The New Jersey Metro Chapter sponsors 31 self-help groups in 14 counties. These groups bring together people who share a common life experience for support, education, and mutual aid. Members of self-help groups share a belief that positive personal change happens through individual efforts with the support of others. The benefits of self-help groups to their members include:
- Learning new information & strategies for confronting problems.
- Finding reassurance and support from others with similar life experiences.
- Developing personal insights and achieving personal growth.
- The opportunity to be helpful to others.
- Feeling less isolated.
- Learning to express feelings better and to be more sensitive to the feelings of others.
- Feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges.
- Developing a connection to a community and personal identification with a social group.
You can view the current monthly self-help group calendar from this link:
For additional information, contact the Chapter at 800-344-4867 or generalmailbox@nmss.org.
**Two New Self-Help Groups**
Monmouth County Self-Help Group
WHEN: Second Wednesday of the month
TIME: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: Kershaw Commons Activities Room 2nd floor
6000 Applewood Drive
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
If you are looking to connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis, consider joining us at the new Kershaw Commons MS Self-Help Group on the second Wednesday evening of every month. The group meets at the Kershaw Commons Activities Room 2nd floor. Meetings will have either speakers on relevant topics or group discussions.
If you are interested, or for more information please call:
Dennis H at 732 531-7570 or Lisa at 732 660-1005 or email:lisa.torre-Janssen@nmss.org
The first meeting will take place on November 9, 2011.
Secaucus MS Self-Help Group
WHEN: Second Tuesday of the month
TIME: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Secaucus Public Library
1379 Paterson Plank Road
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
If you are looking to connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis, consider joining us at the new Secaucus MS Self-Help Group on the second Tuesday evening of every month. The group meets at the Secaucus Public Library. Meetings will have either speakers on relevant topics or group discussions.
If you are interested, or for more information please call Kevin at 201-320-0100 or send an email to: chefkev21@comcast.net. The first meeting will take place on January 10, 2012.
Peer Support Through MS Friends
MS knows no timetable – this is why we offer support when you want and need it. The MSFriends program connects you with volunteers living with MS. The common bond of living with MS creates a unique connection. MSFriends volunteers complete a rigorous screening and training program and are focused on the needs of those who call for support. For more information, click on this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/society-programs-and-services/msfriends-peer-telephone-support/index.aspx.
Conference Call Support Groups
You (and your family and friends and caregivers) are invited to participate in Conference Call Support Groups for individuals living with MS. These groups are created to meet the needs of people with similar concerns. The Conference Call Groupsare an hour long, free of charge and require no special equipment. These calls are easily accessible from your home and are a great way to connect and get support from your peers and professionals.
All groups provide opportunities to discuss MS-related concerns, experiences and resources. Groups are conducted by trained therapists. To participate in a group, you must be registered as a member of the National MS Society; membership is free. The specific groups include:
- Caregiver/Partners
- Children (ages 9-14) Who Have a Parent Living with MS
- Cognitive Concerns
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered
- Men’s Concerns
- Newly Diagnosed
- Pain and Spasticity Management
- Parenting (for parents with MS who have children 18 or younger)
- Residents of Nursing Homes
- Stress Management
To learn more about these Conference Call support groups, click on this link (it will take you to the NYC-SNY Chapter website) http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nyn/programsandservices/counseling-services-and-emotional-support/support-groups/index.aspx. You can register online or via telephone. If you register via telephone, please indicate that you want to register for a Conference Call Support Group.