MS Peer Support

Our MS Peer Support program is a great way for people affected by multiple sclerosis to connect with and support each other — both those living with the disease, and also carers, family and friends.

Giving and receiving practical and emotional support can help you understand a recent diagnosis, manage your symptoms and live well with multiple sclerosis. It’s also a great way to make new friends!

You can connect with an MS Peer Support group face to face, online, or over the phone — whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. It’s completely free to participate.

Find a group near you using our Find Local Services tool. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]) to register your interest and discuss alternative options.

Face-to-face MS Peer Support

Our Face-to-face MS Peer Support groups meet at various locations across ACT, NSW, TAS and VIC. They usually meet either fortnightly or monthly, but this varies from group to group.

Some groups get together for a casual coffee, some have discussion groups around specific multiple sclerosis issues and others get together for activities like singing and exercise — there really is something for everybody!

While some groups are made up of like groups of people, such as young carers or parents, others are a mixed bunch of ages and roles. It’s best to contact MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]) to have a chat about which group will best suit your goals.

You can also use our Find Local Services tool to find a group near you. If you can’t find a group in your postcode, please contact MS Connect™ to register your interest and discuss alternative options.

MS Peer Support via Phone

Phone MS Peer Support is a great way to have a one-on-one conversation with somebody who understands, no matter where you live.

We can connect you with one of our trained MS Peer Support volunteers over the phone. You will be offered a set number of phone calls over an extended period of time, usually around 6–8 calls over a few months.

Many people have said it’s a great way to build a relationship and give and receive advice. You can choose if you want to speak to another person living with multiple sclerosis, a carer or a family member.

For more information contact MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]).

Online MS Peer Support

Online MS Peer Support is a great way to make connections from the comfort of your own home, or on the go, no matter where you live. Online support leads to better self-care and a stronger sense of wellness. Plus, it’s a great way to make a new group of friends outside of your usual networks!

Our Online MS Peer Support channels

We have set up a number of private, supportive channels to provide Online MS Peer Support. Our role is purely to setup the channel, then it is moderated by trained MS Peer Support volunteers. Our online communities are built on mutual respect and emotional support — they are not designed for medical advice.

These channels include:

• The MS Peer Support Group page for people living with multiple sclerosis
• The MS Carers Peer Support Group page for carers of people living with multiple sclerosis
• The Australians with MS email discussion group an email discussion group for people living with multiple sclerosis, those who care for them and health professionals, to exchange information, ideas and support.

Become an MS Peer Support volunteer

We need members of the MS community to provide emotional and practical support and a listening ear for other people affected by multiple sclerosis.

MS Peer Support Volunteers are provided with full training and support. There are a number of ways to get involved, including being a face-to-face group facilitator, providing one-on-one telephone support and moderating our online support channels.

Register your interest by contacting MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]).