Helping others has helped me too

I've been volunteering for the MS Society for over six years now and first joined as a befriending volunteer. But with more time on my hands following my retirement, my volunteering roles have expanded. I now do lots of really interesting things!

I’ve always worked but after 20 years in the civil service, I began experiencing MS symptoms. I took voluntary redundancy and a less stressful job in the local council with the library service. I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS (slow cognitive variant) in 2012.

I’ve loved all of my jobs but my MS began to impact on my driving, customer facing roles and family life. So, I made a joint decision with my employer that ill health retirement would be best for me, mentally and physically.

Using my skills to expand my volunteering roles

Without work I felt worthless and rejected for a while. I knew I had to pick myself back up. With more time to give, I wanted to use my skills to expand my volunteering and do more than befriending. I wanted to feel more productive and be  part of something bigger.

I'd already met Adele Gilmour, who headed the My MS, My Rights, My Choices project for MS Cymru at a local MS social group. So I asked to get involved in that. It led me to join the co-production team for the Pontio project. Pontio offers befriending and one-to-one support to people living with MS in Wales. I’m now on the advisory panel for the project and host MS awareness sessions for employers or any interested party. I help out at digital cafes, which provide information to people living with MS.

As well as my work in Pontio, I’m a Support Volunteer with the Swansea and District MS Group. I also give input to various MS Society campaigns. I was involved in the co-production of the new Volunteer Impact Awards, which I’m on the judging panel for too.

Information update - The specific support offered by the Pontio project is ending in September 2023, but volunteers are still providing MS support in Wales.

Using my training and skills to help others, and myself!

This may sound a lot to some people, but the great thing about volunteering for the MS Society is that you can take on as much or as little as you want. The training opportunities they provide, such as safeguarding, listening skills and mental health first aid, has equipped me to manage difficult situations in my support roles.

I recently worked with a lady in my area who has a very advanced disability. She found it hard to cope as she didn’t have a wide circle of help and felt suicidal. We would talk about everything. I supported and encouraged her to speak to her GP and church. I worked with other MS services to help with care issues. We still meet monthly when possible and our friendship continues.

I’ve learnt the importance of looking after my own mental wellbeing when supporting others. I know to cut back when things get tough as it’s easy to do too much. The Pontio project offers great support to volunteers. We have a dedicated person we can speak to if we’re worried or upset about anything.

I use tools and techniques I’ve learnt from the courses I’ve been on, like self-management programme run by Hope For The Community. As well as the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.

Supporting others is really rewarding

I’m passionate about spreading MS awareness and helping people access the benefits advice and information they need to live well with MS. I find it really rewarding that I can support people to manage their own circumstances better. And be aware of what help is available to them.

Volunteering gives you a lot in return. I’ve learnt so much from the people I’ve met, many have very different symptoms or levels of disabilities to myself. I’ve been humbled by so many inspiring people. It’s helped with the loss of working by giving me a purpose again.

If you’re thinking about becoming an MS Society volunteer, I’d say do it! There are so many different roles available and ways to be involved. There’s something to suit everyone. The roles are flexible and can work around your life. Everyone has skills and things they love to do. So, if you’re unsure about what area to volunteer in, I’d suggest starting by looking there. It’s very fulfilling to give back to others and the community.