MS Plus Peer Support

Connecting through lived experience

Peer support is about connecting with others who truly understand what it’s like to live with multiple sclerosis. By sharing your experiences through MS Connect, you can exchange stories and feelings with people who 'just get it.' These conversations foster friendship, reassurance and practical multiple sclerosis support for everyone involved.

Research shows that peer support can increase life expectancy, improve self-efficacy and self-care skills and reduce use of emergency services. People who both give and receive support often experience less depression, higher self-esteem and better overall wellbeing.

Our trained peer support volunteers have lived experience of multiple sclerosis or caring for someone who does. They understand the challenges and can offer compassionate and informed multiple sclerosis support to others.

Peer Links – learning through shared experiences

Peer Links are part of our MS Connect services, offering short-term online programs designed to help you learn and connect through shared experiences.

Over three or four weekly sessions (each 90-minutes), a peer support coordinator facilitates discussions with guest speakers who share information on key topics. These sessions help prompt conversation, reflection and learning among participants.

If you’re new to peer support, have an interest in a particular topic or can’t commit to an ongoing group, Peer Links are a great option. We send out details of each Peer Link to our registered clients by email.

If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, or you'd like to find out about upcoming Peer Links, reach out to our MS Connect team for help.

Examples of Peer Link topics include:

• Women's health
• Men's health
• Working with MS

Book into a Peer Link program

One-on-one phone support

No matter where you live, Peer Talk lets you connect one-on-one with a peer support volunteer over the phone. This MS Connect service offers personalised multiple sclerosis support, allowing you to talk to someone who understands, whether that's a person living with MS or someone who cares for a loved one with MS.

You usually have 6 to 8 scheduled calls over a few months, giving you time to share experiences and build confidence at your own pace.

For more information and to get started, contact our MS Plus team through MS Connect.

Online groups

Our online groups are an easy way to access multiple sclerosis support virtually. They bring together people who share similar experiences or life stages to talk, learn and support each other in a safe, inclusive space.

Current online groups include:

• Newly Diagnosed group
  4th Thursday evening of the month, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
• Under 30s after hours
  1st Thursday night of every month, 6.30pm – 7.30pm or Last Tuesday, 7pm – 8pm
• Health and Wellbeing group
  4^th Wednesday evening of the month, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
• Men’s support group
  1st Thursday of the month, 1.30pm – 2.30 pm or 1st Friday, 12.30pm – 1.30pm or Last Thursday evening, 7pm – 8pm
• Women’s health group
  4th Wednesday of the month, 7pm – 8pm
• Women aged 40–64
  3rd Tuesday of the month,1.30pm – 2.30pm
• Over 65s group
  1st, 2nd or Last Tuesday of the month, 10.30am –11.30am
• After-hours group for working people
  2nd Wednesday night of the month, 7pm – 8pm
• Mums with MS support group
  2nd Tuesday of the month, 1pm – 2pm
• Queer and Gender Diverse group
  Last Thursday of every month, 7pm – 8pm
• Over 65s telegroup
  Last Tuesday of the month, 10.30am – 11.30am
• Taking control telegroup
  1st Wednesday of the month, 12pm – 1pm, or 4^th Wednesday, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
• Working and living with MS
  2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7pm–8pm

For more information or to join a group, contact our Plus Connect team through MS Connect.

In-person groups

If you prefer face-to-face connection, our in-person MS peer support groups offer community and encouragement.

Groups meet regularly across the ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria – usually fortnightly or monthly. Each group is self-directed, with activities that range from casual coffee catch-ups to themed discussions, singing or exercise.

You can find a peer support group in your area using the interactive map below. Once you've found your closest group, reach out to our Plus Connect staffopens in new tab and we'll provide you with the group's details.

To search:

1. Click on the square in the top right corner of the map to open it in a new window.
2. You'll see a list of available groups on the left-hand side.
3. Or click the search icon and enter your postcode.

Can't find a group near you? Contact Plus Connect and we'll help you find another multiple sclerosis support option that fits your needs.