One of the many inspiring qualities of the MND Community is the way that it demonstrates support and encouragement. This year MND NSW has introduced online options to allow people with MND and their family members to connect, learn and to support one another without distance being a barrier. We have had family members of people with MND in NSW & ACT connect to our events from other parts of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and as far away as Ireland!
Attending an MND Information Event provides an opportunity to learn more about motor neurone disease, what supports and interventions are available and how MND NSW can support. This 90-minute online and interactive event is recommended for anyone impacted by a recent diagnosis of MND, including family members. If you are keen to know more or want to find out about MND NSW and what we do, then why not reserve a place in our next event and have your questions answered! The next session is on Wednesday December 2, see below for details on how to register.
Carer Peer Support
Are you caring for someone with MND? Would you like to connect with others to exchange ideas and learn from each other? As well as support, carers will learn from one another as to what does and doesn’t work when supporting someone with complex needs as well as juggling life and family commitments. Occasionally we will have a guest speaker who specialises in working with people living with MND, the NDIS or My Aged Care. Stay for the whole session or just pop by to say hello, our carers set their own pace. This monthly event is facilitated by a member of staff with expertise in supporting those caring for someone with MND.
Chat and Connect
Each month our Support Services team members make themselves available for people to connect with us online. These sessions are facilitated by a member of staff who can respond to the questions and needs of those who attend. For those who find verbal communication difficult, the sessions also offer keyboard chat so that typing or assistive technology can be used. Come armed with a cuppa and any questions you may have, and we will be there to connect with you.
Younger Carers (18-35 yrs.) Peer Support
This group meets regularly throughout the year to support one another in their caring role for a parent, friend or relative and recognises the unique challenges younger carers face. While not every problem can be solved, having others to speak with who share your experiences can be incredibly beneficial. An experienced member of the MND Support Services team facilitates these sessions to ensure everyone gets the most out of talking together. As one participant said, “I gain so much from speaking with others who also have a parent with MND and look forward to connecting”.
MND NSW Support Groups
Currently all support groups are being held online due to social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions.Support groups offer people living with MND and their carers an opportunity to meet and learn more about living well with MND. Our MND Advisors lead these groups and provide some education as part of these sessions. Support groups run regionally to ensure participants can link up with others in their area and so local knowledge can be shared.
Online information course
We also have an online course for people recently diagnosed with MND, their family and friends. These resources can be watched at your own pace and is self guided. The course includes:
- A video of Dr Frank Brennan AM providing an overview of MND and helpful interventions
- Information about MND NSW services
- Further resources
If you would like a code to access the course for free, then please contact our Info Line. Further details and the course overview can be found here: https://edu.mndhub.org.au/lms/courses.
Registration
For further details on our events or to register, please visit our Events page, email us at: