MS support project to open up to all sufferers

Successful scheme set to expand after just one year of helping Taysiders

A support service for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is expanding to help more people just one year after launching.

The My MS, My Way: Tayside project has already helped 83 newly-diagnosed people access support, counselling and information since it launched last May.

Initially designed to help people diagnosed within the last five years, it has been so successful volunteers have vowed to now support anyone affected by MS in Tayside.

It helps provide access to free, oneto-one, confidential counselling, peer support sessions and exercise classes, all of which has been moved online or delivered remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tayside has the highest rate of the condition on the Scottish mainland, while Scotland has one of the largest proportions in the world, with more than 15,000 people living with MS.

The condition damages nerves and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.

Morna Simpkins, director of MS

Society Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be opening up this project to anyone affected by MS in Tayside after the great benefit that people saw who engaged with it in its first year.

“We will offer support to anyone affected by the condition to help improve their emotional wellbeing, selfmanagement skills and resilience, to live well with MS.

“We have listened to the MS community in Tayside and the My MS, My Way: Tayside project is shaped by them and the support they wanted to see.”

The project has received funding for two years from the National Lottery Community Fund and the NHS Tayside Community Innovation Fund.

Dr Briony Waddell, consultant neurologist at NHS Tayside, said: “Access to emotional support and information can be incredibly beneficial for anyone wherever they might be in their MS journey.

“This project gives people an opportunity to hear from others in a similar situation, pick up skills and hear more from healthcare professionals and therapists to help manage their MS.

“I’ve been pleased to be involved in some of the webinars since the start of lockdown and having the chance to speak to people directly about how the current climate can affect treatments and care has been very welcome.”

To find out more about the My MS, MYWay: Tayside project, call 01382 938 082 or visit mssociety.org.uk/tayside

We’re delighted to be opening up this project to anyone affected by MS in Tayside... MORNA SIMPKINS, DIRECTOR OF MS SOCIETY SCOTLAND

Multiple sclerosis is a condition which damages nerves and makes it harder to do everyday things.