Research by Rosemary Chesson at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, commissioned by MS Society Scotland, has shown that as caring responsibilities increase, so too does social isolation. MS Carers Network Wales has been set up by MS Society Wales/Cymru to provide support on a one-to-one basis to isolated carers of people with MS, via telephone and email contact. This type of peer support is of particular value for individuals who are geographically and socially isolated; the case for many carers in Wales.

The aims of the project are to reduce the social isolation experienced by carers of people with MS, and to offer volunteering opportunities to carers who would like to help others in a similar situation.

The Project Coordinator matches a caregiver who has been trained to be a volunteer with a caregiver who wants to access the service. Volunteers were recruited via a number of methods, including adverts with volunteer bureaux and in the local press. Each volunteer has taken part in a two-day training course, and has follow-up distance training and support. Volunteers are provided with a Carers Directory (giving details of services across Wales) plus written guidance on their role. Calls between the volunteer and the caregiver are made on a mobile phone and the bills are paid centrally by the MS Society. Key to the success of this type of service is guaranteeing that possible users are aware of the services through good communication strategies.

For more information please contact Joanna Ridley.