Karen Robertson - Hinckley
HOPE PROGRAMME FACILITATOR
HOPE PROGRAMME FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
I was lucky enough to become aware of the Self Management courses through the M.S. Society. I recognised that the courses helped me with my mental, emotional and physical well-being and as such I wanted to share my experience with others so I trained to become a facilitator, so I could deliver courses myself.
I was invited by Coventry University to be part of a team developing the Hope Programme for M.S. specific participants both face to face and online.
Recognising that we all cope differently with situations we find ourselves in, it has been suggested that the better you are able to handle the psychological impact the better you are able to manage the physical impact.
ARTWORK - My M.S. (Multiple Sclerosis)
Some people write about their experiences, I found a large weight lifted from my shoulders when interpreting invisible symptoms in a visual way.
I found assembling items on a display very therapeutic;
it helped my anger along with helping me understand that my physical and emotional experiences were due to M.S.; and
the Hope Programme has helped me to accept who I am and how to cope with my life.
It has also given me the opportunity to meet lots of different people who were learning how to cope with transitions in their life that are driven by M.S
I feel privileged to share their journey through the courses.