Multiple Sclerosis Help Desk
| The multiple sclerosis Help Desk references details of regional support services including an overview of programs provided by MS Australia of regional relevance. It includes details of regionally based MS nurses, support groups, the e-mail based regional MS Network of Care, regional advocacy support, the 1800 help line, the peer support program, talk to the doctor and a host of related services. By browsing the help desk you may identify useful contacts and support services. |
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Val Gilmore, RN Country North Region Unit 1, 106 Main Street Alstonville NSW 2477 PO Box 940, Alstonville NSW 2477 |
Penny Kelly, RN Country North Region 31 Bonville Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 PO Box 93, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 |
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Phone: 6628 0144 Fax: 6628 8481 Email: vgilmore@mssociety.com.au |
Phone: 6651 2505 Fax: 6651 2936 Email: pkelly@mssociety.com.au |
| Northern Rivers MS Network of Care | Anyone with an interest in MS, irrespective of where you live, is welcome to join this largely e-mail based network. Members include people with MS, family members, carers, service providers, related agencies, researchers and MS Australia. You will receive periodic updates on MS issues to which feedback and suggestions are most welcome. While our focus is very much about regional issues in the far north coast of NSW, Australia we operate from a strong research perspective. Our research interest is primarily about quality of life when living with MS - as such, many of the issues we explore often interest the broader MS Community - our latest Newsletter illustrates some of these issues - send us an e-mail if you would like to join the Network - there is no charge and your e-mail details are strictly confidential - more about the Network |
| Northern Rivers MS Support Group | Meets quarterly on 4th Wednesday of February, May, August and November from 10am to 12.30 at the Activity Centre, Crowley Village (end of Cherry Street) Ballina. The next meeting is our Christmas morning tea on Wednesday 25 November 2009. The 2010 program commences on 24 February. Contact Denise 6686 3700 or Bente 6628 3928. |
| Clarence Region Friendship Group | Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month * from 10am at the South Grafton RSL Club. Contact - Maree 6642 1640 |
| Tweed/Murwillumbah Support Group | Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at the SDA Community Church, Racecourse Road, Murwillumbah - from 12 Noon. Contact Claire 6672 5193 |
| Support Groups in other Regions | A directory of support groups in other regions is being assembled by Active MS NSW. This is a great idea - contact Active If you would like to register your group. |
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* except December and January. Irrespective of where you live you are always welcome to join in at any location |
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| Regional Discussion Forums | This area of the Road Map provides 'snapshots' of many of the regional discussions that have taken place over the years. Presented chronologically, often with details of future events, it provides a learning resource for those wanting to 'catch up' on things regional. It can also be used as a resource to develop similar presentations at support group meetings. Identifies a wide range of subject matter specialists, video links and related research references - visit this resource. |
| About MS - An overview | Some frequently asked questions and issues including, What is MS? How is it diagnosed? What are the Symptoms? How is it Treated? Impact on Daily Living, Coping Strategies, Healthy Living, Asking for Advice and Assistance, Demographics, Prevalence Levels, Referral Pathways, Quality of Life - read more about these topics |
| Homecare and Support | This area of the Road Map includes details of a wide range of services including case management, computer loans, continence assistance, custom designed aids, home care, home modifications, home nursing, income support, independent living centres, mobility aids, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, respite care, telecommunication subsidy, transport and mobility - read more about these services |
| MS Connect 1800 042 138 | MS Connect is a telephone and email based information and support program staffed by a team of experienced health professionals, which enables you to speak to a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or outreach worker - access MS Connect. |
| Registering with MS Society | Registering with MS Society can provide access to a range of services. Registration also provides the Society with valuable data about the needs of people with MS which assists in service delivery. There is no charge for registration - find out how to register. |
| Carer and Family Support. | A service to assist the family or carer for someone who has MS. Aims to facilitate the necessary care and assistance to a family member, a friend, or a person with whom a person with MS has a strong relationship - Carer registration with MS Australia is a good starting point if you are interested in receiving information on new initiatives relating to family members, friends or carers of someone living with multiple sclerosis, would like to be kept up-to-date on new publications, programs, education or workshops or would like to be offered opportunities where you can become involved in new initiatives around service delivery. |
| Knowledge is Power Program | The Knowledge is Power (KIP) program is a free, at home educational series for people newly diagnosed with MS and their families. written by highly regarded professionals who know about multiple sclerosis and the effect it can have on your life and the lives of people who care about you - find out more about this educational series. |
| Newly Diagnosed Program | The Newly Diagnosed Program provides a source of support at the time of diagnosis and access to relevant information and education on MS and its management - find out more about this support. |
| Peer Support Program | This program links people with MS and their Carers with other people who can relate to their situation. The service is offered via face-to-face self help groups, the telephone and online via the Internet - find out more about this program. |
| Lifestyle Planning | Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had MS for some time a specialist multidisciplinary team can assist you with any concerns you may have about MS in relation to your particular lifestyle. Services include specialist assessment and a coordinated team approach, advice and support to promote self management and to access relevant local community and health services - find out more about this program. |
| Immunotherapy Support | A comprehensive, state-wide (NSW/VIC) program whereby a team of highly experienced Specialist Nurses are available to provide information on immunotherapy medications, access to education and training in injection techniques for people commencing a medication, advice on how to manage any side effects, follow-up support in the ongoing management of the medication, resources on other medications used in the management of MS - read more about this program or discuss your needs with your regional MS community support nurse. |
| Support for Service Providers | In addition to information sessions for clients and families, the MS Society often responds to requests from other health professionals and community service providers regarding particular aspects of MS management and other services available from the Society. All existing and new education sessions are tailored to address the particular needs and interests of the audience. These information and education sessions are provided by qualified staff from the Society - discuss your needs with your regional MS community support contact. |
| Ask the Doctor | Dr Garry Pearce is a specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine. He is the Medical Director of the MS Society of NSW/VIC and he will try to answer some of the questions you have on multiple sclerosis. The service is oriented towards those people who live in NSW. You do not have to be a registered client of the society to use this service. It is anticipated that it may also be of benefit to health professionals and local doctors who look after people with MS - find out more about this service. |
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NORTHERN RIVERS MS NETWORK OF CARE |
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| Service Provider Guidelines | On an ongoing basis the Network of Care receives feedback, from people with MS, about what they perceive makes the real difference in the way that services are delivered to clients by service providers. While a wide range of client perceptions are reported they invariably fall into one or more of four aspects of service delivery - read more about the Service Provider guidelines. |
| Advocacy Services | This service is funded to advocate and support people with disabilities their families and carers. The service is free to consumers. A person can access the service if they have a disability that has an; acquired brain injury, sensory, or physical impairment, or a combination of such, and is permanent or likely to be permanent and the person must have a need for ongoing support services. There are good reports about assistance to the MS Community - learn more about Ability Incorporated. |
| Locality | Advocate | Phone |
| Lismore/Ballina | Susan Aprile | 6628 8188 |
| Tweed Area | Angela Collins | 6672 6119 |
| Grafton Area | Hajar Ismail | 6645 8136 |
| Local Support Co-ordination | Local Support Coordinators assist people (up to 65) with disabilities, and carers, to determine their own needs and to identify the supports that may be required to make a difference to their lives. The service not only helps to overcome some of the frustrations in finding out about services that may be helpful but also addresses barriers in accessing these services. Highly recommended by the local MS Community - learn more. |
| Locality | Local Support Coordinator | Contact |
| Ballina/Byron | Kim McGuinness | 6685 0178 |
| Lismore | Jenny Kerr | 6621 9070 |
| Casino | Katrina Sundstrom | 6662 4910 |
| Maclean/Lower Clarence | Robin Matthes | 6645 5861 |
| Tweed | Heather Tannock | 6672 6143 |
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