Inspiring others to live well with MS
Anne joined us as a volunteer campaigner, but found her niche running courses to help others live well with MS. She tells us what inspires her to keep volunteering – and how her passion for riding has been so important for her own wellbeing.
Getting involved
It was my friend Eddie who first introduced me to the MS Society back in 2004. I’d given up work (as a health food store manager) due to my MS, so had some time on my hands. He was involved in the Policy and Campaigns Forum, which was a mixture of staff and volunteers. He thought campaigning would suit my rather loud and stubborn personality (and he was right).
We did a lot of lobbying of the Scottish Parliament, including on one of my pet topics, the misuse of disabled parking spaces. It became an offence to park in one without a blue badge. I’m still proud that we played a part in achieving this.
It was 2007 when I first got involved with running self-management courses. In England, the NHS had started running them in hospitals. However, there were no such provisions in Scotland, so the MS Society Scotland ran them. Later, they designed their own version of the course, specifically aimed at people with MS.
I was in the second round of facilitators to be trained. Working in pairs, we’d set up at a venue once a week for six weeks, carrying books, papers and a projector on a trolley. We’d then run a session on various aspects of managing MS and wellbeing, such as diet, exercise, stress or relaxation skills.
Changing the approach
Skip forwards to the Living Well sessions I’m currently involved with and things have certainly changed over the years. The courses are run over Zoom (so no more carrying equipment about) and have much less of a ‘teaching’ feel about them.
With greater access to the internet, people are much more aware now. In the past, we'd have stood at the front and given out information about a topic. Perhaps set out a goal for participants to reach before the next session.
Now, it’s all about supporting people to take charge of their own journeys and set their own goals. We offer ideas and encouragement and share our own experiences, but the inspiration must come from them. It’s great to see people becoming more positive and optimistic about their lives. Some participants have now done the training to become course facilitators themselves. Such a lovely outcome.
As a volunteer, you get back as much as you give. Hearing someone say that they’ve really enjoyed a session I’ve run is so satisfying.
Living well myself
Horses have always played a big part in my life. When I was first diagnosed, my wonderful NHS physiotherapist showed me how to incorporate stable work (for my daughters’ horses) into my exercise routine. This meant I swept with the broom on both sides, for example. As time passed and my mobility got worse, I felt sad that riding itself would no longer be possible for me.
Someone told me about the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). It took a lot of persuasion to get me back on a horse at first, because I didn’t think I could do it. I also didn’t want to just be led around like a child on a pony. But the temptation to be on a horse again finally won over and my life changed.
Now, I compete in RDA equestrian dressage events. My best achievement so far is second place doing dressage to music at the RDA National Championships. Riding keeps me fit and improves my core strength which allows me to walk further and maintain my balance. It’s my passion, and I’ll do it for as long as I can. I don’t need any adaptations to the usual equipment although these do exist.
If the time comes that I can’t get out of my wheelchair and onto a horse, then the wonderful world of carriage driving awaits!
Horses have also been hugely important for my mental wellbeing. They’re such caring creatures. Simply spending time with them can be very calming and healing. I’ve stood in a field and poured out my heart to my hairy friends many times. Some RDA centres offer people with long-term conditions the chance to meet others. All while being in the fresh air and hanging out with horses. I’d thoroughly recommend it!
Volunteering - just do it
As a volunteer, you get back as much as you give. Hearing someone say that they’ve really enjoyed a session I’ve run is so satisfying. Seeing them have a ‘lightbulb’ moment is also very rewarding. When they realise that something, perhaps very small, that I’ve suggested could make their life better. Equally, I’m always learning things myself from the people I meet.
Of course, there are challenges. If you haven’t walked in someone’s shoes, you don’t know what’s really going on for them. You need to be able to listen more than you talk, and not take yourself too seriously. If you can approach every situation with an open mind then you’ll do well. The rewards will make it all worthwhile.
