MS - ACT/NSW/VIC
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Education and Information sessions - Victoria

MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC education and information sessions are held across the ACT, NSW and Victoria. You are welcome to access programs in any of our locations, regardless of where you live. Education and information sessions are also available to family members and carers, and via teleconference. Teleconferences allow you to join a session via telephone from any location. Video conferencing and web streaming technology is also offered for some of our education programs.

Program details outlined in this document are current at the time of printing; however, dates, times and venues may change. Please check details when you register. All programs are free of charge, unless indicated. Family members and friends are welcome to attend all programs and interpreters are available upon request.

*Please note that registration is essential as programs will only run if minimum numbers are achieved. To register or for more information, please email educationvic@msaustralia.org.au or
call 1800 042 138 (free call).

Download the Victorian education calendar for January to June 2012.


INFORMATION SESSIONS

Learn About MS
This program provides accurate information about multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC services and programs.

Suited to those recently diagnosed with MS, their family members and friends, this program enables people to exchange ideas, ask questions and hear from a range of health professionals.

  • Saturday 3 March, 10am – 1pm, Blackburn
  • Thursday 19 April, 1pm – 3pm, Blackburn & Webstream
  • Wednesday 2 May, 5pm – 6.30pm, Kyabram
  • Saturday 23 June, 10am – 1pm, Footscray

Working with MS
Explore managing MS in the workplace; your rights and responsibilities at work, as well as super, insurance and finance matters.

  • Tuesday 21 February, 6.30pm – 9pm, Blackburn & Webstream
  • Saturday 24 March, 10.30am – 1pm, Geelong
  • Saturday 2 June, 10am – 12.30pm, Blackburn & Webstream

Taking Control and Planning Ahead
The law in Victoria enables us to ensure we have maximum control over how decisions are made when we are not in a position to make those decisions ourselves.

This session provides an overview of the various types of enduring powers of attorney, guardianship and administration.

The Legal Aid & OPA publication Take Control is also available

  • Friday 16 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Reservoir
  • Thursday 24 May, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Noble Park

Thinking and Memory
This session will explore common MS related thinking and memory changes and their management in the context of both other MS symptoms and every day cognitive management strategies.

  • Thursday 29 March, 10am – 12.30pm, Blackburn & Webstream
  • Monday 14 May, 6pm – 8.30pm, Blackburn & Webstream

Get Active with MS
This session is aimed at people with MS who are interested in exploring exercise. It is led by MSA physiotherapists and health promotion team. You will receive advice about ways to get more physically active, increase fitness levels and build strength, as well as guidance to help you start a program that suits you.

  • Wednesday 29 February, 1pm – 3pm, Blackburn

Mood and Emotions
This session will discuss reasons for mood and emotional changes in MS, as well as various treatment options such as self management, psychological therapy and medication.

  • Thursday 3 May, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, Footscray

Fatigue
80% of people with MS report fatigue as one of their worst symptoms. This two hour information session provides an overview of MS fatigue and management strategies.

  • Tuesday 20 March, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, Footscray
  • Wednesday 23 May, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Narre Warren
  • Wednesday 20 June, 10am – 12 noon, Blackburn

PNI - Psychoneuroimmunology
PNI is the scientific study and practice of what some call "the mindbody connection." Dr Gary Fulcher, Senior Clinical Psychologist at MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC will explain the principles of PNI .

  • Wednesday 14 March, 1pm – 3pm, Webstream

Medication Update
There are new medications available for MS, the MS Australia nurses will lead a discussion about the medication currently available and those in development.

  • Thursday 22 March, 10am – 12 noon, Footscray
  • Tuesday 8 May, 10am – 12 noon, Blackburn

International Speaker
Biogen Idec are bringing Eva Havrdova to Australia from Prague in the Czech Republic. Eva is a neurologist with a particular MS interest.

  • Wednesday 28 March, 11am – 12 noon, Blackburn

FAMILY PROGRAMS

MS Australia Family Day
A combined Kids and Teens Day at Werribee Zoo. Come as a family. Separate programs for primary school aged children, secondary school aged children and parents.

  • Thursday 12 April, 10am, Werribee Zoo

Teleconferences – call 1800 042 138 to register

Learn About MS Teleconference
Suited to those recently diagnosed. Ask questions and learn more about MS and MS Australia services.

  • Wednesday 15 February, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Managing Fatigue Teleconference
Learn how to manage MS-related Fatigue

  • Part 1 - Thursday 1 March, 10.30am – 12 noon
  • Part 2 - Thursday 15 March, 10.30am – 12 noon

Continence Care in MS Teleconference
Learn about bladder and bowel problems – causes, assessment and treatment options.

  • Wednesday 28 March, 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Tuesday 24 April, 10.30am – 12 noon

Get Active with MS
This session is aimed at people with MS who are interested in exploring exercise. It is led by MSA physiotherapists and health promotion team. You will receive advice about ways to get more physically active, increase fitness levels and build strength, as well as guidance to help you start a program that suits you.

  • Wednesday 14 March, 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Thursday 17 May, 1pm – 2.30pm