We know that ‘newly diagnosed’ is not necessarily just for those who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the last month or year or even the last 5 years. We understand that many people when first diagnosed can spend several years not engaging with health services or the ‘MS community’ and so this pod is for all those that may only now, for whatever reason, be finally feeling ready to talk.
When – every Monday at 7pm via Zoom For details to join the Zoom session, please fill out our Peer Pod form below. Vicky Timmins, MS-UK’s Peer Support Coordinator will be in touch shortly to get you signed up.
See below for introductions from our peer pod volunteers who lead the groups.
“Hello, my name is Lisa. I was diagnosed with RRMS in early 2021 after being diagnosed out of the blue with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) 7 years ago. It came as a huge surprise, I just had blurry vision after all, and has taken me a number of years to accept my diagnosis and seek help, support and treatment. I am still working full time, working in a business I co-own with my best friend, so I can take time off for hospital appointments and when fatigue hits. I also get to work from home, so it makes it much easier for me. I have two teenage children that I don’t know what I would do without, they keep me in check and make sure I don’t do too much.
The MS-UK peer pods have opened a whole new world to me, there are other people out there with MS who just get it. I have chosen to volunteer because I want to give something back to the charity that has helped and supported me so much and hopefully in return support and help people on their MS journey.”
“Hi, my name is Emma and I have been living with MS for 15 years. I’m a single mum and medically retired primary school teacher. I am a huge Gloucester Rugby fan, attending every home game. I enjoy socialising with friends and swimming. I also host my own podcast about living well with MS. I have chosen to volunteer as I love to meet new people and share my own experiences of living with MS. I like to think that I am a kind and compassionate person who is a good listener. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!”
