March - The Multiple Sclerosis Society

Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. The severity of the disease varies markedly among sufferers and is characterised by a multiple, patchy pattern of disabilities. These may vary in site and time with unpredictable episodes of disease activity and remission. It often starts in early adult life and the type of long-term damage it causes will depend on which part of the nervous system has been affected

Our local group aims to be self-supporting although allied to the national society and are very appreciative of our help. They are very clear that any money raised locally is used locally. There is a very strong emphasis on welfare and they provide respite care or holidays that benefit both the person with MS and their families. The reduction of funding to Social Services makes this a particular problem as they rarely have suitable respite provision for young sufferers. What young person would consider it a holiday to be accommodated with elderly frail people? Help can be given towards adaptations, appliances or aids that are not supplied by statutory bodies and again, more people will be looking to charities as Social Services provides less. With the awareness that suffers of MS may have young families there is concern for the needs of these young carers and they have a specific young carers fund. Money is also made available for people with MS who want to access further education.

The Society wishes to be accessible for anyone affected by MS and can be easily contacted. A monthly Newsletter is produced and they are very active and hold regular meetings for members. Coffee mornings for carers are usually at garden centres, and the next one will be at the Fosseway Garden Centre, Moreton in Marsh on Thursday 24th March. They also organise art classes at St Marks Methodist Church, hydrotherapy sessions at the Leonard Cheshire home, an exercise class for the less disabled, and have become involved with Conductive Therapy which a number of members find very beneficial.

The main source of revenue for the local branch is the annual street collection which will be in Cheltenham on Thursday 12th May. They would be very grateful for offers of help with this please. Another way that that you may be able to help would be to serve on the committee, anyone is welcome to the AGM that will be held at Season Conference Centre, Swindon Village at 2.30pm on Saturday 12th March.

If anyone would like to help on a voluntary basis please ring the Branch Contact, Avril Hastings ( 01452 862822 )

To find out more about the local MS Society click here.

To find out more about the national MS Society click here


Please let us support this cause generously this month.
Mary Michael

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