There are over 130,000 people living with MS in the UK and the MS Society funds world-leading research into Multiple Sclerosis, shares the latest information and campaigns for everyone’s rights. Throughout the country there are sub-branches where people suffering with the condition, their families and carers can meet and access local services. Meeting with people who understand the difficulties faced when living with MS, offer practical advice and emotional support can be tremendously beneficial to all of those involved.
The Oxford & District Branch of the MS Society has MS Support Volunteers who are trained to confidentially offer emotional support, information, help to access specialist services and even help you get financial support. To find out more send an email to OxfordSupport@mssociety.org.uk. Alternatively, you can access information via the national MS Helpline open 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). The contact number is 0808 800 8000 or email helpline@mssociety.org.uk. You can also access a range of publications on all topics through the MS Society by visiting mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/resources-and-publications.
Sometimes it is nice to get out of the house and meet with other people so if you have not been before, and you can get to Abingdon, the local branch holds monthly meetings (with the exception of January). They are on the first Friday of the month starting at 10 am until 3.00 pm at Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1NS. The building is accessible with disabled parking. You will have the chance to listen to a speaker/entertainer in the morning with therapies in the afternoon (massage, reflexology and nail-cutting). There is plenty of time for lunch and a chat over afternoon tea, with between thirty and forty members attending each month. To find out more contact Jo Hawtin on 01865 373 907.
The Oxford & District branch of the MS Society has been running for nearly 60 years. Run by volunteers they are currently looking for people to get involved and help them carry the branch forward for the future. There are also local fundraising opportunities to help raise vital money for research to ultimately find a cure for MS.
This October, you and your dog can participate in My MS Woof which is a charity fundraising walking challenge. So why not walk, roll or stroll 130km (80.77 miles) over the month with your furry friends to raise money for life-changing MS research and support? If 130km is too far, set your own distance. Anyone with a dog (even a borrowed one) can take part. There is no age limited, but under 18’s will need an adult to register them. Raising £50 will help scientists operate a high-powered microscope for an hour, enabling them to study cells and tissue affected by MS. £100 will allow four blood samples to be processed with information extracted about genes and immunity, all a vital part of testing new treatment for MS. My MS Woof is the perfect way to get out and about with your four-legged friend and have some fun whilst raising money. To find out more about registering simply visit mssociety.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/find-a-fundraising-event/my-ms-woof
Whether you have MS, or care about someone who does, joining a group puts you in contact with other people from the community where you can share your experiences. No one has to face MS alone.
Some useful contacts for you:
- MS Society Helpline 0808 800 8000 (Freephone)
- MS Nurse Advice Line 01865 234461 or email: ouh.ms@nhs.uk(answer machine monitored Monday to Friday 9 am to 5pm)
- MS Specialist Nurse: Sue Barnden 01865 737465 or email: ouh.cnsns@nhs.net
- MS Therapy Centre, 37e Milton Trading Park, Abingdon 01235 832023
- Carers Oxfordshire 0845 0507666
OXFORD AND DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICERS
- Group coordinator (Chairman) / Newsletter Editor, John Chipperfield, 01865 374877, email: mjpchipperfield@yahoo.co.uk
- Fundraising Volunteer Alan Cusden, 01865 723420, email: alancusden@yahoo.co.uk
