With the help of a number of our volunteers, including Denise Rowbotham (and a little help from Zoom!), our MS support group has been able to carry on throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, our MS support group would meet once a week at our Sutton Coldfield site to chat to others living with the condition, and enjoy coffee, lunch and a tailored exercise class.
Denise said that prior to the pandemic, for many in the group it was the only time they would leave their homes. Therefore, the decision was made to continue the sessions online, via Zoom, to ensure that the group were able to continue their weekly meetings and support for each other.
Denise offered to help those within the group who were not so tech-savvy, to enable them to take part and keep in touch with everyone else.
She wasn’t sure if the online sessions would take off, but they’ve been a big hit! As well as catching up for a chat and a little light exercise, the group now also sings together, practices mindfulness and yoga and one of the participants occasionally hosts a quiz. Denise only wishes she could still serve coffee and lunches to everyone!
It’s thanks to the amazing efforts of volunteers like Denise that we have been able to keep our services going throughout the pandemic.
A huge thank you to Denise and our MS support group volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without you.