If you suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), or you know someone who does, this information may be useful to you.
It includes organisations, websites and telephone numbers which provide support for sufferers of MS and their families, as well as information for people with a disability who are interested in taking part in the arts.
MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults with around 85,000 people diagnosed with MS in the UK. MS is the result of damage to myelin, a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission whilst for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre is committed to supporting anyone affected by MS through access to unbiased information and advice. They encourage individuals to make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to maximise their potential. The MS telephone counselling service 0800 783 0518 - choose option 1 - (free, 24 hours a day every day). Their magazine New Pathways regularly features artists and musicians who have overcome the problems of MS to continue their art. You can download back copies of the magazine and find out more about the services offered by the MSRC at www.msrc.co.uk
The MS Society is a membership organisation but provide services to all. The Society funds MS research, runs respite care centres, provides grants, education and training on MS. It produces numerous publications on MS and runs The Society's National Helpline to help anyone affected by MS, whether you are newly diagnosed, have lived with the condition for many years, or are a carer, relation or friend. Call 0808 800 8000 (free, Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm, on Tuesday 17 February the helpline will remain open till 12.30am).
MS Trust provide information for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis, education programmes for health professionals, funding for practical research and campaigning for specialist MS services. For information call 01462 476 700 (Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm) or go to the website www.mstrust.org.uk where you’ll find a wealth of information and a large section with links to many sports and leisure activities including the Disabled Photographers Society at www.disabledphotographers.co.uk
Shape aim to achieve access to the arts for disabled and deaf people, empowering them to enrich their lives through enjoyment of the arts and active participation. Though primarily a London based organisation, their website contains a section on Artists Resources with information on all kinds of projects and organisations working in the arts throughout the UK. Go to www.shapeartists.org.uk
Disability Cultural Projects (DCP) Community Interest Company aim to further the cultural equality of deaf and disabled people through arts practice in the UK and internationally, and to evolve new approaches to the way these are delivered. To find out more about their work, the free weekly e magazine and a link to the Arts Access calendar go to www.disabilityarts.info
There’s support and advice on all aspects of caring for someone on the CarersLine (free, 0808 808 7777). Ring this number at any time to leave your details and have an information pack sent to you , but if you’d like to speak to an adviser call (Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 12 noon, 2pm - 4pm). You can also check out their website at www.carersuk.org or email info@carersuk.org
Crossroads Caring for Carers aims to provide a reliable, tailored service for each carer and the person they care for. They have schemes in most parts of England and Wales which provide a range of services. A Crossroads service is about giving time and improving the lives of carers by giving them a break from their caring responsibilities. Call 0845 450 0350 (local rate, Mondays - Fridays 9am - 5pm). Or check out the website www.crossroads.org.uk
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