Let's stop MS together
The MS Society IOW volunteers have helped and supported hundreds of people affected by the condition locally. The Multiple Sclerosis Society was first formed in London in 1953. In 1969 the Isle of Wight Group had its inaugural meeting.
In the years since then, the group has moved from strength to strength, providing some unique services for those affected by MS. The group is self-funding and receives no financial assistance from NHS or the Isle of Wight Council.
The society depends on fundraising, donations and monies left in legacies in order to continue the current services provided and hopefully expand with new and innovative ideas. The MS Society charity shop in Shanklin is the main fundraiser as well as offering a valuable source of information for anyone affected by the condition.
The purpose and aims of the group are to support, reduce isolation and improve the lives of those people living with, or affected by MS on the Island.
MS Society Centre & Charity Shop, Regent Street, Shanklin.
This is the main fundraising effort of the group. Managed by Lynda Fairman and assisted by a team of approximately 28 volunteers.
Open daily except Sundays, all year.
All donations of quality items most gratefully accepted. Collections can be arranged.
Providing alternative therapy vouchers to the value of £180 every 6 months for treatments including Acupuncture, Reflexology, Hydrotherapy and Massage using one of our cooperating therapists. Evidence of MS diagnosis will be initially requested.
Contact for this service by post:
Annie Jarrett
MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW
PO37 7AF
Email: annie.jarrett@groups.mssociety.org.uk
We assist by awarding grants towards disability aids, equipment, short breaks, home adaptations, respite and much more (all other avenues having been explored first). All grants are means tested.
To apply download an application and its guidance notes from MS Society website: www.mssociety.org.uk
Post to MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW
PO37 7AF
Email: isleofwightsupport@mssociety.org.uk
A new closed Facebook group offering information, signposting and a platform for confidential conversations between only those living with MS. Details of events, quizzes and group socials etc. A fun and friendly environment with likeminded folk who understand.
Contact for this:
Mrs Karen Holmes
MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW
PO37 7AF
Email: karen.holmes@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Or message / comment on Facebook - New Generation MSS IOW Group
The Shanklin shop is also the main MS Society information centre on IOW (outside of the hospital) and we hold a whole range of leaflets and booklets covering all aspects of living with MS.
Any concerns or can’t find what is being looked for please contact:
Karen Holmes: Lead Support Volunteer
Email: lisa.addison@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 629012 or the MS Society website
Fully funded Weekly Keep Active sessions at various locations. Either a circuit based program session with a variety of exercises which you work at your pace or a gentle movement and mindfulness program class, designed to calm and relax the mind and body based on Tai Chi principles.
Contact for this service :
Email: isleofwight@mssociety.org.uk
Tel Andy Savage: 01983 810932 / 07779 616189
Subsidising monthly social lunches at different venues across the island. Every month on the 4th Friday we book a different venue so people with MS from all over the island get a chance to attend. These lunches are advertised on posters in the shop, on Social Media and in the monthly E-Newsletter. Need to phone and book a place and a choice of meal at least a month beforehand and remember to phone and cancel if cannot attend. This is subsidised so people with MS and their carer pay just £7.50 each with everyone else paying whatever the meal price is at the venue.
Contacts for this service:
Lisa Addison
Email: lisa.addison@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 629012
We are very active on Facebook, just look for MSS Isle of Wight where relevant information, our events and others that might be of interest, Lyn our shop manager also posts special offers and requests there.
We have an official MS Society Website. Here you will find all sorts of information about MS, who we are and what we do.
Website is: http://www.wight-ms.org.uk
We are also on Facebook
We are also on Twitter
Holding twice monthly social lunches at Appley Manor in Ryde. This is held on the 1st and 3rdFriday of each month. This is a PAYG event so just turn up from 11:30am, order food and drink at the bar and join the group. First time ask for Peter Lano, Andy Halsey or Ruth East – everyone is most welcome.
Contact for this is:
Peter Lano
Email: peter.lano@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Providing assistance with transport in agreed circumstances. Pay for taxi transport (by each occasion with arrangement only) for people unable to transfer from their wheelchairs, in order to attend any of our social events and activities. This service is also offered in order to attend booked medical appointments.
Contact for this service:
Lisa Addison initially and she will liaise with our Finance volunteer Sue to confirm eligibility.
Email: lisa.addison@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 629012
Send out newsletters with some useful advice on keeping safe and well, listing events and activities scheduled.
To subscribe to this,Email: isleofwightsupport@mssociety.org.uk
Providing free swimming at the Heights. This is with an independently run swimming club for people with disabilities held on Saturdays. MS Society funded along with carer, where essential
Contact for this service,
Email: isleofwightsupport@mssociety.org.uk
We will support anyone who has the desire to organise their own fundraising or sponsorship event. There are a number of fundraising merchandise items at the shop including T-shirts, pens, trolley coins, bracelets, balloons etc if anyone would like them for their fundraising effort.
Contact the group co ordinating members
Email: islefowight@mssociety.org.uk
1: Alternative Therapy Voucher Scheme
Providing alternative therapy vouchers to the value of £240 every 6 months for treatments including Acupuncture, Reflexology, Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy and Massage using one of our cooperating therapists. Evidence of MS diagnosis will be initially requested.
Contact for this service by post:
Annie Jarrett
MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW
PO37 7AF
Email: isleofwight@mssociety.org.uk
2: Health and Wellbeing Grants
We assist by awarding grants towards disability aids, equipment, short breaks, home adaptations, respite and much more (all other avenues having been explored first). All grants are means tested.
To apply for an application form and its guidance notes write to:
MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW PO37 7AF
Email: isleofwightsupport@mssociety.org.uk
3: New Generation MSS IOW Group
A new closed Facebook group offering information, signposting and a platform for confidential conversations between only those living with MS. Details of events, quizzes and group socials etc. A fun and friendly environment with likeminded folk who understand.
Contact
Mrs Karen Holmes
MS Society Charity Centre
47 Regent Street
Shanklin
IOW
PO37 7AF
Email: karen.holmes@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Or message / comment on Facebook - New Generation MSS IOW Group
4: Information Centre and Support Service
The Shanklin shop is also the main MS Society information centre on IOW. We hold a whole range of leaflets and booklets covering all aspects of living with MS.
Any concerns or can’t find what is being looked for please contact
Karen Holmes: Lead Support Volunteer
Email: karen.holmes@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 629012
or the MS Society website: www.mssociety.org.uk
5: Monthly Luncheons
Subsidise monthly social lunches at different venues across the island. Every month on the last Friday we book a different venue so people with MS from all over the island get a chance to attend. These lunches are advertised on Social Media. Need to phone and book a place and a choice of meal at least a month beforehand and remember to phone and cancel if cannot attend. This is subsidised so people with MS and their carer pay just £7.50 each with everyone else paying whatever the meal price is at the venue.
Contacts for this service
Lisa Addison
Email: lisa.addison@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 629012 6: Social Media and the Website
We are very active on Facebook, just look for MSS Isle of Wight where relevant information, our events and others that might be of interest, Lyn our shop manager also posts special offers and requests there.
We have an official MS Society Website.
Here you will find all sorts of information about MS, who we are and what we do.
Website is: http://www.wight-ms.org.uk
FaceBook: MS Society Isle of Wight7: Friday MS Friendly Club (Not administered by the MS Society IOW group)
Holding twice monthly social lunches at Appley Manor in Ryde. This is held on the 1st and 3rdFriday of each month. This is a PAYG event so just turn up from 11:30am, order food and drink at the bar and join the group. First time ask for Peter Lano, everyone is most welcome.
Contact for this is
Peter Lano
Email: peter.lano@groups.mssociety.org.uk8: Taxi Transport
Provide assistance with transport in agreed circumstances. Pay for taxi transport (by each occasion with arrangement only) for people unable to transfer from their wheelchairs, in order to attend any of our social events and activities. This service is also offered in order to attend booked medical appointments.
Contact for this service
Karen Holmes initially and she will liaise with our Finance volunteer Sue to confirm eligibility.
Email: karen.holmes@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Tel: 07976 6290129: E-News Update
Send out e-newsletters with some useful advice on keeping safe and well, listing events and activities scheduled.
To subscribe to this,
Email: isleofwightsupport@mssociety.org.uk
10: Fundraising
We will support anyone who has the desire to organise their own fundraising or sponsorship event. There is a number of fundraising merchandise items at the shop including T-shirts, pens, trolley coins, bracelets, balloons etc if anyone would like them for their fundraising effort.
Contact the group co ordinating members
Email: islefowight@mssociety.org.uk
11: Keep Active “Move More” and “Relax More”
Led by Andy Savage, specialist in working with those with long term conditions.
A work at your own pace, circuit based programme designed to keep active / A gentle movement and mindfulness programme designed to calm and relax the mind and body. We pay the full session costs.
Contact for this service:
Andy Savage who will arrange which location across the island is convenient.
Tel : 01983 810932 / 07779 616189MS Society IOW Group are so proud to be able to provide these most valuable services.
Please support us in any way possible in order to ensure their continuation and allow those who benefit now to do so well into the future.
A Big Thank You to everyone who supports us in whatever capacity.
Registered Charity Number 1139257 / SC041990