About Otago MS Society
Welcome to the home of the Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society. We are glad you found us!This website is intended to inform you about the services, programmes and events for people with MS in the Otago area. People with other neurological illnesses such as Arachnoditis are also welcome.
Don't just visit our website once - you need to keep coming back and back as the information will be constantly updated and changed. In fact - why don't you save us as your home page?
We hope you like what you see here. Perhaps you may like to take the next step and support us by becoming a financial member? Or you may wish to visit our office or attend one of our groups - you would be very welcome. And thanks - for taking the time to visit our us here. We hope to see you again soon.
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society aims to empower people with disabilities and their families by providing them with information and skills, to participate actively in the community in ways that are meaningful to them.
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Inc, is one of 18 regional Societies throughout New Zealand. We have been located in our premises at 8 Baker Street, Caversham since 1983. These premises are user friendly with disabled access and facilities.
The Otago Society is a not-for-profit organisation, devoted to supporting people with MS (and other neurological disorders), their families and carers. We offer numerous opportunities to interact and meet with other Society members. These include a mens and games groups, all held on a regular basis.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society can provide assistance to people with MS which includes:
■Discussing a diagnosis of MS and what this means for you, your family and for the future
■Up-to-date information about MS and management of the condition
■Advocacy
■Counselling and support
■Referral to other agencies and health professionals
■Supporting partners, carers, families, friends, employers and work colleagues
■Facilitating support groups and networks where appropriate
■Conducting assessment of needs, ie: acceptance criteria for the Total Mobility Scheme
■Liaising with other service providers, such as WINZ and home care agencies
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society - working for the people of Otago.
"There are no strangers here - only friends we haven't met."
Don Benn - Field Officer
Hello. I am married to Heather and we have three children (Zoe, Jayden, & Ethan). We moved to Dunedin, from Christchurch, in December 2010 because Heather was accepted into Otago Medical School where she is studying medicine.I have a background in high school teaching, children & youth work in a church, and a regional schools representative for World Vision. Working with youth has been a strong point of my work, and the skills of networking, coordinating, support, advocacy, & education are ones which I bring to this role of Field Officer.
My passion is to do work which makes a difference for others. Job satisfaction for me is when I go home at the end of the day, knowing that I have achieved this. I began at the beginning of May 2011 and am very excited about the people I am working with - both in the groups of people with MS who meet together, and in the MS Otago staff team.
To contact me please use one of the following:
Ph (03) 455 5894 ext 4
Mob. (027) 296 5254
don@msotago.org.nz
Tania McGregor - Manager
I am married to Pete with 2 daughters, Hannah who is now at Intermediate and Katelin who is at primary school. I enjoy building things at home so constantly have new projects on the go! We have a dog who thinks she is one of the children and I have my chickens. The girls enjoy collecting their eggs each day - when they remember to lay of course!
My role at OMSS as Manager, is to oversee the day to day running of the organisation and to ensure that our clients,members and the public receive an appropriate and professional service from the Society. I also ensure that my team have everything they need to work effectively.I enjoy my contact with the regular members and I look forward welcoming newcomers.
To contact me please use one of the following:
Ph (03) 4555 894 ext 2
tania@msotago.org.nz.
Liz Carroll-Lowe - Development Coordinator
As Development Coordinator I look after our valued Volunteers, organise events, assist in raising the community awareness of our Society and I also have the pleasure of raising funds to support the work of our organisation in the district.
I have 2 sons Brendon (24) who lives in Ashburton and Scott (16) who attends Taieri College and we have 3 dogs and a cat. I am very active within my East Taieri Church Community and I serve as the Deputy Chair of the NZ Red Cross Otago Area Council.I would be happy to meet with you and discuss how you can become involved with OMSS, either as a Volunteer or by way of financial support. Or maybe you have an opportunity for us to raise the profile of our organisation? I would love to hear your ideas.
To contact me please use one of the following:
Ph (03) 4555 894 ext 3
liz@msotago.org.nz.
Pam Macdonald - Health Support Officer
I have been a part time Health Support Officer with OMS for 4.5 years and I love coming to work! I prepare the meals for our members when they attend our groups and I enjoy sharing, and trying new recipes with them.
I also monitor the strict hygiene requirements and cleanliness of the facilities to ensure these remain in the best possible condition for our members.I am married to Keith and have 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren and 1 spoilt rotten cat!
I look forward to meeting newcomers to our groups and I would be happy to discuss any special dietary requirements with you. See you soon.