Finding strength in community: Denis’ story

Denis’ relationship with MS Plus spans more than 20 years — and includes the meeting of some lifelong friends.

“I’ve been involved with MS Plus, then called the MS Society, since I was diagnosed back in 2002. They connected me with a magnificent support person, and through them we got to meet some other people who had MS and have maintained contact with them for many years,” he says.

“At one point there was an opportunity for 16 of us, people with MS and their partners, to go to the east coast for a weekend. My wife was hesitant to start with because she is very private, but she really got a lot out of it — as well as sessions for people with MS there were sessions for partners to talk about things together.”

Years later, it was through these relationships that Denis discovered MS Plus’ Hobart Wellbeing Centre, which offers a range of tailored services to help people living with MS to manage their health and wellbeing.

“In a discussion she had with staff at the centre, my wife as my carer was offered six Pilates sessions at the Wellbeing Centre, and they recommended I should also follow up the possibility of inclusion. From there, I met my fantastic exercise physiologist and went for an assessment. She prepared a program for me which I can do at home, plus I also go in once a week for a Pilates class,” he says.

“Pilates helps me manage my overall levels of tiredness and fatigue and I think there has been a marked improvement since I began at the Wellbeing Centre, so I have found the use of the centre and the staff to be wonderful.”

In addition to the neuro-friendly gym, the Hobart Wellbeing Centre provides a range of services under the one roof, including help with NDIS support coordination and plan management, as well as employment and peer support services. Additional professionals such as continence nurses, occupational therapists and dieticians are available via telehealth, with the Wellbeing Centre able to establish connections.

“It’s a really welcoming space, all of the staff are so personable and even something minor like the fact there’s sufficient parking on site makes it easy to access,” says Denis.

“I have gotten to know the MS Nurse too and I really enjoy having those one-on-one relationships. For me personally, I don’t mind group settings but I prefer one-on-one appointments and the Wellbeing Centre provides flexibility for whatever suits me best.”

Denis thoroughly recommends the Hobart Wellbeing Centre to people living with MS who can benefit from the array of services on offer.

“I really encourage people to contact the Wellbeing Centre to discuss their needs and see what options are available. Based on my experience, the response they’ll get is absolutely fantastic.”

To make an appointment with the team at our Hobart Wellbeing Centre phone 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au