Sunday 25 March 2012

TLC - Tourette's Lifelong Care - is a support group for people with Tourette's Syndrome

TLC - Tourette's Lifelong Care - is a support group for people with Tourette's Syndrome and associated conditions (ADHD, OCD, Aspergers etc.) and their friends and family. The purpose of creating TLC was to provide ground-level support for individuals and families in need, regardless of geographical location and without the requirement for a formal membership. One of the fundamental policies of TLC is that the absolute maximum percentage of funds raised or donated will be channelled towards support.With the intention of providing support and respite to families and individuals living with Tourette Syndrome. Three of our founding members, John Davidson, Paul Stevenson and Stuart 'Chopper' Colquhoun and so with a number of like-minded friends, set the wheels of TLC in motion. written by Stuart 'Chopper' Colquhoun.

54 comments:

  1. Just saw this on TV and if you are still looking for a spot in the US come check out Austin, Texas; This is a great city.

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    1. Hi, many thanks for the reply , in the States you have a summer camp for kids with Tourette syndrome,called camptwitchandshout@gmail.com I wish we had the funding to do this in the UK ,take care

      Paul Stevenson

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  2. Dear Paul,

    I just saw you on TV in the States, also. You, John and Stuart are all wonderful, heroic fellows. We live in a small place in Wisconsin, you're welcome here anytime.

    Lee Martin
    Waukesha, WI. USA

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  3. Many thanks for taking time to comment,and glad you enjoyed the program :)

    Paul

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  4. Just saw the program about you guys. I would have absolutely have no problem hanging out with you guys. It's not your fault that you can't control the tics. I would be more than happy to defend you guys from closed minded idiots who can't understand you problem. There is a local guy with tourettes that a few people wanted to go after and I let them know they would have to go through me first. I'll keep track of this site because I plan on another trip to the UK next spring and think it would be awesome to meet you guys.

    Jim

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  5. Hi Jim,
    its Paul here ,thank you for taking time to respond to the documentary,and thank you for the your words of support,i think by putting ourselves out in the public eye gets folk talking about Tourette's which helps raise awareness, once more many thanks

    Regards

    Paul

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  6. Gidday Paul, Carol and friends

    Just wanted to say hi and thanks for opening my eyes to your condition. God, you couldn't make it up could you? Had to laugh at times while watching the doco, but I was laughing with you, at the bizarre ways the human brain can make us behave!!!

    I reckon that education is key to people understanding your condition and treating you better, so please keep making docos and public appearances, get press and in the media as much as possible and hopefully things will normalise.

    You're awesome people, as are your wives and other supporters. If I win lotto I'll be putting some bucks your way to help.

    LOVE xxx

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    1. Hi, thank you for taking time to reply , many thanks Paul, John and Chopper :)

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  7. Hi guys i suffer from mild tourettes but get new tics regular. i was just wondering if it would be worth you guys travelling around the country and maybe talking to schools about tourettes and teaching young adults about it

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    1. Hi, thank you for taking time to reply , we have spoken to a few teenagers in schools recently , and it was successful :)take care , Paul ,John and Chopper :)

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  8. Hi Paul\John\Stuart,
    Saw the documentary a few days back and really respect the kind of efforts you are taking to live a better life and make others aware of your condition. Hats off to you guys.

    I am not too sure if this can help, but there could be a back door chance. I am from India and an ancient practice in hinduism of chanting the word "OM" is supposed to calm the nerves or help to a certain degree in any kind of disorders. The science behind this is ... the sound "O" followed by the sound "M" creates micro-level vibrations which alleviate\de-alleviate tension\pressure in the nerves. I am not an expert at this but I guess this would have to be done for a prolonged period in order to see some changes.

    Another technique which I have heard of (and I know this has helped a gentleman in reducing the size of brain tumor) is "Bhramari Pranayam".

    If you would be interested you would have to catch hold of a good Yoga Practioner, which I am sure you can find a few in the city of London.

    Thanks,
    Regards,
    Mangesh.

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  9. try marijuana its a proven fact to help people with life long challenges. such as cancer, disorders adhd and etc. . its does not have to be smoked it can be eaten , thc pills, cooked in goodies , even sold thc in drinks, etc. try it and please get back to me let me know what you think..

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  10. iI JUST SAW THE TABOO PROGRAM ABOUT PAUL AND JOHN AND STEWART. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT MAKING A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR TRIPS TO DIFFERENT STORES, SHOPPING, AND FUN THIGS LIKE THAT. WHEN YOU GUYS WERE AT THE SPORTING GOODS STORE WAS SO FUNNY, I JUST COULD NOT QUIT SMILING, AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANYTHING TO SMILE ABOUT SINCE MY SECOND BOUT WITH CANCER. I AM NOT MAKING FUN OF YOU GUYS,AND I CAN APPRECIATE YOUR PLIGHT, BUT, YOU GUYS ARE SOOOO CUTE--YOU SHOULD CASH IN ON THIS THING CALLED TOURETTES. YOU WOULD BE MORE THAN WELCOME TO VISIT MY HOME ANYTIME, WIFE AND KIDS AND YOUR FRIEND TOO, I THINK YOU GUYS ARE VERY BRAVE, AND FUNNY.

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  11. hi guys all our family have seen the programs the one with johnny in 1980 we laughed so hard at them all but we also feel for you too as it mut be so hard when what kind of world we live in people need to wake up n learn about you all youre great been following johnny for years all the document,s glad you can do these things respect for this would love to meet you dale blackpool

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  12. Hi guys my name is Jeremy Boyle. I am 35 years old and dealing with Tourettes all my life, but the last few years it has gotten worse. I have gotten to the point where I hate to go out anywhere. I seen you guys tonight and you have moved me. thanks and God bless you all. PS. Where can I get one of those cool yes I got Tourettes shirt? thanks Jeremy

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    1. Hi Jeremy , sounds like you are having a rough time with your Tourettes really sorry to hear, i struggle every day going out the front door feels like groundhog day every time knowing the reaction and feeling the anxiety that we go through, i try to set myself little goals every day even if its a short walk, i also took up photography and this is a great help being creative taking photos and helps me feel like im going out with a purpose , take care , sending kind regards from the TLC gang, thanks from Paul :)

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  13. Just saw the Taboo program, and after watching figured I would try to find this site to check it out. I do think it is awesome that you have this site, and have found others who have and want to help.

    I really think that a weekly TV show of you guys going around and doing normal things would make a great program to watch and would really open peoples minds, and I'm sure help others with Tourettes. Please look into it.

    TLC would be a great channel to sponsor such a show.

    Good luck, and great job.

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  14. I too just saw the Taboo program and the reason I watched is because I was just diagnosed with Tourettes a little over a year ago. I am 32. The doctors told me that this was extremely rare for someone my age to be diagnosed. This has been such a drastic change for me and my family and it really is a struggle. I am on a medication that seems to help, but there are some days that it is just unbearable. Do you have any suggestions for me? I really would love to have contact with individuals that are my age (not children) that struggle with this and have learned to live with it everyday!

    God Bless,
    Stefanie

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    1. Hi Stefanie,sorry to hear the struggle you have with TS , i agree it does get unbearable,sometime people get the wrong idea about TS and think it is a laugh a minuet having the condition and as we all know its not, i have a few contacts in the USA one guy very inspirational called Myles R. Walker and he is an adult living with TS and knows plenty of support groups in the states i could try to find you some good contacts , please take care sending kind regards from the TLC gang ,

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  15. Hi Stevie... just seen the documentary... You guys are great... I don't have Ts , but i understand fully what you guys are doing... and i think its great the way you are creating awareness... If its any help I play in a rock band and we would love to come and do a charity event for you.... Good look with everything...
    Gazza
    Check the band out on www.thegypsies.weebly.com

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  16. Hello,
    I'm Eddie from Minneapolis. I have a mild of tourettes myself. My ticks are mostly facial but I also have verbal ones in certain social situations. Sometimes I'll get a huge urge to either yell or swear. It's worse when around women....:(. I didn't realize this until I saw you guys on NatGeo. I always thought it was anxiety, which I'm on Paxil for. You guys are really an inspiration. I would really like to get involved with TLC because you guys are doing such a great service. I hope you guys have a good year with the charity. If there's anyway I can help out please let me know.

    Kindest Regards,
    Eddie

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  17. If u guys made a movie u would probably make millions ! U three guys are great, give anything to hang out with you three ! Love u guys from FLORIDA U.S.A.

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  18. I have just seen your program. My symptoms are much much better (less severe) but i can feel you. Actually i am quite lucky. My friends know about my problems (they acept me as me) and i am not under much preassure but on street sometimes i fell unpleasant. Like when showing middle finger. But on the other hand i am quite thankful for TS because i become much more open and aceptable for new things. I started doing yoga and so on.
    Everyone has some problems, but unfortunately people like to stick their nose where it doesnt belong.
    If you are interested in coming to Slovenia for your holiday with TLC i will be glad to come up with some suggestions.

    Peace and Love, dear Paul and company

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  19. I am watching "taboo" on NGC right now and i am so moved ! I hope you guys can make it happen, find a spot to just be you ! I do not have TS, i just wanted to give you guys a high five and big hugs for your family, to support and cope with all of this, just because they love you so much. Lots of love, Marjolijn from the Netherlands

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  20. Hello Mates. Greetings from across the pond in Miami Florida USA!!! You have friends here.

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  21. Hi guys. im in norfolk england my son is now 5 years old and has been diagnosed with tourettes were still in the early stages of specialist appointments. wanted to know if you had any helpfull advise? regards Craig.

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  22. if you do could you plz e-mail me on my work e-mail cwebb@petans.co.uk thanks again regards craig.

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  23. Hi Boys, your story is really touching - I appreciate it a lot. I think every spot is our spot. I want to holiday with you on my side!
    Why aren't there historical figures with Tourette's? Why is it so new?
    Much Love and happiness for you and all yours during the holiday season.

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  24. hi there, I found this site whilst researching tics. I used to throat tic( - which is hard to describe but is physical) as a teenager and that coupled with the compulsion to make a hmm noise too, I was really aware of it but could not control the need to do it. it went away after a few years, but in the last 3/4 months it has come back, does this sound like a Tourette thing or are there other tics that are not connected to Tourette's? any information you could offer would be very much appreciated

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  25. Hey guys,

    We all work at Faurecia in Fradley, UK and we love watching you guys. I have to confess that it makes us giggle but we are laughing with you not at you. It is fascinating how the human brain works - or not. Another gay man

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  26. Hi Friends...My name is Gabriele Biffi...I am an Italian guy ... I live near Milan! I have tourette syndrome since i was born ...! I have so many problems when being a child, now, I have 27 years and I managed to control my syndrome!
    I do so much pleasure that you, as individuals and as a forum or association! ... In Italy there is nothing like assistance....
    Sorry for my English!!!
    Bye

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  27. Paul, John and Stewart,

    You guys are off the chart awesome. I have been able to educate so many people with videos of you guys. Any updates coming soon?

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  28. John, Paul and Stewart,

    You guys are off the chart awesome. I have been able to educate so many people because of these videos. Any updates in the future?

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  29. Watched your episode. And you have a strong wife and family that loves for who you are. Any possibility of an updated episode.

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  30. plz where is this based? how can I contact the support group ? plz email me if u know tlc group contact details hanakhan82@yahoo.co.uk

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  31. I think you guys are amazing and need to continue to educate the human race. We need to be more aware of illness that may be rare, because people are just mean.It seems everyone can be mean to those that seem different. I think Steve has a hard job taking care of 4 children and your wife is a very strong women. Love will conquer all. Stay strong and live your life as normal as possible, do not let the uneducated stifle your life.

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  32. I too like so many others was touched by seeing y'all on the show. I work in the medical cannabis field and would like to offer my expertis

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  33. Hi fellas,
    I just wanted to commend you on your bravery and wish for you all the best in the world. I suffer from severe OCD and your documentary brought me to tears. My struggle doesn't even compare to yours, but I'm still so inspired by your commitment to staying positive. Sending you good vibes from New Orleans.

    ~Eve L.

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  34. I have been trying to contact John for some time now. Such a pure hearted man who remains positive despite adversity. Is there a platform to contact him or is this appropriate. Anne-Marie (pinkyp1968@aol.com

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  35. I have been trying to get hold of John for some time. Is there a platform to do so or is this appropriate? ANNE-MARIE (pinkyp1968@aol.com)

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  36. I have been trying to contact John for some time now. Such a pure hearted man who remains positive despite adversity. Is there a platform to contact him or is this appropriate. Anne-Marie (pinkyp1968@aol.com

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  37. Hi Paul,
    my name is Bernadette, i'm 15 years old and i have tourettes.
    My life is very hard, everyday is a war against everybody i know and i feel lonely and desperate. Even my family can't understand how depressed i am and sometimes i thought about suicide. But one day i saw your documentary and it helped me a lot , now i know i'm not alone anymore. You are my inspiration of life and i dream that one day i could meet you and shake your hand .
    Thanks for everything you done for me. You are an amazing father, husband and friend. Please send me a hug.
    i love u
    Berny

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  38. I heard your story and moved me , you are a great man and an inspiration to all .

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  39. Hi, is it possible to enter the London marathon in support of you guys? If yes let me know and I'll gladly enter to support you.

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  40. If there was only more knowledge syndrome of this when I was younger. I remember getting in trouble in school even though I was diagnosed with TS. Knowledge is power, and I am glad actual cases of tourette's are being shown more publicly even if some people are finding humor in it. So many people do not see how much this is a burden. The worst for me now on top of everything is the physical pain as I got older in places where the tics are the worst. I want to thank all of you for being good sports about everything and for helping others.

    -Z

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  41. If there was only more knowledge syndrome of this when I was younger. I remember getting in trouble in school even though I was diagnosed with TS. Knowledge is power, and I am glad actual cases of tourette's are being shown more publicly even if some people are finding humor in it. So many people do not see how much this is a burden. The worst for me now on top of everything is the physical pain as I got older in places where the tics are the worst. I want to thank all of you for being good sports about everything and for helping others.

    -Z

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  42. hi there i have mild tourettes, my son does as well im 47 yrs old my son is 25 yrs old, im so please you have a great wife and four beautiful children, ive been doing a lot of reading lately and it makes me real happy to read such lovely stories of love and support, i struggle everyday with touretts i make noises when i speak like grunting noises people at work have noticed and ask questions i avoid thier questions, relationships well theyve all been disatarous theyve been embarrassed by me one even called me a freak i hope one day im as lucky as you are steve to me someone as wonderful as your wife

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  43. i have mild touretts, is this group for people to share their views and experiences or just to make friends with people who share the same thing as you

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  44. Hi,
    At Kelso high school S3 are doing the YPI (Youth and philanthropy initiative) challenge, where we pick a social issue and try to give a local charity that needs help with money and give them a total of £3000. we have chose tourettes and was wondering if you know of any charities based locally in the Scottish borders in need of help with money

    many Thanks

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  45. Hello John, Paul and Stuart,

    how are you doing? I would love to get some update information about you.

    Sending support and love from the Czech Republic.
    Jana

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  46. Much love and support from myself. You all are very brave for going on the TV and talking about your syndrome. I hope all is well with you. God bless you all. ~Klaus

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  47. really inspired by your work and efforts. keep up great work guys.

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  48. Hi guys! Any chance of buying a t-shirt from guys?

    Best regards Kari

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  49. Hello Paul
    just saw your programme on tv in Poland, you are all very brave people and wish you
    all the best!!!

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