Throughout my teenage years, I believed that feeling lightheaded, dizzy, fatigued, and off balance was a common everyday experience for everyone, and dismissed these symptoms as normal, never realising they could result in a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
I’m usually a cheerful person and I’m determined to navigate life’s challenges with a smile, despite the combined challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis and Glaucoma. I credit my positive mindset to the support of my family, friends and the Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society team. I thank them all for helping me forge a positive future.
I received my Primary Progressive and Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis at age 26 and was eager to meet other people who’d recently received an MS diagnosis. Like many younger people with MS, I found existing support groups typically attended by older people with more advanced MS weren’t meeting my needs. Younger people face different issues, like building a career and raising families. Wellington MS supports myself and other younger clients to build a more youthful support network, where we are all around the same ‘age and stage’.
The new group is fostering valuable connections among its members and enabling everyone to find their best life. Finding great strength in their shared journeys, friendships have naturally developed from the shared experience of exploring how their MS affects each of them in both similar yet very different ways.
I’ve also been wanting to explore the power of exercise in supporting my health, which I’ve been able to progress with the help of my Wellington MS Community Advisor.
Understanding the importance of exercise in managing my condition, and being unable to drive with my impaired eyesight, I wanted to find a physio who could guide me in creating an exercise routine I could practise at home. On contacting Wellington MS, I discovered their MS Community Advisor could complete the referral for a physio home-visit to develop a tailored exercise routine, free of charge.
About Us
We are the only organisation providing a valuable and free service for people with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, and whanau in the Wellington region. By donating you are helping people with MS live their best life, stay connected and be empowered. We thank you very much.
At MS Wellington we want people with Multiple Sclerosis to feel supported and empowered with practical and appropriate information to be able to live their best life. Our aim is to provide:
- a greater awareness of MS as a condition
- an appreciation of how MS affects people differently
- knowledge about symptom management
- an understanding of the treatments, therapies, and supports available
- targeted referrals for quicker diagnosis of those newly diagnosed and;
- education on entitlements.
Our team has a positive impact within our local community by working with people with MS and health services. We have three MS Community Advisors covering the Wellington region providing a free service for people with MS, their families, and whanau.
We work with people with MS at their pace, on their goals and their needs. We will advise, guide, inform, educate, and provide advocacy for people with MS and be available on an on-going basis when needed.
Our Team of MS Community Advisors also work with Neurology, General Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals and Care Providers to raise awareness and educate on MS.
We also facilitate regular support groups where people can connect, share, and enjoy each other’s company. Connecting individuals with others to discuss specific needs such as different forms of treatment, new Mums with MS, partners, or carers of people with MS experiencing different challenges and wanting support.
Our services
Community Advisor Services
Educational Resources
Socialising Events
Support Groups
