Multiple Sclerosis and Spasticity

Sources of Support And Information

The MS Society of New Zealand

Each Regional Society has skilled and experienced Field Workers who, if required, can assist you in finding the services you need, including:

• working with those newly diagnosed with MS on a one-to-one basis;
• offering up-to-date knowledge of MS and its management;
• providing advocacy and support;
• offering counselling or referrals to appropriate agencies;
• supporting partners, carers, families, friends, health professionals, employers and workmates;
• facilitating groups for people newly diagnosed and their partners, carers, children, workmates;
• offering assessment facilitation;
• providing social contact, for those who want it, with other people with MS, on either a group or individual basis;
• liaising with home-based care providers, community health services, counsellors, health professionals and Work and Income to coordinate client needs;
• carrying out mobility assessments.

Some MS Societies also offer physiotherapy, yoga classes, hydrotherapy at local pools and access to Riding for the Disabled, as well as assistive devices for daily living.

Click here for contact details for your nearest local society. Meeting people through the MS Society can be very reassuring, as you may be surprised to find how many people have MS that you were unaware of. A lot of people with MS have ‘invisible’ symptoms and lead normal lives. Some people find support groups helpful as an occasion where they can share their experiences and learn how others deal with MS.

Internet Resources

The Internet provides a great deal of information about MS, but the quality and accuracy of the information can vary. Visit our useful links page to check out related reliable websites.