29 October 4pm – 5.30pm
This is a three-part series, exploring the concept of modern-day loneliness and its significance for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The three sessions follows on from our session in June, where we discovered people wanted to explore more on the subject of loneliness and have the opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences.
Held over three months, we will look at the biology behind loneliness and how we can harness this experience to meet our needs. We’ll discuss the multitude, and often unrecognised, ways that loneliness can show up in ourselves and others. We’ll look at some of the key risk factors associated with loneliness and equip you with evidence-based strategies to both prevent and manage loneliness when it occurs. We’ll also share tips on how you can be a loneliness ally to those around you.
In each session, we will aim to challenge the stigma associated with loneliness by promoting open discussions amongst those joining us. There will be an equal mix of presentation and conversation, with participants encouraged to share their reflections and experiences. Come along and experience the transformative power of community and conversation, in the face of one of the most challenging topics of our time.
Kindly note, due to the sensitive nature the discussion, we will not be recording these sessions. If you are participating, please enter the conversation at whatever level feels comfortable to you. There is no obligation to contribute if you would prefer not to.
You do not need to attend all three sessions and can ‘drop-in’ to any of the discussions.
29 October, 4 – 5.30pm
Loneliness is sometimes referred to as ‘The Great Masquerader’. It can take many forms, and is often mistaken for another emotion, or the cause of one entirely. In the second of this three-part series, we’ll attempt to ‘unmask’ loneliness and discuss how it affects the MS community. We’ll review the common causes of loneliness and identify the triggers unique to us. This awareness will be crucial in preparing for our final session together.
26 November, 4 – 5.30pm
The cure for loneliness is connection. But what do we really mean by this, and how can we invite more connection in our own lives? In this final session, we’ll discuss eight things you can do to prevent loneliness and build deeper relationships. We’ll invite people to share what’s worked for them, thinking about solutions within the context of living with MS. Finally, we’ll learn what a loneliness ally is, and how we can be a loneliness ally to others.
To join this session, please login or register in our Portal area. The session is free to join if you have a monthly or year subscription. You do not need a subscription to join, as you can register and provide a donation for the class. The suggested amount for the class is £5. If you unable to make a donation, please contact us to see how you can access the online classes (register@ms-uk.org).
If you would like to know more or you are having trouble registering, please contact us at register@ms-uk.org.
Due to the anticipated nature of discussion during this session, we will not be recording.
Katie Hunter Waite is a Coach, Workshop Facilitator and Founder of Coaching to Contribute. Her organisation delivers coaching that inspires confidence, capability and connection at work and in the community. Her portfolio includes workshop delivery and design, supporting people-first leaders to develop themselves and their teams, and equipping managers with the tools to coach in house.
On behalf of her clients, Katie donates 10% of her time to charities and social enterprises that share her vision of a more connected society, where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Earlier in the year, she ran a weekly coaching surgery for MS-UK peer pod volunteers. She now donates her time to SMART WORKS, providing career coaching and interview techniques for women seeking employment.
In addition to coaching, Katie has a keen interest in the loneliness epidemic, the role companies play in tackling this crisis and how we can work together to create more human organisations. She is on a mission to confront the stigma around loneliness by giving voice to the subject within our workplaces, our communities and our homes.
