Branch Support Workers
The Branch is very fortunate to have an excellent cohort of trained Support Workers (Welfare as was). All four are from a nursing background and are committed to maintaining absolute confidentiality in their dealing with members. They are able to provide both emotional and practical support especially in accessing the various statutory services provided by Social Work, the Health Board and the Benefits Agency. Like all Branch officers they are unpaid volunteers.
Long-standing members may recall when the ladies (yes – they all are ladies) routinely visited members in their own or care homes. This is no longer possible for a variety of reasons as it is not now national Society policy.
However, all of our Support Workers remain happy to visit and offer advice and help provided the request is made in the first instance by the member, carer or family.
To access this much appreciated service please call our Kilwinning office on 01294 558866 in the first instance.
Who are MS Ayrshire & Arran Branch?
The Ayrshire and Arran Branch of the MS Society is a group of like-minded people who offer support and fellowship to people with MS, their carers, families and all affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
All of our members and committee members are volunteers - there are no paid staff.
Available to people with MS are a number of groups, support services and social occasions; plus advice and support for all those with MS, especially those who have been newly diagnosed with the illness.
Local MS Society Branches
MS Society branches cater for people of all ages and interests, and are run by people with direct experience of MS. They offer a range of activities, support, information and advice - they also hold fundraising events. There are currently 39 Scottish branches providing support and meeting the welfare needs of over 4,800 members with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.
Scotland has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the world,
it is particularly prevalent in Ayrshire
We the largest branch of the national Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland, which provides care and support services for 10,000 people with MS, the most common disease of the central nervous system. 50 people per week are diagnosed with MS in the UK - they need your support now.
10 Quick Facts about MS
*Scotland has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the world
*MS is the most common disabling disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults
*An estimated 2,500,000 people have MS, including 85,000 in the UK
*Diagnosis is generally between 20 and 40 years of age
*MS is rarely diagnosed under 12 or over 55
*Three women have MS for every two men
*MS is not contagious
*MS is not directly hereditary but genetic susceptibility is a factor
*There is no cure for MS yet but there are drugs which can modify its course for some people
*Many symptoms of MS can be successfully treated or managed.
Why is your help so important?
For many people living with MS, the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland really does make a difference. It helps thousands of people to bridge the gap between a lonely struggle against
this unpredictable disease and an acceptable quality of life.
Research Commitment
The Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland not only provides practical help for people with MS and their carers, families and friends, but also is the major funder of MS research in Scotland. Our commitment to medical research over the next few years will be £1.9m.
MS Specialist Nurses
We are working to ensure that everyone with Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland has local access to an MS Specialist Nurse and we are committed to finding the funds to provide this service.
There are currently 16 Specialist Nurse posts in Scotland and over 10,000 people with MS.
Respite Care/Holiday Homes
The MS Society Scotland provides respite and holiday accommodation for use by people with MS, their families and carers. There is also a Respite home at North Berwick; caravans and timber lodges available at Ayr, Nairn and Dumfries.
Time and money
Funding for all of the Society's services is achieved entirely by voluntary contributions to continue its work with and for people with Multiple Sclerosis. If you can help by making a donation, volunteering some of your time or joining the Branch to help us achieve our aims, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About MS
Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating disease of the nervous system affecting young adults.
Scotland has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the world.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland provides care and support services for 10,000 people with MS, the most common disease of the central nervous system. 50 people per week are diagnosed with MS in the UK - they need your support now.
For more detailed information on Multiple Sclerosis, please click here.
Welcome to the website for
Ayrshire & Arran Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Scotland.
Registered Charity SCO 16433.
