Did you know that there are approximately 8,000 people living with MS in Ireland? 250 new cases are diagnosed every year and while the illness won’t significantly reduce those individuals’ life expectancy, their quality of life will be greatly affected.
MS Ireland was set up ‘to enable and empower those affected by MS’, allowing them to live life to their fullest potential’.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 24 and 30 and 54% of sufferers are unemployed. MS Ireland provides a range of ‘Living with MS’ programmes for individuals and their families, giving them the opportunity to improve their quality of life. These include workshops and activities targeted at various groups such as the newly diagnosed, carers and health professionals.
As well as providing physical therapies, symptom management and a confidential information line, MS Ireland offers short-time respite care and neurological assessments for people affected by the illness. Trained counsellors are also available to people with MS and their families, allowing them to explore the issues arising from living with the condition.
The success of MS Ireland is due to the thousands of people who volunteer and fundraise for the society. Like many charities, MS Ireland has received a cut in statutory income which dramatically impacts on its services and the organisation now relies even more on the fundraising efforts of its supporters.
As the only national organisation providing information, support and advocacy services for people living with MS and their families it’s important that services aren’t affected further.
