understand what it’s like to live with Anosmia.
September 2018
In September 2018 Joanne and fellow Fifth Sense member, Chris Harrison, attended a Headway Tyneside meeting and talked to group members about the impact of olfactory loss.
September 2017
Fifth Sense Newcastle held their first Patient Information Day in conjunction with clinicians from the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and researchers from Newcastle University on 30th September 2017.
Fifth Sense North East Hub member Joanne
Joanne lives in Newcastle and has worked in various coordinating and training roles throughout her career. She has experience working with young talent and in adult education and has worked closely with schools and other educational providers.
Joanne has suffered from Parosmia as a result of a bad cold which happened in July 2015. Whilst researching the condition she came across Fifth Sense and also learned about local ENT Consultant Mr Sean Carrie at Newcastle Freeman Hospital, who has been involved with local information days and events.
She is passionate about supporting people, grateful and proud to be part of the Fifth Sense community.
Scotland Support Hub
Fifth Sense has a support hub in Scotland which is run by volunteer member Julie Wilson. She organises regular (pre-pandemic) Taster Lunches where members join together to share taste experiences and sample food from local food outlets.
If you are based in Scotland and would like to join the group then click the button below to email Julie.
Hub Activity
November 2020
We hosted our first Virtual Hub Meeting for Scotland. A dozen of Fifth Sense Scottish members joined together to talk all things smell and taste and we found it was a great platform to bring people from Aberdeen to Ayr together and plan to do more in 2021.
July 2016
A number of Fifth Sense members attended an information day hosted by ENT Consultant Surgeon Mr Paul White and colleagues at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
The event was organised by Julie, Mr White, and Mr Richard Green. Click here to read more on what was a positive and useful meeting for clinicians and Fifth Sense members alike.
Fifth Sense Scotland Hub Pioneer Julie
Julie has had careers in the legal sector, the NHS, the charity sector and is now a self-employed sign language interpreter and electronic note taker for disabled people. She discovered Fifth Sense when she read an article in The Observer about the charity, and due to having Anosmia for years, with no diagnosis, she contacted Fifth Sense.
Subsequently Julie enjoys looking after the Fifth Sense Scottish hub and has organised a patient information day and several ‘tasteless’ lunches for members based in Scotland, who may have any of the smell and/or taste disorders Fifth Sense support.
Liverpool/The North West Hub
Fifth Sense has a support hub in Liverpool supporting people across the North West. The Hub will be launching on Friday 10th September 2021 and you can register to join us in person to attend our first patient information day.
The Hub will be run by volunteer members Janet Hothershall and Tracey McDonagh and attended by the Liverpool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust clinicians and third sector partners.
They will be there to meet everyone at the launch and will be organising future meetups and events across the region.
If you are based in North West England and would like to join the Hub then you can email us at Liverpool.Northwest@fifthsense.org.uk
Hub Activity
Join us on Friday 10th September 2021 at our first Hub event. The event is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, is free to attend and will run from 12noon to 4.30pm to launch the creation of this network. You will have the opportunity to talk with local people who experience smell and taste disorders, hear from and be able to talk with specialist clinicians and meet with other third sector organisations. Come along and get involved – a warm welcome awaits. To book a place click here