BeewellwithMS

Christmas activites and events in Reading

Here is a link to a site showcasing a list of events taking place at this time of year, including but not limited to the Broad Street Christmas market, open until 31st December. Link: https://whatsonreading.com/christmas-in-reading

Staying Smart

Staying Smart is for people who want to learn more about how MS can affect thinking. Not everyone with MS will experience cognitive difficulties. [link: https://mstrust.org.uk/information-support/health-wellbeing/thinking-and-memory-problems] But for those who do, information can be hard to find.

"Cognition" is the general word that covers all aspects of thinking. It includes memory, concentration and planning.”

Cognition problems in everyday life generally fall into one of six types of problem. You can work out which type of thinking is tricky for you, and get the right tips and advice by clicking on one of the everyday problems below. Each tile links to information that is helpful for that type of problem. Click here to visit.

P is for peturbing pee problems

For some folk, MS can cause incontinence, leaks, issue passing urine, retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other bladder concerns. Firstly, it is comforting to know you aren’t alone. And secondly, there may be solutions to improve and/or reduce symptoms.

The first step is to talk to your MS nurse about any bladder concerns. January 2024 saw the first ‘bladder clinic’ held at the Berks MS Therapy Centre (BMSTC) - easy parking and easy to access. You need to be referred by one of the MS Clinical Nurse Specialists if they feel your symptoms could benefit from this service.

And if you come under the Royal Berks Hospital team, you can (do something(?)) to see one of the MS nurses at BMSTC too.

Got a Blue Badge?  Get some benefits!

London Congestion Charge - If you hold a valid Blue Badge you are eligible to register for a 100 per cent discount, even if you don’t own a vehicle or drive.  Visit the Transport for London site : [https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/cc-blue-badge-before-you-begin-29758]

M6 toll Mobility Exemption Pass (MEP) -  If you are disabled you may be entitled to a toll exemption for your vehicle when using the M6 toll.  The MEP allows free passage of the *nominated vehicle on the M6 toll only.  If you think you may be eligible for an MEP, you must Midland Expressway Limited before you travel *the nominated vehicle is the one exempt from Road Tax).

Keeping social - regular groups & other events

Bracknell coffee mornings on 2nd & 4th Wed each month 10.30-12.30 in South Hill Park.  Contact James McDougall 07525 178987

Crescent Centre weekly drop-in Wed 10.30-1.30 in Lower Earley, RG6 4HB. Contact Vanessa Bradley 07492 786695

East Berkshire MS Coffee Morning 10..00 to noon 3rd Friday of the month, Harvester Windsor Lad, 250 Maidenhead Rd, Clewer SL4 5QH

Facebook communications hub for our branch of the MS Society - and MS-related online information sessions from the MS Society

Henley MS support group lunches - in Menza on 3rd Wed of the month.  Email Maddie for more info madeline@starames.co.uk

Maidenhead MS Group meets at Braywick Plant Nurseries,, 41 Braywick Road Maidenhead SL6 1DX at 10.30  12.30 every Thurs.

MSquared meets monthly in the evening at venues in and around Reading.  All are welcome - contact us on msquaredrwd@gmail.com for event details.

Newbury branch virtual coffee morning meetings - see Facebook

Peer Pods organised by MS-UK

SING! Informal sing-along 11.45-12.45 Mon at Berks MS Therapy Centre. Contact ros@bmstc.org for details.

Please send us your thoughts on this e-zine, suggest what we should cover and tell us about events - just email us at msquaredrwd@gmail.com.

Ros & Sally

MS Support line 07932 508899

Support Volunteer: t.b.c.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered charity nos. 1139257 / SC041990

Registered as a limited company in England and Wales no. 07451571