Support
The Atlantic Division provides support services to help persons
affected by MS effectively manage and cope with the disease. Support
services often include components such as supportive listening,
provision of information and assistance with problem solving.
To
learn more about Support Programs offered by Atlantic Division,
call the Atlantic Division at 1-800-268-7582, or e-mail at info.atlantic@mssociety.ca.
Support
counseling
Atlantic
Division offers support counseling, which includes providing
factual information on MS, assistance focusing on a client's
own needs and identifying sources of available assistance
(such
as medical, community and government resources).
The process primarily seeks to support individuals and help
family members manage the disease
and its impact.
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Support and self help groups
Self-help
groups are an informal way to link people with common concerns.
All self-help programs have the same goals:
- to
give and receive emotional support
- to
give and receive practical ideas in dealing with problems
common
to members of the group
Self-help
is based on the idea that no one knows more about a problem
than those living with it. Each person is an expert having learned
from his/her own experiences.
In
a self-help group, individuals share not only their problems,
but their successes. Sharing and talking with others who have
had either the same or similar experiences, helps people to
discover they are not alone and that there are others who understand
what they are going through.
Support
and self-help programs offer
realistic support, encouragement and hope.
Click
here for a listing of Self Help Groups in Atlantic Canada.
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Atlantic
Division Chapter Network
A
Chapter is a group of people who share the goals of the
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and have been granted a
charter by the Atlantic Division. Chapter functions include:
- Holding
regular meetings and liaising with the Atlantic Division office;
- Supporting
the mission of the MS Society of Canada through various Fundraising projects;
- Acting
as a community liaison to ensure local needs are met, referrals
are made to the Atlantic Division and information is shared
For
more information about the Atlantic Division Chapter Network
and how to get involved, go here and choose a Chapter in
your region!
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Recreation
and social programs
Recreation
programs are
generally established to meet an identified need. The goals
of the program are:
- To
have fun
- To
accentuate the positive
- To
encourage people with MS to try new things
- To
rediscover old pleasures
- To
regain self confidence
- To
have opportunities to interact with others
- To
socialize in an atmosphere of comraderie
Recreational
programs can take many forms. Some chapters have developed swimming
programs, tai chi, yoga classes, social activities, "day
away programs" and summer programs.
Other
chapters have developed partnerships with local community groups
or organizations who provide programs that accommodate persons
with physical disabilities (i.e. YMCA, March of Dimes, Centres
for Independent Living, etc...).
Social
programs
are often chapter related and offered for a variety of reasons.
The most common social events include Christmas parties and
summer barbeques. These events can serve to reinforce and celebrate
the efforts of the chapter as a whole as well as give members
the opportunity to meet face to face and interact on a social
basis.
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