Using my skills to help others

My love for volunteering began a long time ago. I’ve been involved with various charities since high school and I’ve always found it really rewarding. I’ve had MS for over 45 years and was officially diagnosed at 35. But I haven’t let that get in the way of volunteering.

I was medically retired from my teaching job at 40 and spent two lonely years trying to cope. It was my MS nurse who suggested volunteering for the MS Society. I have MS myself and my sister had progressive MS. Unfortunately, she passed away over 25 years ago, so I wanted to do something to help others.

I initially joined the Lanarkshire MS Group as a Support Volunteer but my role has expanded since! I’ve been fortunate enough to benefit from Self-Directed Support, which is a payment from my local North Lanarkshire Council. It's allowed me to employ a Personal Assistant. My PA Jane Lyall has supported me for 10 years with both personal requirements and volunteering.

Thanks to Jane, I’ve been able to grow my volunteering role. I’m now a Lead Fundraiser and I’m also setting up a grants panel. I also represent people living with MS as a member of Nationwide’s Grants Panel, as well as The Health and Social Care Alliance in Scotland (and its Digital Citizen Panel).

Supporting others

As a Support Volunteer, I initiate contact and build relationships with other agencies for the benefit of people with MS, their families and friends. This includes MS Nurses, Social Workers and the North Lanarkshire Disability Forum who support by filling out PIP forms and appeals.

This is something which is vital for many people living with MS. By setting up these important networks, more people in the area are able to access the support they need. And more agencies are aware of each other.

When I first joined the MS Society as a Support Volunteer, one of the first things I did was set up a Coffee and Chat group at the local garden centre. This brought people from across Lanarkshire together for a regular, informal meet-up. Many of whom still attend today.

Importantly, I also support other people and volunteers from our group to set up their own 'get togethers'. Lanarkshire is a really big area and we want to make sure as many people as possible can access peer support and build friendships.

Using my skills has opened up new volunteering opportunities

I also use my networking skills to build corporate partnerships and fundraise. A couple of years ago I was asked if I’d become the Lead Fundraiser so our group could continue offering its services and support. I started targeting small businesses for donations and partnerships by calling and sending letters to them. I then moved on to larger businesses in the area, such as the Co-op Distribution Centre and potato supplier, Albert Bartlett.

When I'd finished this list, I moved onto building companies and car dealers. We also fundraised through events, such as climbing Ben Nevis and doing the Kiltwalk. We’ve used the money raised to donate to research and also continue our exercise classes.

One of the other main things I’ve focussed on fundraising for recently has been the important (but expensive!) counselling service we offer. And since last April, we’ve raised £23,000 for it. Hearing positive feedback from people who use the service and how it’s helped them spurs us on to keep going!

I’m proud of what I’ve achieved

Looking back, I think becoming Lead Fundraiser and setting up the Coffee and Chat group are some of my biggest volunteering achievements. Getting people together in a safe and relaxed environment where they can build friendships and meet like-minded people is really rewarding.

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Especially knowing how lonely I felt before joining the MS Society all those years ago. I’m really proud to be part of a group which supports people to take the next step and reclaim their individuality and independence.

I was honoured and stunned to have my efforts recognised by the MS Society recently when I won an Impact Award. But really, the best thing is being able to support people living with MS. And that my training as a Support Volunteer is being used in the way it should to make a difference.

Don’t let your skills go to waste!

If you’re thinking of becoming an MS Society volunteer, please do. The MS Society needs you! We all have our own set of skills that are invaluable. If you’re interested in becoming a Support Volunteer, the training will help you recognise the area you might enjoy or be good at.

And like me, there are so many opportunities to expand your role and use the skills you have!

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