Below is some guidance and suggestions to encourage a great discussion on the theme of MS conversations.

1. Introduce the theme

You want everyone to know what this event is all about. Explain that it’s MS Awareness Week, and this year the theme is MS conversations.

From opening up about an MS diagnosis, chatting to friends, or asking for reasonable adjustments at work, MS conversations are happening all the time.

Talking about MS can be difficult, but it can also be empowering. So, we’re here today to start a conversation.

2. Pose a question to the group

Start with a really broad and open-ended question to the group. Something that everyone can relate to, and that will get people talking and opening up. Perhaps something like:

• What’s the most memorable MS conversation you’ve had?
• Why is opening up and talking about MS so important?
• How easy do you find it to open up and talk about MS?

3. Break out into pairs or small groups

Give people another topic to discuss in smaller groups or pairs. This might make it easier for people to open up. If this is a virtual event, you can use break-out rooms.

Some suggested topics for smaller group discussion:

• Are there any MS topics you find difficult to talk about?
• What would make MS conversations easier? (for example, having a good conversation starter, getting a more sympathetic response from people outside the MS community)
• Are there any MS conversations you’ve had that could have gone better? If so, how so?

4. Come back together to discuss and share

Bring everyone back together and ask if anyone would like to share what they’ve been discussing in their smaller group or pair. 

Discuss the theme as a wider group.

Final thoughts

Before everyone leaves, thank them all for their contributions. 

Remind people that it’s MS Awareness Week and they can get involved on social media by using the hashtag #MSConversations. Or, by starting MS conversations in real life!

Also, if you have the permission of the group, please do share a photo of your meeting on social media using #MSConversations.

Tips

Encourage a safe space

A safe space is an environment where participants feel comfortable, respected, and valued to express their views and experiences. 

Set some ground rules at the beginning of the session to encourage mutual respect, active listening and appreciation of differing views. Make sure to intervene if someone isn’t respecting these rules. 

Ensure everyone knows they can take a break or opt out of discussions whenever they want to.

Encourage participation

Conversations will be more beneficial if everyone has the chance to share their experience and hear from others. Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak if they want to. 

Ask open ended questions. Ensure you acknowledge all contributions and validate the feelings of participants.

Signpost to support

The eight MS charities leading on MS Awareness Week all offer a variety of support services for people struggling with their MS. Please encourage participants to visit the charities’ websites and highlight the helplines available.

Lead with your own personal experience

If appropriate, lead the conversation with your own personal experience. Sharing can help set the tone for the session and give an example of what people might be able to talk about.

The conversation might bring up a lot of emotions and questions for participants. You could offer to circulate some takeaways from the session, like share advice on how to start a conversation. 

You may think it appropriate to organise follow on sessions which focus on specific issues raised during the discussion.