MS: Busting the Myths
Several scholarships are available to assist those with MS:
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant
A grant created by the Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust and MSNZ with the aim of:
‘assisting people who have been diagnosed as having either Multiple Sclerosis or Functional Neurological Disorder, to overcome a specific obstacle so that they can achieve a specific outdoor pursuit’.
This scholarship helps people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to pursue adventures that encourage a healthy lifestyle and challenge the perception of their condition. The Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust was established in 2015 and exists to enrich the lives of people affected by MS and FND, by helping them to get outdoors. The focus of the grant was expanded to include people with FND in 2020. Getting outdoors is better for everyone, and can improve the quality of life for people with neurological conditions.
Applicants are required to state:
Application Deadline:
Application Form:
Mastering Mountains Application Form [Word Doc]
Mastering Mountains Application Form [PDF]
Application Guidelines: Mastering Mountains Grant Guidelines (2020)
Past Recipients: Mastering Mountains Past Recipients
You Can Get Outside With MS Leaflet 2018
The Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant aims to assist people who have been diagnosed as having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to participate in an overseas outdoor expedition or adventure with World Expeditions.
World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience in providing responsible and exciting adventures for a wide range of skills and abilities. Mastering Mountains and World Expeditions are working in partnership with them to make this an amazing and unique experience.
Successful recipients will be mentored by the Mastering Mountains Trust to become community leaders that share their knowledge, help others problem solve and create dynamic community. The Grant recipient will also undertake an extended outdoor adventure that will challenge notions of possibility with MS or FND. Together, we will work to affect change in the MS and FND communities, helping others overcome their obstacles and get outdoors.
You may already have an idea where you’ve always dreamed of going or if you are undecided check out all the adventures on offer here.
To apply for the Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant and to participate in one of World Expeditions incredible adventures, download the application form below.
Application Deadline:
Application Form:
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant Application Form [Word Doc]
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant Application Form [PDF]
The Dorothy L Newman Scholarship assists people who have been diagnosed as having MS and as a result are unable to continue in their present employment, who need to change their employment and undergo a course of retraining in order to do so.
Applications are open solely to people with MS needing to retrain for paid employment.
Applicants will be required to explain in a statement in their application the reasons why they chose their course of study, how they intend to use their qualification on successful completion of their course and the likelihood of employment following the course.
Application Form:
Application Guidelines: Dorothy Newman Scholarship Guidelines
Past Recipients: Dorothy L Newman Scholarship Recipients
Esme Tombleson was the co-founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand in 1961 and from 1975 was President for many years. She was also founder and president for many years of the Gisborne branch and on the International Federation of the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s executive. In 1987 she received the rarely awarded gold medal for distinguished services to Multiple Sclerosis.
In honour of her work, the MS Society of NZ offers the Esme Tombleson Award annually to people in New Zealand for the ‘Person with MS of the Year’ and ‘Caregiver of the Year’, which are announced at the MS Society AGM. The nominations for this award are organised through the Regional Societies and co-ordinated through MSNZ every September.
Application Deadline: 30th September annually
Person with MS of the Year
Application Form:
Application Criteria: PwMS of the Year Criteria
Application Deadline: 30th September annually
Past Recipients: Esme Tombleson Person with MS Past Recipients
Carer of the Year
Application Form:
Application Criteria: Carer of the Year Criteria
Application Deadline: 30th September annually
Past Recipients: Esme Tombleson Carer of the Year Past Recipients
Aspire is a low impact version of the Outward Bound’s Discovery course which is suitable for people with a mild to moderate physical impairment. Participants will experience activities like sailing, rock climbing, kayaking and high ropes, but Aspire is designed to exclude high impact activities such as running or carrying a heavy tramping pack. Past participants include people with arthritis, early onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back injuries and amputations.
Is Aspire suitable for me?
Participants need to be able to take part in a full day of activities with rest breaks, comfortably walk a minimum of 2kms over uneven terrain and get up and down 5 flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to sit without back support, for example in a kayak, and be comfortable in and around the water.
Is funding support available?
Outward Bound runs scholarships for each Aspire course, so keep an eye out! There is full funding available for Work and Income clients, and this includes travel to and from the course. They also encourage people to book and fund raise for their course – Outward Bound will support you with this process. If you would like to do the course but aren’t sure how you’ll pay for it – just give them a call.
For more information or to apply, email Caroline Campbell or phone 0800 688 927.
“When you have lead a very active life and suddenly lose some of your physical strength it is a great loss of confidence, but the Aspire course gives you the tools to take charge of your life again and know that anything may be possible.” Annette
4th – 11th November 2020
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. It is an opportunity to show yourself what you are truly capable of achieving. Break your preconceptions of your physical limitations and test your boundaries.
During your 8 day course you’ll build the confidence to challenge yourself, a philosophy you can then transfer into everyday life. Return home with the courage and determination to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
Is Activate suitable for me?
Activate can cater for a range of physical disabilities. All participants should be able to independently manage their personal care, transfers and medication. You should be able to communicate verbally and have no intellectual disability. Activate participants must be able to attend without a carer and have experience of spending time away from home.
Who takes part in Activate?
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. Past participants have included those with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and amputees.
Is funding support available?
A range of funding opportunities is available, contact the Enrollment team to discuss your options.
For more information or to apply email Caroline Campbell or phone 0800 688 927. Outward Bound Activate Flyer
“I have taken away a stronger belief in my abilities and greater determination to achieve in my chosen career.” Samuel Tate
The Insight course is for those with a visual impairment – supported by The Blind Foundation. Participants will spend time discovering themselves and their values, challenging ingrained limitations of what is possible, and form lifelong friendships along the way.
The courses are designed to be mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging. Activities occur in all weather conditions and can include off-track tramping, camping outside (sometimes alone), whitewater and sea kayaking, running, sailing, swimming, rock climbing and high-ropes.
Applications must be made directly with the Blind Foundation.
Course criteria:
To apply or inquire, please email Trent Francis or phone Trent on 09 355 6886.
“I am now feeling more like the confident person I was before I developed this eye condition. It has made me look at people, especially those with disabilities, in a whole new light.” Dena