Happy travels

A NHNN patient has helped to introduce a TfL badge for those with hidden illnesses
Last month, Transport for London (TfL)launched a scheme to help those who are less able to stand get a seat when they need one. The 'Please Offer Me A Seat' badge was rolled out after a successful trial – in part thanks to David Barttelot, a regular patient at The National Hospital and supporter of The National Brain Appeal. David is affected by a condition called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which causes muscle weakness. After struggling to get a seat on public transport, he pushed for a meeting with TfL, and was accompanied by National Hospital clinical staff to encourage them that more could be done to support people with 'hidden' illnesses. Now, more than eight years since those initial meetings the badges are finally a reality!

"I am delighted to see that the Please Offer Me A Seat badge has finally won approval and is available to patients like me"

David Barttelot, National Hospital patient

If you struggle to get a seat on public transport in London, it's easy to apply for a free badge and card. There is no need to provide your medical history or supporting evidence from a doctor and you don't have to explain your reasons for the badge with either staff or fellow customers. But do bear in mind that the badge and card doesn't always guarantee you a seat.

Previous years' Letter In Mind artworks from (L-R clockwise) Kevin Eldon; Grayson Perry; Polly Dunbar; and Tim Hopgood

Show your creative side

We have extended the deadline for A Letter in Mind to 28 July 2017 – so you've still got time to sign up, share your talents and send us your arty envelope! This year's theme is 'A Sense of Place', and we have already received more than 135 beautiful artworks – but we like your help to aim for 300 artworks this year, so if you have already registered don't forget to submit your work! 

Once again we have the generous support of artists Grayson Perry, Frank Kiely, Natasha Kidd, Gill Rocca and many, many more. Actor Kevin Eldon is creating a work, as is comedian Jo Brand. Renowned architects Laurie Chetwood and Amin Taha are on board, and illustrators Chris Haughton, Polly Dunbar, Tim Hopgood and Bethan Woollvin have also agreed to take part in our fundraising art exhibition.

Join this illustrious crew and see your work on display at Oxo Tower Wharf's gallery@oxo this September. All artworks will be sold anonymously for £85 and proceeds go back to support projects at Queen Square to improve life for those affected by neurological conditions.