Volunteers sought for charity courses

MS Society Scotland hope new volunteers will be able to lend their experience and insight to its Living Well with MS courses.

Those interested in taking up the voluntary role of self-management facilitator, will help to organise, plan and deliver the sessions to small groups of participants.

Dad-of-four Craig Herbert (44) has been helping to deliver courses for the MS Society for nine years.

The Lanarkshire man, who was diagnosed with MS in 2003, said: “I wanted to volunteer with the MS Society because I felt my diagnosis was an opportunity to help other people facing similar situations as I face.

“I saw my own diagnosis as a second change to really help make a difference to others.

“My favourite part is seeing the difference these courses make to people’s lives and seeing them being able to pass on their own expertise in dealing with their own condition.

“It’s like a lightbulb moment for many.”

Craig added: “I would definitely encourage other people living with MS to become course facilitators.

“During my time volunteering with the MS society I’ve had many opportunities to meet like-minded souls who I now call good friends. It gave me the chance to be part of a community of shared experience which I didn’t have before volunteering.”

Coleen Kelly, MS Society Scotland self management lead, said: “We are delighted to be recruiting for new course facilitators in both North and South Lanarkshire.

“This means we will be able to offer more support to people living with MS in the area and is a great opportunity for people living with the condition to share their experience and knowledge with others to support them to live well.”

As a course facilitator, those that sign up will help to organise, plan and facilitate courses in their local and surrounding area.

MS Society needs members of the public to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people living with MS.

If you would like more information on the self-management facilitator role, please visit www.mssociety.org.uk/self-management-facilitator or contact Coleen Kelly or Susi Paden at MS Society Scotland on 0131 335 4050

More than 11,000 people in Scotland live with MS which can affect how a person thinks, feels and moves.

The condition, which affects the central nervous system, is unpredictable and different for everyone.

For more information on the work of the MS Society, visit www.mssociety.org.uk.