HOPE PROGRAMME FOR Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and leads to symptoms like blurry vision, difficulty moving, and problems in how people think and feel. In the UK, over 150,000 people live with MS, affecting two and half times as many women as men, diagnosed in their thirties and forties.
The Hope Programme for MS was the first digital course launched in March 2020 when we pivoted to online due to the pandemic. Since then, the courses supported over 500 people to meet others, build confidence and better manage their MS.
This programme isn’t commissioned or licensed. As a social enterprise, we are proud to fund and deliver this programme every year using our profits and with the incredible support from our volunteers and staff.
Picture (left to right): Vicky Harker, Karen Robertson, Bethan Alper
Vicky Harker is a founding member of our social enterprise and has been involved in facilitating courses for over 10 years.
"Being a participant on the course changed my outlook on life as a person living with MS. I was keen to pass this on to others, so I trained as a facilitator. I soon realised that HOPE was working its magic on me too – I was genuinely more peaceful and positive about my MS and happier overall." - Vicky Harker
Karen Robertson helped co-create the Hope Programme for MS working with Coventry University and trained to deliver courses to others.
"I feel privileged to see people gain confidence in themselves as they go through the course, it makes me feel warm inside. I was part of the group that co-created the Programme and have facilitated several courses. I totally believe in Hope, having seen how it has helped people to cope with their lives."
Bethan Alper completed the course herself during the pandemic. Now, she is part of our core team as a quality assurance lead, working on training and assessing new facilitators and ensuring quality control of our digital programmes delivery.
“I didn’t think I’d work again. My life was dominated by my MS. Hope helped me take better care of me, but also to work again. I try to support participants and facilitators to get the best possible experience. People go on a journey – and like me, come out of it stronger and feeling more in control. With Hope, anything is possible.”
A big thank you to Vicky, Karen, Bethan, and the hundreds of people who have completed the Hope Programme.
Is the Hope Programme for you or the people you support?
Self-management is beneficial in helping to improve health and wellbeing. If you are the kind of person who benefits from the support of others the Hope Programme is ideal for you. It provides a supportive, friendly group setting which will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to cope with many of the challenges, frustrations, fears and sense of isolation that living with MS can bring. HOPE facilitators go through a training programme but more importantly they are a person who living with MS.
The course deals with:
Goal setting and action planning
Looking for solutions to problems
Stress management (e.g. mindfulness and relaxation)
Fatigue management
Identifying strengths
Becoming more positive, grateful and appreciating life more
Healthy lifestyles (e.g. eating more healthily and physical activity)
Prioritising the important things in life
Communication skills
How does the Hope Programme help?
Our research has shown that after attending the Hope Programme for MS participants report:
Being more hopeful about their future
Having more positive emotions
Fewer physical impacts of MS
Fewer psychological impacts of MS
Reduced depression
Reduced fatigue
What do people say about the Hope Programme?
“I’ve enjoyed the company and that we’ve had a laugh. The course tutors who also have MS have led us through many helpful suggestions and problem solving ideas. Brilliant!”
NEXT COURSE
Research and further information
The course has been developed by Coventry University and funded by the MS Society.
Kosmala-Anderson, J Turner, A. & Clyne, W. (2016) Evaluation of the effectiveness of HOPE self-management programme for people living with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil. 2017 Jun;39(11):1114-1121. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1181211. Epub 2016 Jun 9.
The online Hope Programme for Multiple Sclerosis courses are funded by Hope For The Community CIC social enterprise as part of our reinvestment strategy.
Benefits to organisations and commissioners
When people living with MS attend the Hope Programme, they take a more active role in managing their health which can result in fewer consultations with healthcare professionals and more efficient and effective use of healthcare resources.
Are you interested in the Hope Programme for the people you support?