Here are some examples the types of project that Kendal & District Lions have been involved in:
Ruby Fund Hospital Garden Project
As part of their 40th charter celebration, Kendal & District Lions chose to donate part of their Ruby Fund towards creating an enjoyable garden area next to the Dunmail Day Hospital at Westmorland General in Kendal. The aim is to create a pleasant outdoor sitting area for patients and staff alike to enjoy, as well as including a practical herb garden that could be used by the staff. This is still very much a work in progress, as you can see by the photos below, but we hope to be able to show you some updated photos soon!
Work underway at the hospital garden project: before and after shots.
Message In A Bottle
Have You Got the Bottle? 
I am referring to the Lions “Message in a Bottle” Emergency Information Scheme. This scheme is primarily intended for those with a medical condition and provides the emergency services with vital information, should the need arise.
It is a national scheme and is supported by all of the emergency services and NHS Primary Care Trusts.
How does it work?
The “bottle” is in fact a labelled plastic container. It contains a form that provides details of a person’s medical condition(s), medication, and allergies, including any to specific drugs. It also provides details of the patient’s Dr, next of kin and anyone that is dependant on the named person e.g. a child to be picked up from school, an elderly relative in need of daily care etc. If more that one person in the household has a medical condition, each fills in a form and all forms go in the one bottle. There is space on the form for a recent photograph for ease of identification. In an emergency this will save vital diagnostic time and allows next of kin to be informed, and dependants supported. The “bottle” is kept in the fridge and two small stickers, unique to the scheme and known to the emergency services and other caring agencies, are attached within the house, one to the fridge door and the other just inside the front door.
If you drive a car, then you can keep a bottle in the glove compartment and place a sticker on the windscreen. It could be a lifesaver in the event of a road accident.
To date Kendal Lions have distributed upwards of 12,000 bottles in the Kendal area and about 1,250,000 nationally by Lions Clubs across the country.
Do you use the scheme? Bottles with forms and stickers for home and/or car are available free in The Lions’ Charity Bookshop in Elephant Yard Shopping Centre and in most Doctors’ Surgeries.
Text: Lion Malcolm Benson
Image: weymouthlionsclub.co.uk
'Recovery' therapeutic exercise swimming sessions
Recovery is an hour long swimming session, staffed by volunteer helpers, including a physiotherapist to provide advice, which takes place on a Saturday morning at Kendal Leisure Centre, between 10.30am and 11.30am. A second session runs on Monday morninings, from 10am to 11am.
The sessions is open to anyone suffering from post operative, muscular or osteopathic problems, etc. who might benefit from exercise. The water temperature is increased for these sessions.
For further information contact Kevin Jones on 01539 729574
Young Leaders in Service
A project aimed at young people (aged between 11 and 18) where they pledge time to providing a community service, either through schools and organisations or their own means.
100 hours = gold award
50 hours = a silver award
The Young Leaders can gain a certificate, badge and a letter from the President of Lions Clubs International, recognising the work that has been done.
For futher information, consult: www.lionsmd105.org
