News

You might qualify for a grant from the Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Committee to pay for the purchase of a vehicle, scooter or other disability equipment. These grants are aimed at helping people with disabilities achieve independence and participate in the community. Around 45% of applicants receive funding. The Committee considers a range of factors…

By Judy McKeown, RN (MS Resource Nurse) The demands of driving a car today are greater than ever, particularly in Christchurch, making it even more important for vehicles to be operated safely. But what happens when you or your GP believe it is time to reassess your driving skills? Driving assessments can be a great…

When we recently talked to spouses/partners of members with Parkinson’s, we were asked if we would consider opening the Society gym for all spouses/partners. This is not possible, so instead we have a few ideas on where you might be able to do more exercise. The Christchurch City Council has several leisure centres across the…

Bathroom falls are the most common ACC claim for older people but it’s easy to stand up to this risk as many falls can be prevented. Simple adjustments can reduce your chances of falling. Being confident on your feet and having a plan just in case you do fall are important as a fall, or…

Shower and bath areas are potential safety hazards due to the unavoidable wet and slippery surfaces. However, the addition of a few simple items can make these areas safer. People of all ages can benefit from non-slip mats (from $20) which prevent slips and falls by providing traction for your feet when they are wet….

Outward Bound are offering scholarships for their next Aspire course that cover 80% of the registration fee. This is a specially adapted low-impact course for people aged 27+ who have a physical limitation; past participants include people with early onset MS, arthritis, joint replacements and back injuries. Aspire is an 8-day course where you’ll get…

MSNZ has opened applications for the Dorothy L Newman Scholarship which assists people who, as a result of having been diagnosed with MS, are unable to continue in their present employment and need to retrain in order to change their occupation. Applications are open solely to people with MS needing to retrain for paid employment….

By Mary Kingston, Member Last year my MS had deteriorated to a point that it was unsafe for me to drive. Rachel, one of the Society’s cool physios guided me through the application process to apply for a Lottery Board Grant. It was a slow process but finally my application for car hand controls, wheelchair…

Since forever, men from Kaitaia to Bluff have been disappearing into their sheds to fix things, get creative, or simply to recharge after a full day. But over the past few years the traditional concept of the men’s shed has undergone a revolution and nowadays men of all ages and abilities are heading to the…

The Society’s School Holiday Programme added a bit of extra mid-winter fun for the 46 children and 35 adults who attended it. Funded by a grant from the Christchurch City Council, the programme featured a mid-week creative activity and lunch at the Society and a trip to the cinema the following week. The Plaster Ornament…