July - 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, hence its UK name.  The symptoms 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 primarily affected.
As well as obvious disabilities, sufferers experience invisible symptoms such as numbness and unpleasant tingling - a reminder that we can’t tell how well someone is just by looking.
A friend of mine has been treated with disapproval when a stagger has obviously led someone to believe that she has been imbibing alcohol early in the day!
The Cheltenham & North Cotswold Branch of the MS Society has been in existence since January 1984 and aims to be self-supporting although allied to the national society, and they are very appreciative of our help.
Any money raised locally is always used locally.
There is a very strong emphasis on welfare and support for the whole family.
The current financial pressures mean that funds are short and the group is anxious to be able to continue to help with respite care which gives such a valuable rest to the carer.
With the awareness that suffers of MS may have young families there is concern for the needs of these young carers and there is a specific young carers fund.
Young carers are being helped towards the cost of driving lessons as this is such a valuable skill for them to acquire.
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 regular meetings are held.  Carers are invited to coffee mornings at accessible local venues such as garden centres or supermarkets.
The social group for younger or newly diagnosed people also has regular meetings and the new community choir is proving popular.
Hydrotherapy classes are held at the Leonard Cheshire Home.  Exercise groups include a conductive education class and a physiotherapy class, these are run by professionals and are therefore expensive for the support group to provide.  
If anyone would like to offer voluntary help please ring the Branch Contact on 01452 862822.