Scotland has the highest prevalence of MS in the world, with over 85,000 people affected in the UK and over 10,400 in Scotland. The MS Society of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and the MS Society Scotland are dedicated to supporting everyone whose life has been affected by MS by providing a diverse range of services.
This page gives useful information about the services available for people affected with MS in Ross-shire
THE ROSS-SHIRE BRANCH
OF THE MS SOCIETY
The Ross-shire Branch of the MS Society was started in 1972 and is part of the MS Society of Great Britain & Northern Ireland and MS Society Scotland. It is organised and run according to the National Society’s Constitution.
The Branch exists to help ALL who suffer from MS, whether or not they join the Branch. New members are always very welcome.
| It's Friendly | It's Informative |
| It's Supportive | It's Fun |
Branch activities are designed to ensure that support is available to all people affected by MS: through the Branch Newsletter and the National Magazine, (both bi-monthly); through the wealth of information on all aspects of MS published by the National Office; through the various activities described in this booklet; through providing a contact and support for all those affected by MS, including family and carers; and through on-going fund raising to finance many areas of assistance and to support the Research projects into the cause of MS.
For information regarding the work of the Branch, contact: The Secretary on 01463 861342.
MEDICAL MATTERS
THE GP AND CONSULTANT
Your GP will provide you with the medical care and support you need, and may refer you to a Hospital Consultant if necessary. The Consultant will take steps to monitor your illness through regular clinics and will liase with other departments as necessary.
CONTACT: Your local Surgery
NHS 24 DIRECT LINE 08454 242424
COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE
Each local area has a community nursing team led by a district nurse and supported by qualified staff and nursing auxiliaries, working closely with other health and social work professionals. Community nurses are available to any individual with health needs and you can contact her/him yourself or through your GP or carer. The service is available from Monday-Friday, 9.00am - 17.00pm. There is a limited weekend service and a nurse on call every night.
CONTACT: Your local Surgery
LOCAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CARE SERVICES
Referral to either of the two community hospitals in the area, County Hospital, Invergordon and Ross Memorial, Dingwall, is made by either the GP or Community Nurse. Admission can be for assessment and control of symptoms and general nursing care, during which time other staff, such as physiotherapists, may become involved. Social Work Services staff also have an important role within the hospital setting and visit as needed.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapists use a variety of ways to reduce pain and to help muscles and joints work to their full potential. Referral is made by the Consultant, GP or other health professionals.
CONTACT: Your GP or local community nurse or telephone
Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall 01349 863313 or County Hospital Invergordon 01349 852496
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy helps you to help yourself, maximising independence and improving quality of life through advice and provision of equipment and adaptations. OTs can help in applying for grants for such things as stair lifts, tracking, ramps, etc. Referral is usually by GP, Community Nurse, or Social Services Team; but can be by self-referral
CONTACT: 01349 866444 (Duty Officer, Social Work)
HIGHLAND HOSPICE
Referral criteria is being developed for people with incurable illnesses other than cancer to benefit from services offered by the Hospice, The Hospice offers a wide range of complementary therapies. Referral would be made by the Consultant, GP or Community Nurse.
CONTACT: 01463 243132
MS NURSE
MS Nurse for the Highlands, Mrs Anne Stewart, can be contacted at Raigmore Hospital without referral.
CONTACT: 01463 705879
NHS HELPLINE 0800 224488
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
The Community Care Team, which is made up of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists, carries out Community Care Assessments for both clients and their carers. The Ross and Cromarty CCT has one primary unit at Slioch, Castle Street, Dingwall, and a local unit in Scotsburn Road, Tain.
There is a wide range of services to help people with a disability. These include:
day care; home care; direct payment scheme for support at home; respite care in a Care Home, permanent care in a Care Home; OT assessment; equipment to help remain Independent; transport services; support work.
It should be noted that some of these services are free, and for some there are charges..
Discretionary and mandatory grants can be available to make houses suitable for people with disabilities, ie.. a purpose built extension, making access easier, kitchen adaptations, etc.
Anyone can be referred to the Social Work Team, either by self-referral, or by a ca`rer or by another professional.
CONTACT: 01349 866444 Mon-Fri, 9.00am-17.00pm
BENEFITS
The MS Society has an excellent booklet: DLA - a Guide obtainable from the National Office or Branch Secretary
HAIN (Highland Advice & Information Network) & CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) give help with working out benefits.
Hain is made up of the 9 CABs in the Highland Region. CABs offer confidential, impartial and independent advice and specialist welfare rights services. Drop-in for general advice, appointment needed to see a Welfare Rights Officer:
| CAB Dingwall: | 4 Church Street. 01349 864850 | Tues, Wed, Fri 10.00am -14.00pm |
| CAB Alness: | 4 Novar Road. 01349 883333 | Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri 10.00am -14.00pm |
| CAB Tain: | 6 Stafford Street, 01862 894382 | Wed only 10.00am -14.00pm |
| CAB Gairloch: | Community Centre 01445 712186 | Tues only, 10.00am -14.00pm |
| CAB Inverness: | 103 Academy Street 01463 235345 | Mon-Fri, 10.00am-13.00pm, also Tel only, Mon, Wed, Thur 13.00-15.00 |
DLA Helpline 08457 123456
Benefits Enquiries Line for disabled people
0800 882200
NEW DEAL for disabled people wanting to work
0800 137 177
LEISURE
In the Ross-shire Branch, members are actively encouraged to take part in a range of social and leisure pursuits designed for relaxation and friendship. Some are as follows:
HIGHLAND DISABLED RAMBLERS
HDR is run by disabled people with able-bodied friends. Though catering mainly for wheel chair users and their carers and friends, anyone who has walking difficulties may find the gentle pace of the rambles attractive.
Membership is £10 per year, £15 for families. Rambles take place approximately once a month. The club owns 7 Class 3 4-wheeled scooters which have to be ordered 10 d
ays in advance of a ramble.
| It's Friendly | It's Informative |
| It's Supportive | It's Fun |
CONTACT: the Secretary, 01463 782085
E-mail: info@highlanddiasabledramblers.org
Website:www.highlanddisabledramblers.org
LEAD—Linking Education and Disability
Want to learn something new or update skills? LEAD can work with you in your own home - computer skills, creative writing, languages and many other courses offered through Open Learning,
CONTACT: Alan Jones on 01445 731115
The Ross-shire Branch holds Social Afternoons in the Church of Scotland Hall, Evanton from 14.30pm -16.30pm approximately every 10 weeks, A very friendly atmosphere prevails. Refreshments, and occasional speakers or entertainment.
An Annual Luncheon Party is held on a Saturday mid-June.
Members and a carer/friend come free. A popular occasion.
THERAPY AFTERNOONS
The Branch holds Therapy Afternoons once a month in the Church of Scotland Hall, Evanton
(Tue or Wed 14.00-17.00)
Sessions are 30-45 minutes long, members pay £7.50.
Reflexology, Shiatsu Massage and Chiropody are offered by qualified professionals-gentle forms of natural healing which induce relaxation and a feeling of well-being. Also a drop-in time for chat over a cup of tea.
CONTACT: Branch Secretary.
SWIMMING
Sessions for people with disabilities are offered at:
- ALNESS ACADEMY: 01349 882456 (Wed 16.45-17.45)
- INVERGORDON LEISURE CENTRE: 01349 853689 (Mon, 15.30-16.30) Sessions are free but an active referral is required. Physio & lifeguards in attendance.
- PUFFIN POOL, DINGWALL: 01349 864414 Physio assessment required (£5). Every day except Sunday and Saturday afternoon. Sessions £2.50. Groups can hire.
COMMUNITY DAY SERVICES
for people with a disability
This service provides day care facilities for groups of people with physical disabilities. It offers a day away from home in a friendly and understanding environment, with the opportunity to take part in a range of activities. Referral by Care Manager or self-referral. Lunch is provided. In some cases, transport can be arranged. From 9.30-15.00
The groups meet as follows:
| Monday | Gordon Memorial Hall, | Rosemarkie |
| Tuesday | Perrins Centre, | Alness |
| Wednesday | Community Centre, | Dingwall |
| Thursday | Saltburn Hall, | Invergordon |
| Friday | Puffin Pool, followed by lunch out. | Dingwall |
CONTACT: The Manager, Isobel Rhind Centre 01349 854154
The Branch is willing to arrange occasional outings to such places as Roller Ball, Disabled Curling League, The Seagull Trust Boat, Theatre, etc. Contact the Branch Secretary.
LISTENING
Highlands & Islands Tape Service records local newspapers on to tape each week for the registered visually impaired.
CONTACT: 01463 242500
Royal National Institute for the Blind Talking Books Service:
CONTACT: 0020 7388 1266
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE
The aim of the Centre is to promote a better quality of life for people with MS and their carers and families. Services offered include:
PHYSIOTHERAPY: given by qualified physiotherapists who give an assessment of condition and treatment tailored to individual needs
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY: can be effective in the longer term in helping stabilise and manage MS.
COUNSELLING: individual, private and confidential counselling service offered for people with MS and their families and carers.
HAIRDRESSER: a bit of popular pampering!
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY: two therapists available for Massage and Reflexology.
DROP-IN CENTRE: anyone with MS, their families and carers are encouraged for a cup of tea and chat - for some, the best therapy for them..
TELEPHONE COUNSELLING: Monday-Friday, 9.00am -16.00pm. Answerphone outwith these hours.
CONTACT: Centre Manager Burnett Road Inverness IV2 1TF 01463 240365
GETTING AROUND
SHOPMOBILITY HIGHLAND
A service providing electric scooters, powered chairs and manual chairs, enabling people with a disability to get to shops and use other facilities. If required, an escort can be provided to give assistance. Booking in advance is essential.
There is also a mini-bus door-to-door service providing access to Inverness or Dingwall to registered users.
CONTACT: Inverness Office:01463 717624 Mon-Sat, 9.30am-17.00pm
Dingwall Office: 01349 866040, Mon-Fri, 10.00am-16.00pm
MOTABILITY
To be eligible for Motability, the client must be in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of the DLA. which must be valid for a period of 3 years. Cars are provided on either an Hire Purchase Scheme or on a Contract Hire Scheme.
CONTACT: 01279 635666
ACCESS TO WORK
ACCESS TO WORK can assist people with disabilities who are in work in a number of ways. Initially the Disability Employment Adviser, based at your local jobcentre will advise on how to apply to ACCESS TO WORK or
CONTACT: 01463 888284 for Access to Work Adviser
The nearest DISABLED LIVING CENTRE is
MORAY RESOURCE CENTRE, ELGIN
CONTACT: 01343 551339
HOLIDAYS & RESPITE CARE
MS Scotland owns and runs the Sir Richard Cave MS Holiday Centre at North Berwick. Guests affected with MS are offered a 12-day stay with or without their carer. Equipped to a very high standard. 24-hour nursing care available.
CONTACT: The Manager, 01620 892864 / 890617
MS Scotland also offer caravans and lodges adapted to enable people with a disability to have a self-catering holiday. These are situated at Craig Tara Holiday Park, Ayr; Lochloy Holiday Park, Nairn; and Southerness Holiday Village, Dumfries
CONTACT: MS Scotland National Office, 0131 335 4050
Taigh Farrais, MacDonald Drive, Forres offers respite care for families coping with physical disability. The house has 4 rooms, 3 with overhead tracking facilities and en-suite facilities
CONTACT: The Manager, 01309 676417
ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING HOLIDAY INFO:
Holiday Care Service: 01293 774 535 ENABLE: 0141 226 4541
Disability Scotland: 0131 229 8632 RADAR: 0207 250 3222
The Community Care Team is responsible for organising periods of respite care and has details of all the registered residential and nursing homes where respite care is offered throughout the county. Sometimes a disabled person’s respite care needs can best be provided for in hospital, in which case this will be arranged through the Rehabilitation Consultant at Raigmore, sometimes in conjunction with Social Work Services.
FINANCE & FUNDING
Needs of people with MS may be met by statutory provision (covered by Disabled Facilities Grants and Community Care Grants through Social Work Services). The MS Society and Branches aim to help people with MS with needs that cannot be met by statutory provision—such as powered wheelchairs, riser/recliner chairs, car adaptations, communication equipment, mobility and specialist equipment, etc.
Grants can be made available from Branch funds for both members and non-members. These may need to be supplemented by National Support Grants, in which case, application to MS Scotland is made. The Branch Officer gives assistance with this. Details of income and expenditure have to be given. Strict confidentiality observed.
CONTACT: The Branch Secretary 01463 861342.
For other available funding, contact Community Care Team
PUBLICATIONS
- MS Matters (bi-monthly from National Office, for members)
- MS Scotland (quarterly from MS Scotland, for members)
- MS Society Publications (a very wide range of booklets on all aspects of living with multiple sclerosis. Contact the National Office or the Ross-shire Branch Secretary: 01463 861342.).
- New Pathways (bi-monthly, produced by the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre. A lively and informative magazine).
CONTACT: 0800 763 0518 to subscribe
CARING FOR CARERS
CROSSROADS
Crossroads is a charity providing home based respite services to relieve those caring for a relative or friend in their own homes. Normally free. Available day, evening or overnight.
Contact: 01349 863201 (Local Co-ordinator 01381 621284)
PRINCESS ROYAL HIGHLAND CARERS PROJECT
An independent voluntary organisation for Carers, giving information on all aspects of community care and how to get practical help; also offers a counselling Helpline 08457 660026
CONTACT: 01463 718817
HIGHLAND HOME CARERS
A local service provider offering support staff in your own home. A flexible and reliable 24-hour service with highly skilled staff when you, or a member of your family, or your carer is in need of a break.
CONTACT: 01463 241196
(or out of hours service 0771 362 8160)
EAST ROSS COMMUNITY CARE FORUM
An independent voluntary organisation funded by Highland Council, NHS Highland, charitable trusts and other sources.
Open to receivers of services, carers and anyone with interest in community care. Raising awareness of needs, supporting the development of new services, offering advice and information to carers.
CONTACT: 01349 861791
THE MS SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN
& NORTHERN IRELAND
National Centre
372 Edgeware Road London NW2 6ND
Telephone 020 8438 0700
E-mail: info@mssociety.org.uk
Website: www.mssociety.org.uk
MS SOCIETY SCOTLAND
Ratho Park, 88 Glasgow Road, Ratho Station,
Newbridge EH28 8PP
Telephone 0131 335 4050
E-mail: enquiries@mssocietyscotland.org.uk
Website: www.mssocietyscotland,org.uk
MS HELPLINE FREEPHONE 0808 800 8000
9.00am—21.00pm
