Offering information, emotional support and encouragement, via the telephone, to peers living with MS
What is the Peer Support Program?
This program offers information, emotional support and encouragement, via the telephone, to individuals living with MS and their families. The program matches trained volunteers who have MS or have family members with MS, with individuals looking for support with their own MS experiences. People living with MS may experience a wide variety of strong emotions, beginning with initial symptoms, through diagnosis, and continuing throughout life with the disease. Peer Support can be a great help by creating a unique supportive connection through a common bond.
How Can I Participate in the Peer Support Program?
If you are someone looking to receive support:
If you are seeking support and would like to be connected with a Peer Support Volunteer, you can start by first contacting the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter, to talk to the Program Coordinator about your needs. The information you provide will help identify specific issues or concerns you might be having, as well as the type of supportive relationship you are hoping to develop.
Many people with MS or their family members seek support, understanding, information, and guidance from others that experience common circumstances. Peer Support Volunteers can help you by providing a safe environment to discuss the emotions and experiences associated with MS.
"It has meant much to me to have the support from my peer support volunteer. Speaking to another person with MS has made dealing with the day to day issues possible. She understood what it feels like.” –Peer Support Recipient
If you want to become a trained Peer Support Volunteer:
Peer Support Volunteers are caring, compassionate individuals who have been living with MS, or have a family member with MS, for at least two years and exhibit positive coping skills. They have excellent listening and communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to follow through on commitments.
In order to become a Peer Support volunteer, you must participate in the chapter’s Someone to Listen Peer Support training, as well as continued support and supervision from chapter staff. The coping strategies you have developed by living with MS, in conjunction with the skills you will learn during the training, are tools that will allow you successfully help others in need of support.
“As I experience my own journey and adapt to the changes and challenges, I have learned much about MS, resources, and myself. These personal experiences over the years have helped me to develop listening skills and communication skills. I have never felt so much of a need to give back.” – Peer Support Volunteer
For more information on how to become a Peer Support Volunteer, including details on upcoming trainings, or to speak with chapter staff about receiving peer support, please contact Jamie Berg, Program Coordinator at the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter:
- Phone: 1-781-693-5144
-
Email: jamie.berg@nmss.org