I was just wondering if anybody has any suggestions on how my ms branch can get younger people with ms to start attending the branch… Thank You
hi daz
how about contacting local colleges?
colleges should be more up for supporting disabled students.
hope you get lots on board
carole x
Thanks carole will look into that as we need to get younger ones involved because im the youngest at my branch and im 42 x
The branch organise a meet up at a cafe for young pwMS, may be they would prefer a location that isn’t the society branch. A drop in style meet up that runs for two hours perhaps, people can come and go when they want. To chat about anything.
Timing and location of meetings is, I think, key. I looked at my local branch meetings and they were all during the middle of the day when I am at work and in community centres (which I thought I might find a bit clinical/depressing). As a result, Ive found myself going to drinks organised by Shift (held in a bar in London in early evening after work) and 1:1 drinks with people Ive met off of the forum as a way of making friends with people dealing with similar issues.
Hi Katy at present we hold are monthly meetings at the local social club so theres a bar and we have it in there function room
Likewise, when I go to my local MS centre for a little oxygen therapy, I feel like I stand out like a sore thumb as I am one of the few who walks in without a stick or in a wheelchair and at least a good 10-15 years junior to others who attend…I am 41!
Ruth x
It may be that what have you to offer young people with m.s. doesn’t appeal to them. May be they are managing very well without being part of a group.
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Provide free beer and play loud music!
just kidding. Maybe ask younger members to get actively involved in marketing and reaching out to other young ppl with MS. For example, why not see if the local paper will do a piece about young ppl with MS with an interview with someone with MS from your group. Though social media might be more effective I guess. Does your website/ face book page include an article (with pic) by a young member. A vlog might be good too (if its called a vlog?).
And then I guess some of teh social activities could be directed at younger members. I guess its both how the group is presented and what it does.
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Bob because at present all the members are a lot older and some are in wheelchairs so more or less most of the social evenings and days out are aimed at them
Anonymous the thibg is we dnt know how to get the younger ones in the first place
the ‘younger ones’ know where you are - if they were interested they would come along.
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Flash mob.
You could ask the MSers on the Shift MS forum for ideas.