Action Mental Health is helping people diagnosed with MS in Northern Ireland cope with their condition through a new support initiative, the Mind My MS project.
Some 400 people are diagnosed with MS every year in Northern Ireland, leaving many reeling from the changes in their everyday life and the shift in what they thought the future posed for them.
Action Mental Health’s specialist counselling service, AMH New Life Counselling is collaborating with the MS Society in Northern Ireland to provide free one-to-one counselling, which is online currently, due to the ongoing pandemic.
The project is now offering places to those living with MS, inviting them to join the network of support being offered, where they may feel the benefit of the camaraderie of fellow sufferers. The project includes Connect Cafes facilitated by the MS Society, Mindfulness programmes delivered by Aware Defeat Depression and counselling provided by AMH New Life Counselling.
The project has been running for a year, delivering valuable support to people living with multiple sclerosis, according to clients benefitting from the service.
One client said:
“Counselling helped me overcome obstacles in my life that were hindering my happiness and it was so good to be able to talk things through. I felt listened to and understood.”
Another said:
“My family say that I am more like my old self, which has made me feel better about myself and my future. I’ve learnt so much about myself and know what to do now, when I am feeling low or anxious.”
A fellow sufferer added:
“I was delighted with the service and working over the phone really suited me with my health conditions. Thank you so much, for everything – keep up the good work!”
Anyone over 18 living with MS who is interested in availing of this free counselling can contact [email protected], or https://bit.ly/3mnwNxP.
AMH New Life Counselling is an Organisational Member of BACP and adheres to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions Visit the BACP website for more information : https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/