How South Tyneside MS Society has been staying connected during the lockdown

South Tyneside MS Society, which has around 50 members throughout the borough, has had to adapt to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic condition which affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause a range of symptoms including vision and mobility problems, is thought to affect around 300 people in South Tyneside.

The group usually meets every Thursday at Trinity House in South Shields for a coffee morning and gentle exercise class.

Along with a calendar of social activities such as pub lunches, quiz nights and day trips these provide much-needed social interaction for those living with

But since the country went into lockdown in March all of these events have been cancelled until further notice. Instead, the members are staying connected online holding their weekly coffee morning via Zoom and catching up over a beer virtually every Saturday night, to help each other stay positive during the crisis.

“I’m a very positive person but the self-isolation has been tough over the last few months,” said the group's lead support worker Graeme Weatherall.

“One of the biggest problems for people with MS is isolation and exercise. We haven’t been able to do a lot of exercise - we can’t go out and play a game of golf or tennis - but meeting on Zoom and having a good chat has been making a big difference to people, without a doubt.”

Graeme, now 60, was diagnosed with MS at 14-years-old, but usually leads an active live, regularly jetting off across the world.

Now he is restricted to daily outings near to his home in Cleadon.

As part of his role, he has also been keeping in touch with members via phone and signposting them to any services or support they might need.

“I have a carer who comes in twice a day, but some of our members have been completely on their own,” he said.

“We’re all here to help each other and anyone is welcome to join us.”

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