Bulletin Spring 2018

Why is this so hard for lots of us to do? In general, because we
want to be known as kind, helpful people and not be accused
of being ‘selfish.’ Let’s acknowledge that in our broken
record technique:
“I realise that to you I seem selfish right now, and I’m still your
friend, but I don’t want to lend you money for the reasons I’ve
already said, and that’s why I’m saying no.”
Remember that if someone accuses you of being selfish or
uncaring, it’s usually because they haven’t managed to get
you to do what they want, and you can choose to let those
words bounce right off you.
Think about a difficult scenario which tends to come up
in your life – with your boss, your in-laws, your child, your
partner, friend or helper, and consider whether you could deal
with this person more assertively. Practising how you speak
to them in a role play or even talking to yourself in a mirror,
will help you to find a form of words you are comfortable with,
and say them calmly without blushing or stammering.
Counsellors can also guide you in learning to become
more assertive, and the MSWA counselling team can
be contacted on 9365 4888. There are also lots of good
websites on the internet describing assertiveness
techniques to learn. Go for it!
THE PEER VOLUNTEER
SARAH LORRIMAR, MSWA COORDINATOR OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND PEER SUPPORT
MSWA Peer Support Volunteers are people living with multiple
sclerosis (MS) who give their time to provide support to others
living with MS. Peers provide a unique and invaluable support
which comes from a lived experience. They understand what
it is like to live with MS – receiving the diagnosis, the physical
symptoms, the emotions and all the other things which MS
can bring about.
Peer volunteers are there to answer questions, share their
experiences and help people link in with resources and
services. The role of the peer volunteer is not to say what
they think people should do, or to judge, instead it is to listen
respectfully and privately. For a peer support relationship to
be effective, there needs to be trust and an understanding
that all conversations and the information shared in these
remains confidential.
The support provided by our peer volunteers can be seen in
various forms, some attend groups and workshops to share
their story whilst others provide support over the phone and
via email. People can choose the way in which they provide
and receive support, and it can be done anonymously.
Our peer volunteers are provided with ongoing support from
MSWA and before engaging with other Members, the peer
volunteers meet with the Coordinator of Health Education
and Peer Support to discuss the role, its responsibilities,
and receive and sign a manual agreeing to adhere to the
peer volunteer guidelines. The guidelines which surround
confidentiality, boundaries and communication are developed
to ensure everyone involved feels safe and supported, and to
provide clarity about the purpose of the peer relationship. It is
also a good way to provide support and skills to complement
the experiences and understanding that our peer volunteers
already have.
Engaging in peer support, whether through a peer volunteer
relationship or attending support groups can be hugely
beneficial. With an opportunity to connect with others, people
feel less isolated, they can gain a better understanding of their
diagnosis, feel more at ease and make proactive changes to
improve their health and wellbeing.
If you would like more information about the peer
volunteer role, please contact Sarah Lorrimar on
9365 4858 or Sarah.Lorrimar@mswa.org.au.
MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018 | 17