Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
MS society praised for online help
Wellbeing hub a huge support during lockdown
A Coatbridge resident has praised the online support made available for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) during the coronavirus pandemic.
Theresa Campbell has benefited from sessions ranging from yoga to counselling provided by MS Society Scotland’s wellbeing hub.
It has just received a grant of more than £68,000 from the Scottish Government’s neurological framework fund to continue its work throughout the summer, helping people with their physical and mental health.
Theresa was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in 2012, which affects her balance and strength on her right side and means she uses crutches and a walking frame.
She said: “It’s hit me hard because I was so independent before but I’ve become isolated – I can’t go out and even moving about the house is difficult.
“I recently moved to a flat on my own, having lived with family; having recently retired I didn’t like the idea of becoming cut off.
“Some of a group I met up with prior to the pandemic had already accessed the MS Society wellbeing hub and they recommended it, so I thought I’d look into it.”
Theresa, 57, told how she has taken part in continuous blocks of yoga, Pilates and tai chi, as well as accessing counselling and various webinars.
She said of the sessions: “I love them – it gives me some daily exercise and something to get up and dressed for each day, and I’m working my right side, waking up those muscles and getting them used again.
“A lot of the sessions are seated so they’re very accessible; now I’m trying the standing sessions which shows the progress and it’s definitely helped with strength and balance.
“The people taking the sessions are really friendly, helpful and have a good understanding of MS issues, and you get an opportunity to talk to others as you log on.”
She added of the counselling available: “I’d never taken part in it before and wondered if it would work for me – you always think you know your own mind.
“I have a history of just getting on with things, but speaking to a counsellor really helped me to open up.
“It was great speaking to someone impartial and getting the chance to talk about things and how I was feeling.
“It really was a godsend, and I can’t thank it enough for giving me that outlet. The wellbeing hub really lives up to its name – I feel well.”
More than 15,000 people in Scotland live with MS, and the wellbeing hubs aim to help with both physical activity and improving strength, stamina, balance, mobility and fatigue levels; and mental health through reducing anxiety, stress, isolation and loneliness.
Society director Morna Simpkins said: “Access to sessions can make a very real difference to people’s physical and mental health and we’re pleased to be supporting people through what has been a very difficult period.
“Continued backing from the Scottish Government’s neurological framework fund has enabled us to reach more people as they continue to be affected by the pandemic and differing access to services.
“Our team would love to hear from anyone who would like to find out more about what’s on offer.”
Email Wellbeingscotland@mssociety.org. uk or call 0131 335 4050 for more information on the wellbeing hub.