Supporting people living with MS More information about one of Jewish Care’s support groups

Supporting people living with MS

Pam Tomback, who lives in North West London, attends Jewish Care’s JEMS group, one of Jewish Care’s peer to peer support groups for anyone in the Jewish community with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and those close to them.

“I had a diagnosis of primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2008,” says Pam. “I found out about JEMS from a member of my local MS group two years ago, just before the pandemic. I’m so pleased I did and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to people living with MS and their close family.

“I’ve found it helpful being with likeminded people as well as hearing from fascinating expert speakers, including medical professors and researchers, who are invited by the facilitator, Trisha Ward.

“We benefit from the sense of camaraderie, sharing suggestions, tips, advice and support during general discussions with the group. I think the hybrid option of being able to meet in person or online is very helpful, because people may feel unwell or be unable to travel to the meeting and it means you don’t have to be local to come along.

“I also enjoy doing volunteer befriending with a couple of members of the JEMS group, one of whom isn’t currently able to join virtually. We speak weekly on the phone about everything, not just JEMs, but I fill her in on meetings and news too. It’s about having that social interaction and connection and I really enjoy that too.”

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, symptoms differ widely from person to person. It is to date, a lifelong chronic condition and people living with MS are coping with its impact on their lives. Set up 17 years ago, Facilitator, Trisha Ward, says, “JEMS is social, informative and supportive. The aim of JEMS is to give people the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges whilst providing information as well as practical and emotional support.

Pam Tomback

Trisha Ward

“There is tremendous variability within the JEMS group with people at a range of ages and stages living day-to-day with MS, and this can have a massive practical and emotional impact on lives, families and relationships.

“The speakers are from a wide variety of organisations and include medical experts and researchers, bringing us news and information about the latest innovative treatments, both here and abroad; empowering our members to participate in research if they wish to, helping to improve therapies now and in the future. We discuss issues ranging from welfare rights, accessibility, nutrition, therapeutic treatments, sleep management, mental health, mindfulness, neuroplasticity, pacing for fatigue and the impact of MS on families, children and carers.

“The aim is keep people as well-informed and supported as possible. We frequently hear how new members feel empowered by the group, encouraging them to strive to get to the right specialists and treatment. Above all, the group’s emphasis is to live life as well as possible with MS.”

For more information about Jewish Care’s JEMS group, contact the Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222 or helpline@jcare.org.

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