Peer Support: What is it and why does it matter in the MS community?
Peer support is emotional, practical, and social support given by people who have lived through similar experiences, in this case, living with multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s not just about offering advice; it’s about connecting on a deep, human level. When someone who truly understands what you’re going through offers their support, it creates a safe and non-judgmental space. It allows people to feel seen, heard, and validated in a way that only those who’ve walked the same road can provide (which can happen over any form of media that suits the person reaching out).
For someone newly diagnosed with MS, peer support groups can be life changing (I can testify to this, as I was lucky enough to be taken under the wing by a Nurse from MSWA, and she forever remains in my heart). A diagnosis can evoke fear, uncertainty, a surge of emotions, and a lot of grief.
When diagnosed and when going through the journey of MS, there’s confusion about symptoms, treatments, and what the future might hold. It’s a lot to process. Having access to someone who has already faced these questions and continues to do so, someone who has found ways to cope, adapt, and even thrive, can provide invaluable hope.
Peer support provides emotional support, practical tips for managing daily challenges, and reassurance that you’re not alone on this journey. It’s often the difference between feeling lost and finding a path forward. Your peer can also guide you to the right people who can help in specific situations.
That’s why it’s crucial for peer support to be delivered by people with lived experience. While family and friends often mean well, they can’t always understand what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t behave the way it used to, or the fatigue that comes from simply existing.
Only someone who’s felt the emotional, physical, and mental toll of MS can truly say, “I get it,” and mean it.
Even just one call or message from a peer can be enough to brighten someone’s day, help them feel understood, and give them the strength to keep going.
Sometimes we just need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, but to let us feel supported and not alone.
Our Facebook group (Neurological Conditions Community Perth https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19W7J6k4XE/) was created by volunteers with MS and other neurological conditions because we care.
We know what it’s like to be overwhelmed, exhausted, and searching for answers. We’ve been there, and now we’re here for you. This community is a place to ask, vent, share wins, or just be. We run coffee club mornings around Perth, so you can find your tribe, art workshops for fun and someone you can reach out to at any time. You don’t have to have all the answers or put on a brave face here. This is a space for real connection and real support.