MS Society Aberdeen Group Bulletin November 2023 Aberdeen Group Hello everyone, welcome to our November bulletin! Introduction Hello All, Welcome to the November bulletin! We are excited to inform you of our progress for the MS community since we were last in contact. Our small group of volunteers is continuously growing as well as our goals. We continue being passionate about providing opportunities to the MS community to access beneficial services, providing a network of support, information, activities, and related events supporting those living with MS and those impacted by it. Your Aberdeen Team: Frank Kelly Heather Grimmer Pam Barclay Temitayo Akingbehin Chiyem Samson Winnie Akello Seetha Sivaganesan Oksana Tsybulska Derek Middleton Tom Reid Nick Ward Derek Wilson Lucia Giuntoli Katie Reekie Feeling lost, needing some support. It’s come to our attention that some do not have the means to access our information or services online. One of our dedicated volunteers Heather Grimmer is here to help! Heather started her role as part of the MS society in 2022 in an admin capacity. Her current role revolves around answering emails for those in need of help and directing them to the correct support. The role has advanced to being able to answer phone calls to help direct those in need. The number to contact: 07895 998880 You are in good hands! Heather has taken online MS courses and is well aware of the struggles having personal MS experience in a family capacity. She is no stranger to volunteering she's involved in other charities such as SPCA, Guide Dogs, Hear Me. Although very approachable Heather is very much a quiet sort of person who prefers to be in the background. She moved with her family from the West Highlands to Angus in March 2021. Past achievements include being an opera singer, music teacher and faculty head.
Since our last bulletin. Technogym The partnership with the Technogym continues to be a great success for those with motor– skill issues, particularly the MS community. The specialised gym’s variety of apparatus is designed to support, strengthen, and encourage movement with those that struggle. Each session being attended by trained specialist’s is a huge help for those attending. As shown the feedback from both those attending, and the staff has been extremely positive. Strong results were recorded when reviewing the outcome measures of the participants. One particular outcome highlighted by all participants was the social element of the event.
Neurological physiotherapy In July the MS Society Aberdeen was excited to offer those affected by multiple sclerosis neurological physiotherapy sessions at the Physiotherapy Clinic at RGU. The tailor-made program designed to suit every individual's rehabilitation goal is proving to be extremely beneficial for those attending. The applications have come in quick and fast and with the huge demand extra sessions maybe on offer don’t hesitate to contact to book your place. Contact us: [email protected] Services include: Tailored Gym programs at RGU SPORT, Body-Weight Supported treadmill training, Functional electrical stimulation (FES), Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Up and Coming services and events Future Services with the Aberdeen Ms Society Looking for more?! Keep an eye out on our social media platforms for updates in the coming weeks and months on future planned services…. Coming up in the next couple of weeks: • Counselling Services • Pilates • Seated Pilates • Gym Membership
Spear Would you like a personalized rehabilitation or maintenance program designed specifically for you, look no further! Spears has a dedicated team of a highly specialist neurological physiotherapists who offer hands-on out patient neurorehabilitation. Contact us to book your session. [email protected] AbilityNet Feeling lost in the world of technology contact Ability Net for free tech advice and support in your home designed for the elderly and disabled. Free phone 08000487642 Email : [email protected]
Umbrella A Cappella We at the MS society believe in the power of music and song to support mental and physical health. Please come join us and other fellow MS community members with singing our hearts out…. Email : [email protected] Research projects Here are two separate research projects taking place in Scotland. If this is of interest, follow the links below for more details: ChariotMS is testing whether the drug cladribine can help people with advanced MS keep the use of their arms and hands. ChariotMS is open for recruitment at 20 sites across the UK. Email the trial team at to find out more: [email protected] The link to the trial - ChariotMS: Can cladribine slow worsening of arm and hand function in people with advanced MS? | MS Society Octopus - Octopus is a revolutionary mega-trial. Recruitment has started in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. You can look at the Octopus website to see locations of sites. If you’re interested in taking part in Octopus, you can register your interest through the UK MS Register. When you register, you’ll be asked where you live. This is so the closest trial sites can contact you when they start recruiting. For most people, this won’t happen for quite a while. Trial sites are still getting set up and there’s now over 2000 people have already registered their interest. Octopus | MS Society
Aberdeen Independent Multiple Sclerosis SCIO (AIMS) Is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers who offer help and support to those affected by MS and other related neurological conditions in Aberdeen and surrounding areas. AIMS run a series of different activities to suit everyone, all are led by qualified and experienced instructors and can be tailored to the needs of each individual. If you would like further information on any of the classes listed or you have any other questions please contact from the information below.
The Red Cross The Red Cross are currently offering free educational workshops in FIRST AID and other related topics. The fun interactive workshops will last an hour and a half covering life saving skills in a location of your choice (locations to be organised by those participating) or hosted by the British Red Cross online.The workshops are completely funded by the British Red Cross so there is no charge *If you are interested in booking an in person workshop you can do here. - https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected] icrosoft.com/bookings/ (We cover from Ayrshire to Inverness) *If you are interested in organising an online workshop via Zoom/ Teams you can use these links: Youth - https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/CalendarTest%40brcsbrms.onmicrosoft .com/bookings/ Adult - https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected] t.com/bookings/ *For multiple bookings please reach out to [email protected] to organise or call 07734 481728 for more information Wellbeing events.
DONATIONS If you would like to donate to the MS Society Aberdeen Group, please scan the barcode. It’s much appreciated. MS Society services and information Registration As a Group, we are keen to reach out to as many of the MS community as we can. We want you to know about the support we can offer and the activities we are arranging. If you have been diagnosed with MS and you have not yet signed up to our mailing list, please do so here. Volunteering We are always interested in hearing from anyone keen to volunteer with the Aberdeen MS Group. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us using one of the following: - [email protected], or Free Phone 0300 500 8084 #3
MS Society The MS Society Helpline is available on 0800 800 8000 Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm (Closed Bank Holidays) or they can be emailed on [email protected] MS Society Scotland Wellbeing Hub Your MS Wellbeing Hub is a one-stop-shop for information and virtual support for you and your family when living with MS in Scotland and can support you in managing your mental and physical health and your general wellbeing These free virtual services are available to anyone with MS and their families in Scotland: • One-to-one support • Physiotherapy • Counselling • Peer support • Group activity sessions • Ask an expert webinar