Festival Charity
The MS Support Centre
The Multiple Sclerosis Support Centre in Chester is an independent local charity that offers practical support, therapies and helpful strategies to manage the symptoms of MS as effectively as possible in a happy, supportive and understanding environment. Individuals are encouraged to take a positive attitude towards the management of their condition, allowing them to take control of their lives with MS, rather than MS controlling them.
“Self Help is our way of Action”
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is typically diagnosed in the 20s and 30s age group, a time when most people are embarking on their career and may be bringing up a young family. It is the most common disease of the central nervous system in young people and there is no known cause or cure; it affects in excess of 1 in 800 adults in the UK and its impact is felt by whole families.
The MS Support Centre focuses on providing the best possible support, advice and therapies to people with MS to help them live life to the full. We aim to provide a friendly, professional and secure community of people with MS – and their carers – who are investing in the future through positive personal choices.
Our range of therapies reflect a wide range of personal interests and promote physical fitness, as well as complementing and supporting the work of neurologists and GPs.
In addition to physical benefits, we also encourage people with MS to regain control of their lives through self help and many members are happy to share their experiences about managing with MS.
Living with MS – Barry Thomas
In March 2000 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As a full time chef and a member of the Territorial Army I had a very physical life, and at this time my mobility was affected and the ‘why me’ state of mind was created. But I quickly came to terms with my condition and started to fight back. I found out all that was to be known about the condition and joined the local branch of the MS society.
During the next few years I had constant relapses and I suffered from many symptoms of the condition, including spasms in my limbs, dizziness and blindness in one of my eyes. This was a horrible period in my life. I didn’t know from day to day what challenges I would face. I had days where I felt down but always tried to stay cheerful.
Four years ago I moved to Chester and I found out about the MS Support Centre. It allowed me to talk to people with the same condition as me as well as take part in therapies and treatments that I had little or no experience. It gives me freedom to choose my own care through a professional and respected organisation. I’m a weekly visitor to the centre and it forms an important part of my life.
I still struggle with MS on a daily basis; though with help provided through the centre can cope with my condition and anything it has to throw at me.
MS Support Centre Silver Jubilee
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the MS Support Centre, and so we’re very excited to be the adopted charity of The Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to tell more people about our work and to reach more people affected by MS.
Our key message is healthy living and positive lifestyles; this reinforces the therapies and other services delivered by the Centre, and reflects the aim of The Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival to showcase the very best of Chester.
We plan to demonstrate some of our work at the Taste of Chester event in April so we look forward to seeing you then at Chester Race Course.
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