Support
The
MS Society provides support services to help persons affected
by MS effectively manage and cope with the disease. Support
services often include components such as supportive listening,
interviewing, provision of information and problem solving.
Support Counseling
The
MS Society offers support counselling, which includes providing
factual information on MS, assistance focusing on a client's
own needs and identifying sources of available assistance (such
as medical, community and government resources) with a view
to embarking on a course of action. The process primarily seeks
to support individuals and help family members manage the disease
and its impact.
Support and Self-Help Groups
Self-help
groups are an informal way to link people with common concerns.
All self-help programs have the same goals. To give and receive:
- Emotional
support
- Practical
ideas in dealing with problems common to members of the
group
Self-help
is based on the idea that no one knows more about a problem
than those living with it. Each person is an expert having learned
from his/her own experiences.
In a self-help
group, individuals share not only their problems but also their
successes. Sharing and talking with others who have had either
the same or similar experiences, helps people to discover they
are not alone and that there are others who understand what
they are going through.
Support
and self-help programs don't solve problems, but they do offer
realistic support, encouragement and hope.
Recreation and Social Programs
Recreation programs are generally established to meet
an identified need. The goals of the program are:
- To
have fun
- To
accentuate the positive
- To
encourage people with MS to try new things
- To
rediscover old pleasures
- To
regain self confidence
- To
have opportunities to interact with others
- To
socialize in an atmosphere of comraderie
Recreational
programs can take many forms. Some chapters have developed swimming
programs, tai chi, yoga classes, social activities, day
away programs and summer programs.
Other chapters have developed partnerships with local community
groups or organizations who provide programs that accommodate
persons with physical disabilities. For example YMCA,
March of Dimes, Centres for Independent Living, etc.
Social programs are often chapter related and offered
for a variety of reasons. The most common social events include
Christmas parties and summer barbeques. These events can serve
to reinforce and celebrate the efforts of the chapter as a whole
as well as give members the opportunity to meet face to face
and interact on a social basis.
In Your Community
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