MSquared - a friendship group for those living with MS |
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| Planning a get-away?
The weather affects folk with MS in a multitude of ways - some thrive in the heat, others find it exhausting.
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| Wherever you are heading, here are some options you may like to consider: (Please note, we are not promoting or endorsing any of the companies/venues shown here)
AND if you know of other holiday firms who offer services for disabled customer needs, please drop us a line on msquaredrwd@gmail.com. Or if you have used a holiday cottage or hotel that was accessible, and you would recommend please let us know. |
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| Contents
Accessible holidayREMAP
Relapses
Abilitynet
Counselling
MS hug
Chair yoga
MS Drop-In
Newly Diagnosed Day
Vat ExemptionVisioncall eye health HOPE Programme
WaterSure
Key safes
Sing at BMSTC
Livingwithms.uk
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| REMAP’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people who experience short or long-term disability through infirmity, illness, or ageing. We do this by making and adapting equipment to meet the unique needs of individuals at no cost to them.
The equipment, produced by our team of dedicated volunteers, help with day-to-day tasks such as mobility, personal care or eating. Or it can enable the client to pursue a hobby or ambition, such as participating in a sport or art activity. |
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What is a relapse?For many people with MS, especially those with relapsing remitting MS, relapses are a part of their condition. The MS Society explains how to recognise if you're having a relapse and how to manage them.
A relapse is where symptoms suddenly appear or become significantly worse, for a period of time. The symptoms usually come on very quickly over a period of hours or days. People call relapses by different names including an attack, episode, flare up or an exacerbation.
Relapses can last anywhere between a few days, up to weeks or even months. In between relapses are periods of remission where you may have no symptoms, or your symptoms are relatively stable. In relapsing remitting MS periods of remission can last from months to years until they're interrupted by a relapse. They tend to happen most often in the first few years after being diagnosed with MS but people can experience a relapse at any time. If you have secondary progressive or primary progressive MS you may also experience relapses, but much less frequently.
Find our more on the MS Trust website.
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Abilitynet
 Their aim is for a “digital world accessible to all”.
Their services support a wide range of users. From older or disabled people looking for help with their technology to digital professionals advocating for accessibility best practices within their organisation. Find out how they could help you here.
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CounsellingHaving MS is difficult, not just physically but emotionally too. It is not uncommon to experience mental health issues as a result. If you are feeling scared, confused or unable to cope, you are not alone.
At the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, they know that it is equally important to provide help and support for the emotional aspects of MS as for the physical effects. Counselling is one of the core services offered - click here for more information.
MS Together provides services of advice and support to people affected by MS, with a particular focus on those living with MS aged 18-35. They also offer counselling, find out more. |
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The hug nobody wantsThe MS hug, also known as banding or girdling, is a symptom of multiple sclerosis in which someone feels as if they have chest pain, rib pain or a tight uncomfortable band around their chest. It can be felt anywhere between the neck and the waist and may feel so tight around the chest that it’s painful to breathe. For some people, it can be pressure on just one side of their body.
Some people experience a symptom similar to the MS hug but in their hands or feet, where it feels as though you are constantly wearing gloves or boots. For others, the tight feeling is around the head. The feeling can range from annoying to very painful. |
| | The feeling is different for everyone and may be described as pressure, an ache, a tickle, a pain or a burning feeling.
It may be sharp or dull and can be short or long lasting. Discover more on the MS Trust site. |
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| | Chair Yoga Yoga is an ancient discipline bringing together physical, mental and spiritual practices. It is designed to relax your mind and strengthen your body. It is widely recommended for people with Multiple Sclerosis and is included in the NICE guidelines.
Online classes are run through the Berks MS Therapy Centre, and. as with all their classes, are designed for people with MS. Everyone is invited to do as much as they feel is comfortable for them. If someone wishes, they can do part or all of the class in a chair.
If you already attend the Centre before just email ms@bmstc.org or call 0118 901 6000 for further information. If you are new to the Centre, please contact them to arrange an introductory visit. |
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| | |  Do you feel like being sociable? The MS society holds a drop-in every Wednesday morning from 10am until 1:30pm. Come along for a hot drink with biscuits, a hot cooked lunch with dessert, fun activities and special guests, and bingo! Takes place at the Earley Crescent Resource Centre, RG6 4HB.
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| Diary Date - Newly Diagnosed DayCovered by the Royal Berkshire Hospital for MS support and newly diagnosed (or know someone who is)? Talk with your MS Nurse about the Newly Diagnosed Information Day happening on Tuesday 19th May 2026. There will be two additional dates throughout the year, on Thursday 2nd July and Thursday 17th September. |
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VAT exemptionIf disabled or have along-term illness, you can claim VAT relief on products designed or adapted for your own personal or domestic use. Also, you will not be charged VAT on the installation and any extra work needed as part of this; repairs or maintenance; etc, Conditions apply so check here. |
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| Eye eyeGetting to an optician, and into their chair, can be an issue for some. You could try Visioncall Home Visiting Opticians on 0845 050 1831, delivering free NHS eye tests at home. Or the Outside Clinic on 0800605040 or 01793 64 22 000. And find out online if you are eligible for the Specsaver home visit service. |
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HOPE - help overcome problems effectivelySelf management interventions like the Hope Programme® reduce health care costs and improve quality of life.
The Hope Programme®is a range of face-to-face and digital courses, that empower people to manage their health and wellbeing and to flourish in their working and personal lives. The courses are based on positive psychology, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy and rooted in 25 years of research evidence. Give it a go!
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WaterSureThames Water’s WaterSure scheme helps customers who are on a meter and struggling to pay their bill. It can also help if you're using more water than average due to a large family or medical condition. The scheme works by capping your bills. They always use the average price based on what other customers pay. In 2025/26, for example, we’d cap your bills at: Wastewater and water services: £639 Water-only services: £337 Wastewater services: £302
If you already use less, you’ll keep paying less.
Check eligibility and find out more here. |
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| Key-p safeA key safe means authorised medical services, and others you choose to share the code with, can access your home. With the code, they can access the key safe, enter your home, reset the key safe when they leave. The number can be registered with your GP practise, the emergency services, the supplier of your personal safety alarm fob etc.
Contact adult social care at your council to request to have one fitted. |
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| What can you add to this compendium of information and tips for living with MS? The website is ready for new content so send your ideas to Ros using livingwithms@yahoo.com. |
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| Keeping social - regular groups & other eventsBracknell 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. |
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| | 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 & Tom & Sally |
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| | | 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 |
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