If you are affected by MS (either as a person with MS or as a carer) and you require financial assistance with holidays or equipment, there are grants available from Borders Branch and MS Society Scotland. You do not have to be a member of the branch to apply for a grant.
If you need assistance with items that cost £200 or under, the grant form for this amount is very simple and requires only
minimal information. If you require financial assistance for an amount over £200, you will be required to fill in a more extensive form. Although this form is more complicated, there is help available from the Branch to complete these forms.
If the Branch is unable to meet the full cost of your requirements, you will be able to apply on the same form for a further grant from MS Society Scotland's National Office.
Forms are available from Judy Eglington, who can also provide advice or help to fill them in. You can contact her by telephone on 01573 420576 or send her an e-mail.
Emotional Support Helpline
For people dealing with MS, and those close to them, MS can be distressing and difficult to deal with. The Helpline is there to provide support and a listening ear for anyone affected by MS. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to people close to you, but the Helpline aims to provide a non-judgemental listening service.
The MS Helpline provides information to people with MS, their families, friends, and carers, as well as professionals who want to find out accurate, evidence-based information regarding MS. All Helpline staff are fully trained in MS related issues, including: the process of diagnosis, symtoms, treatments, coping strategies, health and social care, employment, relationships, discrimination, and benefits.
You can call the MS Helpline, for free, on 0808 800 8000.
Transport Support
The Branch has a vehicle that is available for use by people affected by MS. The Renault Kangoo is kept at Galashiels and is used mainly for transport to and from respite holidays, social outings, and trips. Our local authority's Social Work Department also have minibuses available, which have a hoist allowing wheelchair access.
If you wish to use the branch's vehicle, please contact Sandra Hay on 01896 752669.
Other Websites
The following websites have information and advice that may be informative or useful to you. MSBorders.org.uk is not responsible for any content held on external websites.
MS Society Scotland Scotland's largest charity for people affected by MS. Part of the MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
MS Society UK The UK's largest charity for people affected by MS. The site has information about support and services, events, and how to get involved.
MS International Foundation The umbrella organisation for all MS Societies internationally. This site includes information on each Society and research around the world as well as profiles of people with MS.
MS Resource Centre Support for people affected by MS, and information about research into MS.
Disabled Living Foundation The DLF specialize in providing disability equipment, day-to-day household gadgets, new technologies and training techniques.
Department of Work & Pensions This website aims to deliver support and advice to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people.
GW Pharmaceuticals This website contains details about current trials GW Pharmaceuticals are carrying out including cannabis based medicines. Additional details on the company are also available.
Volunteering
We are always happy to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer their time for helping with events and fundraising! Without the help of our volunteers, we would not be able to achieve as much as we do, so if you can help at all, your contribution is vital to us. Interested? Please contact us and let us know!
Young People
A website dedicated to yound people affected by MS can be found here.
Free Support Publications
These links are the most recent free publications from MS Society UK. The entire collection can be seen at their website by clicking here.
