The Society has groups to assist the newly diagnosed and those who have been living with MS for a little while. Sue Austin, who runs the Newly Diagnosed and Meet to Share Groups explains:

Back in 2005 on a bleak, rainy day, I finally decided to visit the MS Centre in St Leonards Road. This was the beginning of my journey towards becoming a member of the MS family as we like to call it.
I met up with Bernard and Margaret and was relieved to find that these hard-working and friendly people were so easy to talk to. I wish I had made the move before.
Bernard suggested I became a committee member. I had never been asked to join a committee before and was very nervous, but at the same time I felt I could contribute something to the centre.
I was asked whether I would start up a group for the newly diagnosed. Hand on heart I thought no way was this going to happen. How wrong I was. I sent out more than 20 letters, all hand written to various members, and much to my surprise and delight I received about 10 replies.
We met up for coffee in the Arndale Centre, just around Christmas. First mistake - I never really thought about parking at this busiest time of the year. But to my relief quite a few turned up.
Since then the group has grown and now we have around 20 members.
The group is now called the Meet to Share Group. The people who attend are a cross section of ages, but we all get along really well.
I find personally that I enjoy meeting and chatting to people and it helps to be able to talk and discuss problems and worries with someone who understands your concerns.
I am so glad that I started the group as I have a whole new group of friends.
The meetings are now monthly and take the form of coffee or lunch at various venues. It provides an opportunity to chat and discuss concerns with others who have similar worries.

The Newly Diagnosed

If you are newly diagnosed and would like help, advice, or simply a chat in confidence over coffee, I am more than happy to meet up at a venue of your choice. If you would then like to be part of a bigger social group, you would be more than welcome at our monthly lunch meeting.

Seaford Newly Diagnosed Group

I also aim to arrange a lunch in the Seaford area every three months for people with MS in that town. So if you are lonely or concerned about meeting new friends, hopefully you will feel able to come along to one of our get togethers.

Contact Sue Austin