MSWA Bulletin Magazine Winter 2021

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MSWA
Winter 2021
mswa.org.au
INSIDE
/ MSWA Volunteer Luncheon
/ Our new respiratory
physiotherapy service
/ Our $10m contribution
to research
Barbara Williams receiving her Certificate
of Appreciation, in recognition of her
invaluable volunteer contribution to MSWA.
/ Pain and pain
management series

NURSING
WILSON CENTRE
29 Parkhill Way 9365 4888
Fax 9451 4453
Freecall 1800 287 367
See Health Team Dept contacts on this page
SERVICES DIRECTORY
GENERAL MANAGER –
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES
Nicola Washington 9365 4840
MANAGER ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
Carol Chong 9365 4873
NDIS TEAM 9365 4824
OUTREACH GROUPS
Wilson Outreach 9365 4830
Beechboro Lodge 9377 7800
Southside Outreach 9592 9202
Albany Outreach 6154 5149
Bunbury 6454 2800
GENERAL MANAGER -
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS
AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
Sue Shapland 6454 3174
MARGARET DOODY RESPITE HOUSE
Manager, Alimul Tasin 9385 9574
FERN RIVER ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Danuta Figurska 9356 2747
HAMILTON HILL ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Jo Nouwland 9331 5780
TREENDALE GARDENS
RESPITE & ACCOMMODATION
Manager, Linda Kidd 9725 9209
BUTLER SUPPORTED
ACCOMMODATION FACILITY
Manager, Chris Rush 6154 5120
CONTACT US
If you would like to comment on anything
you read in this Bulletin please email
bulletin@mswa.org.au or write to
MSWA, Locked Bag 2, Bentley DC WA 6983
For general feedback or complaints please
contact Michelle John 6454 3173 or
feedback@mswa.org.au
EDITORIAL WORKING GROUP
Sue Shapland, Nicola Washington, Libby
Cassidy, Jamey Claffey, Tracey Hockey and
Nicolette Murphy.
CONTRIBUTORS
Geoff Hutchinson, Carol Chong,
Misty Reinkowsky, Dajana Tesevic,
Vanishree Chetti, Denise Vogels,
James Beckett and Crystal Chan.
The Editorial Working Group welcomes
unsolicited submissions.
All articles are subject to a reviewing
process. The views expressed are those
of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the view of MSWA’s staff, advisors,
directors or officers.
Our neurological liaison nurses are usually the first point of contact after the
neurologist’s diagnosis.
VANISHREE CHETTI, MANAGER: 9365 4818 OR COMMUNITY NURSE: 9365 4888
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our team provides treatment interventions to develop and maintain mobility
and function.
JAMES BECKETT, MANAGER: 9365 4837 OR PHYSIO DEPARTMENT: 9365 4834
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapists enable Clients to continue their work and other interests
for as long as possible through advice, aids and equipment.
CRYSTAL CHAN, MANAGER: 9365 4804 OR OT DEPARTMENT: 9365 4888
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Our Speech Pathologists assess, diagnose and create individualised treatment
programs for Clients who experience swallowing and/or communication difficulties.
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140
DIETETICS
Dietitians are university-qualified nutrition experts who promote general health
and disease prevention/management through dietary changes.
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140
COUNSELLING, PEER SUPPORT & HEALTH EDUCATION
Talking with a Counsellor creates a safe, respectful and confidential environment
for you and those close to you to explore options, create change or gain
understanding about your life.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL: LISA PAPAS, MANAGER: 9365 4836
OR COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT: 9365 4811
SOCIAL WELFARE
Social Welfare Officers assist Clients and their families to access services
and supports to remain living independently at home. They specialise in case
management, advocacy and sourcing funding options.
KATH KNIGHTS, MANAGER: 9365 4835
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We provide long-term and time limited in-home supports including assistance
with personal care for people with MS, to help them remain in their homes.
Care and supports are provided through a combination of funding from the
Department of Communities - Disability Services, and our own fundraising efforts.
VICTORIA AMEY, MANAGER: 9365 4851
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Our experienced teams will provide you with personalised support right
throughout your NDIS journey. From helping you to access the NDIS to working
with you to get the most from your plan, our trained staff are here to help.
GEOFF HUTCHINSON, MANAGER CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT: 9365 4879
CAMPS & RECREATION
MSWA provides separate recreation camps for Clients, carers, and families,
primarily funded by Lotterywest, and for a nominal cost to participants.
These camps provide a break from daily routines, and strengthen friendships
and support networks.
MALA PADMANATHAN, COORDINATOR FOR CAMPS & RECREATION: 6454 3184
AGED CARE
MSWA delivers all levels of Home Care Packages to eligible people with
a neurological condition who are over 65. Services are delivered by staff
specifically trained in home care for older Australians who are living with a
neurological condition.
JUDITH CLARK, AGED CARE COORDINATOR: 9365 4807
2

WELCOME
Welcome to the winter 2021 edition of Bulletin. We hope you enjoy the news, stories and
service information we have brought to you this quarter.
CONTENTS
FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO. ...... 4
GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC
SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL
OPTIONS ........................... 5
GENERAL MANAGER
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES ....... 6
IMPACT OF AGED CARE
ON THE COMMUNITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MSWA COMMITMENT
TO RESEARCH,
2021 ANNOUNCEMENT. ........... 8-9
OUR RECORD CONTRIBUTION
OF $10M. ........................ 10-11
RESEARCH ROUND UP. .......... 12-14
OUR NEW RESPIRATORY
PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE ..........15
IMAGINE . ..........................16
COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN FOCUS:
OUR ROLE AT MSWA . ..............17
OUR NEW REGIONAL
OPERATIONS MANAGER . ...........17
‘MS TO THE MINUTE’ WORKSHOP ...18
TYPES OF PAIN .....................19
INVISIBLE THING. .................. 20
DID YOU KNOW THAT HOBBIES
ARE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR
MENTAL HEALTH? ..................21
AN INCREDIBLE CAREER OF
PASTORAL CARE & GENEROSITY
OF SPIRIT . ..................... 22-23
CLIENT SATISFACTION
SURVEY . ....................... 24-25
FIGHTMASTER COMING TO NEW
ALBANY SERVICES CENTRE . ....... 26
MASSAGE THERAPY AT MSWA . .... 27
POSTURAL CARE NEWS. ........... 28
SPECIALIST DISABILITY
ACCOMMODATION (SDA)
ASSESSMENTS. .................... 28
2021 MSWA STATIONARY CYCLE
CHALLENGE. ...................... 29
VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON 2021. .. 30-31
OUR NEW VOLUNTEER
AND CAMPS COORDINATOR ........31
MARGARET DOODY HOUSE
RESPITE UPDATE .................. 32
OUTREACH HAPPENINGS:
WILSON . .......................... 33
THE IMPORTANCE OF PETS ..... 34-35
SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS
AND COMPLIMENTS . .............. 35
3

FROM THE DESK
OF THE CEO
MARCUS STAFFORD
CEO
It seems like only yesterday that I
fronted up for my first day at the MS
Society, as it was called in those days.
But recently in my desk at home, I
found a copy of the very first Bulletin
that I had contributed to. There was
a photo of this fresh-faced young
man with a mighty crop of hair … and
not a grey one to be seen! Perhaps it
wasn’t yesterday, after all!
As my last day at MSWA creeps
ever closer, I find my mind turning
more and more towards the future.
Not mine, but that of our fine
organisation.
I wouldn’t be able to sleep in my
bed at night, if I felt that I was
leaving MSWA with any points of
vulnerability or any suggestion that
our future is not assured. MSWA has
been ‘my baby’ for twenty years,
after all, and the job of supporting
people with neurological conditions
in our state is just too important.
We are so used to spin, froth and
bubble in the broader world of
communication, my objective
in this article is to ‘give it to you
straight’, so there can be no room
for interpretation or uncertainty
about MSWA.
Let’s start with the financial
numbers. Record revenue. Record
net profit/surplus. Record net
assets on balance sheet. (The leader
in Australia).
And now to our footprint. A record
number of locations throughout WA
serving people with neurological
conditions. (The leader in Australia).
As for Client services. Those real
things like physio, nursing, OT,
counselling, care support work.
A record breadth and number of
services, including hours delivered.
(The leader in Australia).
Then there’s research. A record
contribution to research in the
history of our nation. (The leader
in Australia).
If you are one of our 1,000 staff
members, Board directors,
volunteers, Clients or partners,
please don’t feel embarrassed by
the summary of our achievements.
Feel proud of your part in the team
effort and take a bow.
However, as I always say – enjoy
the moment, but don’t take too
long! We need to make the future
so bright that we will all need to
wear sunglasses!
My successor will undoubtedly put
their own mark of leadership on our
future. I have worked closely with
our Board in recent months to build
the framework for our next strategic
plan, but I believe that our new CEO
will bring different qualities that will
take us from strength to strength.
My professional advice to that
person will be simple. Stay focused
on the main game. There are really
only three bits to this job. 1. Client
services, 2. Accommodation and
respite, and 3. Our role in research.
A myriad of people will try to distract
you with the ‘noise’ of running a
company. But stay focused on the
main three. Keep your eyes on the
road ahead and all will be well.
My personal advice will be to have
fun. Sure, you’ll get spurious legal
claims, journalists trying to catch
you out and more commercial
challenges than any man or woman
really needs, but it’s the best job
in the world and you get the
privilege of working with truly
inspirational people.
As I pen this article for the last
time, I am reminded of how
Walter Cronkite signed off his
final appearance.
“That’s the way it is.”
MSWA is on the strongest of
foundations and I assure you
that the focus of our Board
and management is on
delivering our future success.
So, as I say thank you and goodbye,
I hope that Walter will forgive me if I
adapt his signature phrase to:
“That’s the way it will be.”
4

STRATEGIC SUPPORTS
AND RESIDENTIAL
OPTIONS
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN
GENERAL MANAGER
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
“A problem is a chance for
you to do your best.”
Duke Ellington.
How true this is, although at times
the problems we face certainly test
our resilience and resolve and often
our patience too!
As has been said numerous times,
over the last couple of years we
have faced many problems – floods,
fires and of course COVID-19. All of
these have really tried the resolve
of most of us but have also shown
how adaptable and creative people
can be. Just look at the race to get
the vital vaccines developed to
combat the spread of COVID-19, the
improved testing kits speeding up
the process and turnaround time
for results, and the research that is
now being funded to improve our
understanding of bushfires and
how they can be better managed.
Research builds our understanding
and provides hope for a better
future and better outcomes, and
not just in the medical field. MSWA
continues to proudly support
research into neurological conditions
in WA, nationally and internationally
through the International Progressive
MS Alliance. We provide vital funding
for several institutions and their teams
in WA and one of the great things
about that is that our Clients have the
opportunity to actually participate
in, contribute to, and benefit from
their projects and outcomes. You
can read about our very exciting
research funding announcement in
this Bulletin; another record amount
we can all be truly proud of!
Our high support accommodation
projects are moving along nicely.
Albany, which also includes an
amazing Services Centre, whilst
experiencing some slight delays
due to supplies and the weather, is
coming along nicely and expected
to open in March 2022. I already
have several potential residents on
the waitlist which is exciting.
The designs and planning for
Montario Quarter, our most
ambitious build with 20 units in
Shenton Park, is also progressing
well and will be very impressive – we
can’t wait to show off the drawings
when we are able.
Across MSWA we are experiencing
ongoing growth and change and
many improvements as we focus
on quality service delivery and of
course compliance. Our annual
Client Satisfaction Survey is also
featured in this issue and has again
provided us with valuable feedback
and many very positive results.
Thank you to everyone who took
the time to participate.
As we continue to be challenged
by COVID-19 and face the cold and
wet winter with our usual colds
and flu risks I hope you are keeping
well and following the advice of the
Health Department (and your own
GP and/or neurologist) regarding
vaccinations for the flu and
COVID-19. Advice can be conflicting
and can change but seeking advice
from the professionals who are
up-to-date is essential.
We hope you enjoy this edition
of Bulletin and the information
and articles are helpful and
enjoyable. Take care.
5

MEMBER &
CLIENT SERVICES
NICOLA WASHINGTON
GENERAL MANAGER
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES
Welcome to the winter
edition of our Member &
Client Services Bulletin –
and what a cold start
it has been.
When I moved to Perth from the
UK, I did not think that I would see
the scraping of ice from cars in the
morning again. Well, I was certainly
wrong on that assumption,
when we hit some of our lowest
temperatures on record through
June. Probably the first time I have
seriously considered the need for a
big winter coat and woolly hat!
As we close out another financial
year, and one that has been
unpredictable and incredibly
challenging for everyone, it
is fantastic to report another
successful year. The dedication of
the team and the flexibility of our
Clients has enabled us to record an
increase in service hours delivered
across our Client base.
It is great to see more people living
with a neurological condition
gaining access to funding through
the NDIS for essential services
and support.
Our Client Satisfaction Survey
returned some great results. You
can read these on page 24-25 but
once again it was fantastic to record
an overall satisfaction rate of 90%.
As always, we will be working on
more improvements over the next 12
months and already have a number of
projects started that will improve our
delivery of service to you, our Clients,
including new systems to improve
our processes and engagement with
both staff and Clients.
This edition sees the start of a series
of articles on pain management
(p. 19). We know this to be a
much-discussed topic amongst our
Clients and hope to bring you some
helpful information on the subject
from a variety of our practitioners.
Our annual Client forum is
scheduled to be held in September,
all being well. This is a great forum
to attend where you can hear our
experts talk about the latest in
research and new technologies, and
how we at MSWA contribute to the
latest innovations. Keep an eye out
for the details, we look forward to
welcoming you to this forum.
NDIS NEWS
It has been eight years since the
National Disability Scheme (NDIS)
started back in July 2013 and is
currently supporting more than
450,000 Australians living with
a disability, including 260,000
Australians who never previously
received support.
The National Disability Agency
(NDIA) released in July an
interim update to the Financial
Sustainability Report.
Numbers reported on forwardlooking
assumptions.
/ NDIS expenditure could grow
to $40.7 billion in 2024-25 which
is $8.8 billion above the current
Portfolio Budget Statement
estimates.
/ NDIS expenditure could be $22.6
billion higher than the Portfolio
Budget Statement estimates
over the four years from 2021-22
to 2024-25.
/ Participant numbers could
reach 682,760 at 30 June 2025
and 870,761 at 30 June 2030,
compared to the Productivity
Commission estimates of 582,860
at 30 June 2030.
The NDIA continues to review the
scheme to improve participant
experience and continued
sustainability and growth of
the scheme.
If you have any questions
regarding your NDIS plan,
please do not hesitate to contact
ndisenquiries@mswa.org.au
Our team is always ready to help
you navigate any problem or
question you may have.
6

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT TEAM
IMPACT OF AGED CARE
ON THE COMMUNITY
In the 20 years since we narrowly avoided the Y2K bug and said
hello to a new millennium, the proportion of the population
aged 65 years and above increased 4% to 16.3% nationally.
This group is projected to increase
rapidly over the next decade as
further cohorts of baby boomers
(those born between the years
1946 and 1964) turn 65. This growth
means that more and more people
will be utilising aged care packages
for their ongoing support. In fact,
as of 30 June 2020, there were
11,049 people accessing aged care
services in the community while
another 16,210 individuals are being
supported within the residential
care sector.
With these significant numbers
of participants, a greater focus is
now being placed on the impact
the aged care sector has on our
community. In December 2020,
a number of Western Australian
aged care providers engaged
research firm ACIL Allen to produce
a detailed study quantifying the
important economic and social
impact of the aged care sector
to Western Australia. The report
released in May examined the aged
care sector across three metrics
including ‘economic contribution’,
‘economic impact’ and ‘the social
return of the aged care sector’.
The result was startling, finding
a large and growing sector that
makes a massive contribution to
the community.
The report estimated that in 2019-
20, the aged care sector directly
contributed $2 billion to the WA
economy, equal to one in every
seven dollars of activity across
the entire healthcare and social
assistance sector. Additionally, one
in every 25 FTE jobs across WA were
directly or indirectly supported by
the aged care sector. To put that into
perspective, the FTE jobs created as
a result of WA’s aged care sector
in 2019-20 is equivalent to the total
number of people employed by
Rio Tinto, BHP, FMG and Woodside
combined.
Perhaps the biggest impact the
aged care sector had was the
social impact its funding can have
on participants and their families.
The report measured social impact
based on healthcare cost savings,
improved health outcomes, direct
economic value, carer participation
in the workforce and the relief of
direct care requirements for family
members. The largest benefit was
from the productivity benefits
provided by the aged care sector.
In particular, the report estimated
that the aged care sector assisted
the WA community to the tune
of $1.8 billion through the avoided
loss of productive labour resources.
The report points to a sector that is
making a significant difference to
the community.
In late 2019, MSWA joined the sector
by becoming a registered aged care
provider. Our goal mirrors that of the
providers surveyed within this report
in helping to improve participants’
health outcomes and supporting
families to be active participants in
the community. Entry into the aged
care sector also allows us to provide
ongoing support to those missed
by the NDIS and other funding
schemes due to their age. Over the
coming months we will be working
to grow our Home Care Package
participant numbers and support
our Clients to maintain their health
and independence.
Like the Western Australian
economy, as MSWA
continues to grow, the aged
care sector will bring a
significant impact, allowing
us to support more and
more Clients.
If you would like to read the full
report it is available by typing
‘Economic and Social Impact of the
Aged Care Sector in WA’ into your
search engine.
GEOFF HUTCHINSON
MANAGER CUSTOMER
ENGAGEMENT
7

RESEARCH
MSWA COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH,
2021 ANNOUNCEMENT
Last month, MSWA was proud to announce that in this 2021/22 financial year, we are
committing a record-breaking amount of $10 million to neurological research.
This new $10 million contribution
is being used by recipients to
advance studies to clinical trials for
new treatments and medications,
develop and trial new apps and
educational tools, and provide
novel insights that add to
the knowledge of the wider
neurological research community.
Marcus Stafford, our CEO, said of
the announcement, “As we prepare
to celebrate our champions in
the forthcoming Olympic Games,
supporters of MSWA should feel
proud to take their place on the
podium. MSWA’s $10 million
contribution to research is a gold
medal winning achievement for
people with neurological conditions.
In fact, I am delighted to say that
this record-breaking contribution
to research makes MSWA
the largest non-government
funder of neurological research
in Australia.”
While we contribute funding for
projects and studies across Australia
and the world, we are particularly
proud of the ongoing support of
neurological research taking place
in Western Australia. By supporting
local institutions and experts, we
are making research developments
accessible to our community, and
providing opportunities for Western
Australia to become a hub for high
quality research.
8

We are pleased to once again
be partnering with MS Australia,
the International Progressive
MS Alliance, the Perron Institute,
Curtin University, Edith Cowan
University, and Telethon Kids
Institute in projects they
are leading across various
neurological research areas.
Associate Professor Desmond
Graham, President of MS Australia,
said, “This funding commitment
from MSWA is significant, and
on behalf of MS Australia, the
MS community and myself as a
person living with MS, I would like
to thank the MSWA Board and CEO
Marcus Stafford.
“This funding boost will assist
to supercharge MS research in
Australia, some great examples of
which occur in WA. It will accelerate
the world leading work of our MS
researchers, enabling them to
identify new treatments for people
living with MS, in particular those
with the progressive forms of the
disease, as well as investigate ways
to enhance the brain’s defences
against MS and repair myelin.”
The Perron Institute’s CEO Steve
Arnott said, "MSWA’s funding
means our researchers can continue
striving to find novel treatments
for people living with a range of
neurological conditions.
"Their support is also helping
the Perron Institute to expand
its work with both new and
existing programs and increase
its achievements within various
research streams."
Our commitment to research helps
us get one step closer to having
a better understanding of the
causes of neurological conditions,
finding new treatments, realising
potential cures, and providing
hope for people living with
neurological conditions.
As always, our contribution is
only made possible through
the incredible support of our
fundraising community. Together,
we are ready to make an impact.
More about the projects we are
funding is detailed over page.
Two MSWA Clients (your representatives on this year’s Editorial
Working Group) attended the media conference at which the
funding announcement was made.
Nicolette Murphy, who lives with MS, said, “The $10 million
announcement gives me hope that we will have a cure in
my lifetime.”
Tracey Hockey, who had a stroke in 2016, said, “I can only comment
about how the research helps me personally, now and in the
future. MSWA are not only contributing to what neuro needs are
Nicolette Murphy and
Tracey Hockey
right now, they support research that helps in evolving better
ways forward. As an MSWA Client it excites me to know that the
care and information I'm receiving from them is new and cutting
edge. MSWA's funding makes sure that we with neuro conditions
have the most up-to-date information, care and technology
available. New ways of living, knowing, thinking and being.”
9

RESEARCH
OUR RECORD CONTRIBUTION OF $10M
KEY PROJECTS SUMMARY
As part of this year’s record-breaking $10 million contribution, we are continuing to support
projects we already fund, but we have new studies and trials that have exciting implications
for neurological research.
CURTIN UNIVERSITY
Our partnership with Curtin
University is growing. Associate
Professor Lucinda Black is leading
a team investigating diet and
MS alongside goals including
the development of education
resources and rigorous protocols
for diet-related clinical trials. Diet
is also being considered by Clinical
Professor John Mamo at CHIRI,
an Institute within Curtin, who
is heading a clinical intervention
for MS utilising a high-fat diet
to achieve remyelination in a
unique trial.
Additionally, Professor Mamo
and his team are looking at the
effect to ageing and developing
neurodegenerative diseases, linking
lifestyle factors of Parkinson’s, Motor
Neurone disease, Huntington’s
disease and MS. This is linked to
a novel trial that has promise for
new treatments for Alzheimer’s
by repurposing a drug used
previously for cardiovascular
disease and stroke.
Associate Professor Anne Whitworth
is leading an exciting new project to
support long-term rehabilitation of
communication skills after stroke.
Her team will be developing an
interactive app to complement
speech therapy interventions. The
aim of the project is to improve
functional language and cognitive
skills by designing an approach
that can be done freely at home to
complement structured sessions.
Additionally, there will have an
evaluation trial to demonstrate
the benefits, where findings
could also hold value for other
neurological conditions.
EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY
The research portfolio we support
at ECU is expanding. Translating
research into practice, the
multidisciplinary team in the
Systematic Profiling in Neurological
Conditions trial, led by Professor
Moira Sim, are identifying
markers in individuals that will
assist with developing, delivering
and evaluating more targeted
therapeutic interventions for stroke,
Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and MS.
Specific interventions include light
therapy glasses promoting more
effective sleep and reducing fatigue
and the MindPod exoskeleton for
upper limb rehabilitation.
Associate Professor Lucinda Black & Professor John Mamo (Curtin University).
WE ARE 10 MILLION STEPS CLOSER TO FINDING THE CAUSES, BETTER
TREATMENTS, AND EVEN A CURE FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.
WE HAVE 10 MILLION REASONS TO GIVE PEOPLE HOPE.
BECAUSE THIS YEAR, MSWA IS INVESTING A RECORD-BREAKING
$10 MILLION INTO NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH.
10

Associate Professor Jenny Rodger
(middle) (The Perron Institute).
TELETHON KIDS
Professor Moira Sim and Keith Rappa (Edith Cowan University).
THE PERRON INSTITUTE
Clinical Professor Allan Kermode
is leading a team to examine
biomarkers, neurofilaments, disease
trajectory, and evaluating brain
lesions in the MS Demyelinating
Diseases group. Professor Kermode
is also a key MS researcher and
contributing data to a national and
international data research registry
for MS.
Associate Professor Jenny Rodger
is continuing her research into
neuroplasticity as it heads into
human clinical trials using
transcranial magnets in stroke,
MS and more. Stroke is also the
focus for Adjunct Professor Bruno
Meloni and Clinical Professor Neville
Knuckey who are developing a
neuroprotective agent.
Research into MND, Parkinson’s
and other conditions continues for
Professor Sulev Koks. Trajectories
of Outcome in Neurological
Conditions (TONiC) continues to
gain traction with the possibility
of opening research to Parkinson’s
Disease and MS. Professor Koks is
teaming with Professor Anthony
Akkari to investigate the possibilities
of genomic medicine.
The two are seeking to identify
genes that have predisposition
for developing neuro conditions
like MND, and attempting to
find therapies to block the gene,
reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Parkinson’s and gut bacteria (the
microbiome) are partnered again
through Dr Luke Whiley’s study to
correlate changes in cognitive and
motor-related inflammation.
Finally, Dr Jonaton Leffler based
at the Telethon Kids Institute, and
under the purview of Professor Prue
Hart, is further analysing samples
from the PhoCIS biobank to identify
MS pathogenesis by examining
antigens through innovative
methods. Specifically, he will be
examining female predispositions
through cell dysfunctions, and
pathogenic and autoimmune
mechanisms.
MS RESEARCH AUSTRALIA AND
THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRESSIVE
MS ALLIANCE
Once again MSRA is receiving
allocations for MS research in
Australia with $1million to be
allocated to the International
Progressive MS Alliance. More
details about these will be
announced in due course.
READ MORE
For more information about
MSWA’s commitment to research
and the research projects we are
currently funding, visit our website:
mswa.org.au/news-research/
commitment-to-research
11

RESEARCH
RESEARCH
ROUND UP
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN
GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS
AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS
FROM MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS TODAY
Read more at:
multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com
Sleep deprivation may worsen
memory in early MS; James
Sumowski et al; May 05, 2021.
A new study suggests that sleep
deprivation may worsen memory
in people with clinically isolated
syndrome (CIS) or relapsingremitting
multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
The study ‘Sleep disturbance
and memory dysfunction in early
multiple sclerosis’ was published in
Annals of Clinical and Translational
Neurology.
185 adults diagnosed with CIS or
RRMS in the previous five years
were included and underwent a
number of assessments, including a
patient-reported sleep disturbance
questionnaire, and measures of
memory and cognitive speed.
The memory and cognition
tasks were also completed by 50
healthy controls with matched
characteristics to the MS patients in
the study.
Overall, 40.2% of PwMSs reported
sleep disturbances. However, those
with trouble sleeping reported
worse mood and increased fatigue
and had a higher number of brain
lesions than those without sleep
disturbances. Relative to healthy
controls, memory was worse among
patients with sleep disturbance, but
not among patients without sleep
disturbance.
Based on studies, an explanation
for the link between sleep and
memory could be that inadequate
rest impairs the hippocampus’
ability to process new information,
leading to worse memory. The team
concluded that their observations
“connect patient-reported sleep
disturbance specifically to poor
memory in early MS.”
Destroying myelin-damaging
immune cells may be new therapy
Recent research findings in
Japan, using the mouse model,
may potentially lead to a new
therapy for MS. Vesicles containing
the chemotherapeutic agent
doxorubicin were used to destroy
the aberrant, myelin-damaging
immune cells that contribute to MS
suppressing progression.
The team tested this strategy
in mice with experimental
autoimmune encephalomyelitis
(EAE). They discovered that their
therapy, designated MOG-LipDOX,
suppressed EAE symptoms through
targeting T-cells, a class of immune
cells primed to attack ‘foreign’
molecules that invade the body,
such as viruses and bacteria.
Specifically, the treatment successfully
suppressed symptoms for more than
100 days and completely cured two
mice — and without weight changes
or signs of liver damage.
The researchers found no evidence
of immune cells infiltrating the
central nervous system, ie, the brain
and spinal cord, which is where
the loss of myelin takes place. “The
present study suggests that the
use of these autoantigen-modified
liposomes promises to be a suitable
therapeutic approach for the cure
of MS,” they concluded.
12

HERE WE PROVIDE SOME SUMMARIES OF RESEARCH SOURCED FROM WEBSITES IN AUSTRALIA AND
AROUND THE WORLD; WE HOPE IT’S OF INTEREST TO YOU.
READ MORE AT MSWA.ORG.AU/RESEARCHUPDATE
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL
PROGRESSIVE MS ALLIANCE
Read more at:
progressivemsalliance.org
FDA backs further development of
blood biomarker, neurofilament
light, for clinical trials in MS
A major milestone in the goal of
increasing the number and speed
of clinical trials in progressive
MS was recently achieved when
The International Progressive MS
Alliance recently received a letter
of support from the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). The
letter encourages the exploration
and development of further studies
around a molecule in blood serum or
plasma — neurofilament light chain
(NfL) — as a potential rapid indicator
of the value of an experimental
therapy in early trials involving
people with progressive MS.
NfL is a fragment in the debris
that enters the spinal fluid and
blood when nerve wires (axons)
are damaged. Studies of NfL have
been underway to define how this
biomarker may be used to help
detect and predict disease activity
and response to treatments, not only
in MS but in other disorders. NfL may
reflect ongoing disease pathology
and may be more responsive to
the effects of treatments than
traditional imaging (MRI) outcomes
in early phase trials.
Dr. Robert J. Fox, Vice Chair of
the Alliance’s Scientific Steering
Committee said, “Having a simple
blood test to quickly track the
potential benefits of experimental
therapies would be an enormous
step forward for people with
progressive MS, for whom there are
too few therapies.”
FROM MENZIES HEALTH INSTITUTE
QUEENSLAND
Read more at: griffith.edu.au
Etanercept (Enbrel) trial in stroke
Stroke is Australia's second largest
cause of death, with one person
suffering from the disease every
10 minutes. An experimental
treatment in the US is giving some
stroke patients immediate relief
and Griffith University (Queensland)
has a clinical trial to examine
its potential.
The US FDA has approved
Etanercept (Enbrel) for many years
as a therapy to treat inflammatory
diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis. Recently, doctors have
begun using it to treat strokes.
Studies in the US demonstrated peri
spinal Enbrel improved mobility and
pain in chronic stroke participants,
concluding: Enbrel can provide
significant and ongoing benefits for
the chronic post-stroke management
of pain and greater shoulder flexion
by the paretic arm. Effects are rapid
and highly significant, supporting
direct action on brain function.
A second Griffith University Stroke
Trial is now successfully underway
enrolling 80 participants. They have
seen some spectacular responses in
several of our participants.
The focus of the trial is those who
have had a stroke but experienced
major fatigue since and also have
some functioning and capacity to
raise their stroke affected arm.
FROM PRILENIA THERAPEUTICS
Read more at: prilenia.com
Phase 3 Huntington’s disease
clinical trial news
Pridopidine is being assessed in
ongoing phase 3 global clinical trial
PROOF-HD (PRidopidine Outcome
On Function in Huntington’s
Disease). The PROOF-HD phase
3 study is being conducted
in approximately 60 sites in
collaboration with the Huntington
Study Group (HSG) in North America
and Europe, enrolling people with
early Huntington’s.
If successful in the trial this may
lead to its approval as a treatment
for Huntington’s disease.
In prior clinical trials in HD patients,
pridopidine demonstrated a
beneficial effect in maintaining
functional capacity after one year.
HD patients and families highlight
decreased functional capacity as a
major burden on daily life. The Total
Functional Capacity (TFC) scale is
widely used by clinicians to assess
disease stage and progression. This
captures changes in HD patients'
capacity to continue working,
perform household activities,
eat, dress, walk, and complete
simple tasks.
Pridopidine is the first drug to
show maintenance of TFC at one
year. This effect may also be seen
and maintained for five years, as
demonstrated in an open-label trial.
The purpose of the study is to
evaluate the effect of pridopidine
on functional capacity, as well as
on motor and behavioural features
over 65 weeks.
13

RESEARCH
FROM JAMA NEUROLOGY
Read more at: jamanetwork.com
Association of sex and age with
mild traumatic brain injury-related
symptoms: a TRACK-TBI study;
Harvey S Levin et al.
This study sought to determine if
post-acute mild traumatic brain
injury (mTBI) symptoms differ
between men and women.
2000 patients with mTBI were
assessed 12 months post injury for
the severity of cognitive and somatic
symptoms and it was found to be
significantly worse in women than
in men. The association between
mTBI and somatic symptoms was
greater in women aged 35 to 49
years than those aged 17 to 34 years
or older than 50 years.
Using a variety of testing tools,
they evaluated mTBI patients
and compared them with a post
orthopaedic trauma cohort.
Their results led them to
conclude that women were more
vulnerable than men to persistent
mTBI-related cognitive and
somatic symptoms. Postconcussion
symptoms were also
worse in women aged 35 to 49 years
than in younger and older women,
but further investigation is needed
to corroborate these findings and to
identify the mechanisms involved.
Results suggest that individualised
clinical management of mTBI
should consider sex and age,
as some women are especially
predisposed to chronic
post-concussion symptoms even
12 months after injury.
FROM MND SCOTLAND
Read more at: mndscotland.org.uk
Motor neurone disease: Edinburgh
scientists reveal breakthrough
Scientists in Scotland are a step
closer to being able to reverse
the damage caused by motor
neurone disease (MND) following
a breakthrough by researchers in
Edinburgh.
The team proved for the first time
that axons – the long nerve fibres
which connect and send electrical
impulses from the nerve cells to
the muscles – are shorter in cells
affected by MND than in healthy
cells. They also discovered that the
movement of the mitochondria, the
tiny energy cells which move up
and down the axons, is impaired.
Researchers have also found that
the nerve cell damage – or motor
neurons – caused by MND can be
repaired by boosting the energy
levels in these mitochondria.
Once this was done in laboratory
experiments, the axon reverted
back to normal length.
The effect was achieved in the lab
using motor neurons grown from
stem cells collected from people
with a genetic mutation known
to cause MND. These lab-grown
motor neurons were then exposed
to a virus which supercharged a
key molecule vital to the healthy
functioning of mitochondria.
The team, based at the Euan
MacDonald Centre for MND
Research at Edinburgh University,
believe they may be able to produce
the same result in patients – not
with a virus, but by re-purposing an
existing drug instead.
Dr Arpan Mehta, a lead scientist on
the project, said: “Our data provides
hope that by restoring the cell’s
energy source we can protect the
axons and their connection to
muscle from degeneration. Work
is already underway to identify
existing licensed drugs that can
boost the mitochondria and
repair the motor neurons. This will
then pave the way to test them in
clinical trials.”
FROM PARKINSON’S WA
Read more at: parkinsonswa.org.au
Study: heat sensitivity in people
with Parkinson’s disease
A heat sensitivity study, which is
being conducted by researchers
at the Queensland University of
Technology, has two aims:
1. To increase knowledge and
understanding of how people
with Parkinson’s disease
experience the heat.
2. To develop a scale for the
assessment of heat sensitivity in
people with Parkinson’s disease.
These findings will help to shed light
on the experience of heat sensitivity
in people with Parkinson’s disease
and provide a tool for clinicians and
researchers to assess heat sensitivity
in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The study is seeking interested
participants, so if you have been
diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you are
invited to participate in this research
project; just use the link below:
survey.qut.edu.au/f/193936/87f4/
14

PHYSIOTHERAPY
OUR NEW RESPIRATORY
PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE
MSWA’s new respiratory physiotherapy service is designed to assist Clients experiencing
respiratory symptoms associated with their neurological condition. Respiratory physiotherapy
incorporates both physiotherapy treatment techniques and prescription of specialised
equipment to help improve respiratory efficiency. Services include education on airway clearance
techniques, organising respiratory equipment, carer training, and liaising with your medical
team to create respiratory action plans.
The respiratory physiotherapy
services may be beneficial for
Clients who:
/ are unable to clear secretions
effectively,
/ have an ineffective cough due to
respiratory muscle weakness,
/ may have frequent chest
infections and/or frequent
hospital admissions related to
chest infections.
Early referral to one of our respiratory
physiotherapists is indicated
for Clients with progressive
neurodegenerative diseases eg
MND, SMA, muscular dystrophy.
Following a thorough assessment,
the physiotherapist will discuss
treatment techniques and specialised
equipment (eg CoughAssist Machine)
that can assist in improving respiratory
efficiency. From these assessments
each Client will be provided with an
individualised treatment plan.
The NDIS provides reasonable
and necessary respiratory
supports, including specialised
equipment.
MSWA Physiotherapist Maeve O’Shaughnessy demonstrating some of the
new specialised respiratory equipment.
As this process can take some time,
please consider early referral and
assessment so that applications
can be made in anticipation of
future needs.
If you would like to book a
respiratory physiotherapy review,
please speak to one of our
MSWA Nurses, Physiotherapists
or Client Liaison Coordinators for
a referral.
Please note: MSWA does not
provide emergency services.
If any Client is acutely unwell
they should contact their
GP, relevant specialist or
emergency department.
15

MSWA CLIENT
IMAGINE
Sometimes I like to imagine a world that was designed for
people with disability. Can you imagine that?
Imagine if every public toilet had
grab rails and room for wheelchairs.
Imagine if every private house was
accessible for everyone. Imagine
if there were things to touch
which helped guide those with
visual impairments. And voice
activated instructions. Imagine
if there were written guides for
those with hearing impairments.
Imagine if there was a raft of helpful
people everywhere for those with
cognitive issues.
You’re dreaming, I hear you say. That
will never happen. And I know you
are right. There are too many people
who think that those with disability
are a negligible minority who do not
need that much help. It’s not too
many years ago that people with
disability were expected to stay at
home. Out of sight, out of mind.
When I was growing up on a farm
in the southwest of WA, we knew a
family whose son was born around
the time I was. Unfortunately, he was
born with disability, both cognitive
and physical. I was horrified one
day when we visited, and the son
was tied up to the kitchen table
and sitting underneath it. This
was explained as a way of keeping
him safe while the parents were
out working on their farm. In
subsequent years he attended what
in those days was called a ‘special
school’. I hope he achieved some
happiness in his life.
Nevertheless, I like to imagine a
different world. In a world that was
designed with more thought for
people with disability, there would
be no barriers to stop anyone
from doing whatever they wanted
or needed in order to live a
fulfilling life.
Over the years since I first started
struggling to walk because of my MS,
I have done my best to encourage
others to make changes wherever
they could to make life easier for
people like us. I have written and
published reviews of restaurants
that explain their accessibility or
lack thereof. And spoken up when
I’ve been in venues with problems.
I have told my personal stories
many times both in writing and in
oral form when given the chance. I
have joined organisations that work
towards improving the situation for
people with disability.
I remember going to a restaurant
many years ago which did have a
wheelchair accessible bathroom.
However, when I tried to go in, I
discovered it was being used to
store excess chairs. There was barely
room for an able-bodied person to
move in there, let alone someone in
a wheelchair. What the h…?
When I went to the management
and pointed this out, they were
apologetic and removed the chairs.
I can only hope they never put them
back again.
Of course, things are better these
days than they were even a mere
twenty years ago. Efforts have been
made. Most public buildings have
access for people with disability.
Even buses are able to be lowered
to kerb level with a drop down ramp,
meaning I, and others, can access
them. There are tactile ridges in
pavements near bus stops so that
people with visual impairments can
tell where the bus stop is. Mind you,
for someone in a wheelchair those
ridges are quite annoying, but I’m
glad they are there nevertheless.
Well, I will go on imagining and
dreaming, and doing my little bit
to improve the world for people
with disability.
ROS HARMAN
MSWA CLIENT
If you would like to know more about disability rights
and advocacy, People with Disabilities WA (PWdWA)
has some great projects, campaigns and resources.
Visit: pwdwa.org
16

COMMUNTY SUPPORT
COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN FOCUS:
OUR ROLE AT MSWA
In this winter’s edition of Bulletin, we are shining a light on one of the most critical and diverse
teams at MSWA – the Community Support team. Our team supports people living with a
neurological condition by coordinating in-home care services that range from personal care to
meal preparation and domestic assistance to social support.
In-home care is an integral part
of the support provided to MSWA
Clients by ensuring they can live
well and at home while managing
their neurological condition.
The benefits of in-home care to
people living with a disability
cannot be downplayed, cultivating
a strong sense of independence
for our Clients while also assisting
their families.
Community Support currently
manages over 400 support workers
across metropolitan Perth and the
South West. We provide an average
of 29,907 hours of services per
month to more than 650 Clients
living with a neurological condition
– numbers that are both challenging
to manage from a logistical
perspective, but also highlight
the scale of the work we do in the
community and the breadth of
services provided on a daily basis.
Like so many other care-related
services, since the roll out of the
National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS), we are experiencing
an ongoing need for support
workers. We value skilled, patient,
confident, approachable and, of
course, compassionate qualities
in our team of support workers
to ensure Client-centred care
is provided.
Just like our Clients’ needs are
diverse and individualised, we
aim to provide our team with the
support they need, acknowledging
that the role of the support worker
is a rewarding, but sometimes
challenging one.
Now more than ever with
the advent of the pandemic,
we know that we are all in
this together!
For the rest of 2021, the Community
Support team continues to be
driven by our goal of improving our
Clients’ lives and providing quality
support services. In the next edition
of Bulletin, we hope to feature some
of our valued support workers, so
you can get to know them better.
DENISE VOGELS
COMMUNITY TEAM LEADER
OUR NEW REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
As MSWA continues to extend its services throughout the South
West and Great Southern regions, we have appointed Jane Booth
as Regional Operations Manager. This newly created role will offer
leadership and support to our teams throughout the regions.
Jane brings a range of managerial experience in both the community
service and training sectors. A long-term resident of the South West,
Jane has also served the local community for several years as a St
John’s volunteer ambulance officer.
Keen to promote a positive workplace culture with a focus on safety
and wellness, Jane looks forward to working with the team at MSWA.
17

ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
‘MS TO THE MINUTE’ WORKSHOP
In April, our clinicians had the opportunity to attend the ‘MS to the Minute’ workshop, during
which latest updates on MS treatment and its management were shared. Together with other
experts in the MS clinical space, Perth’s key MS consultants were present to provide insight into
MS clinics and treatments – both current and new.
Consultant Neurologists Prof
Bill Carroll, Dr Jason Burton and
Dr Kevin O’Connor presented
information on current treatment
options and case studies of current
and new MS medications. COVID-19
and what it means for people with
MS was also discussed, along with
some updates on vaccines. Prof
Carroll provided us with some
insights into the most recent MS
research and a global update
on the pandemic. Dr O’Connor,
who is one of Australia’s leading
neuroimmunologists, provided our
clinicians with an overview of the
various vaccines currently being
rolled out worldwide and the impact
on the various Disease Modifying
Therapies. Dr Burton used real world
data on specific Disease Modifying
Therapies and their interactions
with vaccines.
Sue Shapland, our General Manager
Strategic Supports & Residential
Options, shared her knowledge on
MS in the community and within
residential facilities and how the
introduction of the NDIS has
created opportunities for MSWA to
expand our services.
Also present to share their
knowledge on continence and pain
management were KJ Lazarus (MS
Immunotherapy and Continence
Support Nurse) and Tim O’Maley
(MS Nurse Practitioner). To apply
practical learning, Lisa Papas
(Manager Counselling, MSWA)
and Petrina Keating (Neurological
Nurse, MSWA) conducted case
studies with all involved.
MSWA has always believed in
professional development for
its staff members.
This workshop has been an
initiative to upskill our clinicians
and provide updates on the latest
initiatives around MS treatment
and medication. As new therapies
are constantly being trialled it is
important that we keep abreast
of latest developments so that we
can better support our Clients in a
constantly changing environment.
To access the MSWA Nurse Support
Line, call 9365 4888 or email
nursesupportline@mswa.org.au
CAROL CHONG
MANAGER
ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
PAIN & PAIN MANAGEMENT SERIES
Over the next few editions of Bulletin, we bring you a series of articles on pain and pain management.
Opposite, Neurological Liaison Nurse Bronwyn Innes, who has a specialty background in pain
management, explains the different types of pain, how to recognise it in others, and the first steps
to take in seeking help.
Future editions will explore specific strategies for managing your pain.
18

NURSING
TYPES
OF PAIN
Pain can be described as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with
actual or potential tissue damage.
Pain results from complex brain
processes which are influenced by
overlapping physical, psychological
and environmental factors.
All pain is an individual human
experience which is totally
subjective and can only be
truly appreciated by the person
experiencing the pain.
A person’s attitudes, beliefs and
personality can strongly affect their
pain experience.
Pain can be divided into two main
categories: Acute and Chronic (or
Persistent)
Acute Pain is pain that lasts for a
short time and occurs after surgery,
trauma or other conditions. It acts
as a warning signal that tells us
something is wrong with our body
and to seek help.
Chronic (or Persistent) Pain is pain
that lasts beyond the time expected
for healing following surgery,
trauma or other conditions. It is
often associated with an increased
pain experience, not just in the area
of injury but also in the surrounding
tissues and nerves.
There are two types of pain that
may become chronic:
Nociceptive Pain is pain caused by
tissue damage such as a broken
bone, a sprained ankle or pulled
muscle. Musculoskeletal pain such
as back pain caused by sitting for
long periods, muscle stiffness,
weakness and walking difficulties
and muscle or joint pain due to
spasms or muscle stiffness are
also examples of nociceptive pain.
In these cases the pain normally
settles as the tissue heals, but it can
persist and become chronic.
Neuropathic Pain results from
damage to nerves. It occurs due to
changes in nerves of the Central
Nervous System (the spinal cord
and brain) after an injury to a nerve.
Examples of neuropathic pain
include shingles, phantom limb pain,
complex regional pain syndrome,
trigeminal neuralgia, post-incisional
pain caused by surgery.
REPORTING PAIN
If you have pain concerns discuss
these with your family, carer,
neurological nurse or GP. It is
important to investigate your pain
and why it occurs in order to develop
strategies for any daily, sudden,
severe or new pain, changes in your
pain or unusual sensations.
When reporting your pain, or that
of a family member, to your GP it is
helpful to describe where it is, how
it feels, when it is felt and how it
affects you or your family member.
For carers and family members
of non-verbal adults or children,
indicators of pain may include: facial
grimacing or frowning, guarding
part of the body or withdrawing
from touch, moaning, groaning or
crying, restlessness and agitation.
After assessment by a medical
professional such as the GP or a
pain consultant, an appropriate
treatment plan can be made
to reduce the experience of
pain and improve quality of life.
Pain assessment and effective
management strategies are of
high importance as these are of
benefit in improving resilience and
enabling continuance of activities
even when pain is a challenge.
BRONWYN INNES
MSWA NEUROLOGICAL
LIAISON NURSE
19

MSWA CLIENT
INVISIBLE
THING
BY PETER JONES
I don’t look sick
You don’t look stupid
But looks can be deceiving
It’s not a psychological thing
This thing is very real
Out of sight, out of mind
not visible
The whole thing is quite surreal.
Some days are diamonds
Some days are stones
Fatigue at times
won’t leave me alone
I’m not drunk
I may stagger a little
Labelling me alcoholic
Only manages to belittle.
Summer heat - debilitating
Limitations imposed - irritating
Independence - diminishing
Relying on others - frustrating
Prognosis - mystifying
General attitude - misunderstanding
Life has shifted dramatically since diagnosis
This invisible thing, Multiple Sclerosis.
“I was informally diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis 67
years ago at the age of
nine. This diagnosis was
not formalised until 1989,
following the introduction
of MRI as a diagnostic tool.
My current age, together
with the accumulative
weaknesses from three MS
events over the years, have
me needing to use a stick to
get around. I attend physio
at Beechboro once a week
and have benefited greatly
from being involved in the
support group. I am grateful
for the life I have and to
members of the support
group for sharing their
life experiences.
“Writing poetry provides
me with an ability to
express thoughts and
feelings about my life and
the world around me.
“This poem is intended
to express some of the
frustrations associated
with MS.”
PETER JONES
MSWA CLIENT
20

COUNSELLING
DID YOU KNOW THAT HOBBIES
ARE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR
MENTAL HEALTH?
Winter is here and it is the perfect time to pursue your favourite hobbies.
Having a hobby is not just about
passing the days or enjoying quality
‘me time’ but is crucial for our
wellbeing and mental health. A
hobby is a wonderful way to spend
your spare time and unwind from
our daily routines.
Research has shown that people
with hobbies rarely suffer from
stress, depression, or low mood.
Hobbies are vital for mental health,
can make us feel happier and
more relaxed. Hobbies promote
mindfulness and staying present,
become more patient, and help us
to sleep better.
My Clients have a vast variety
of hobbies; these include
knitting, patchwork, collecting
antique postcards, scrapbooking,
gardening, and painting to mention
a few.
Here are some other ideas:
Music is a wonderful hobby.
Listening to your favourite music
or learning to play an instrument
helps to relieve stress and channel
uncomfortable emotions. Playing
or singing with a group is a great
way to communicate with others.
Gardening is one of the best
hobbies to get you in touch with
nature. You could plant some of
your favourite flowers, start an
herb or vegetable patch, or simply
pot up new indoor plants. Physical
gardening, if you are able, provides
endurance, flexibility, and strength.
Yoga is good for our mental and
physical health. Yoga can calm
our nervous system, help with
depression, and reduce muscle
tension. You do not have to leave
home to attend a class – you can
install a yoga app on your phone
and practice at home. Chair yoga is
another option. A few minutes a day
can produce positive effects.
Writing is one of the simplest
hobbies and all you need is a
pen and paper. You can write
how you feel every day, write
short stories, poetry
and maybe even a book.
Whether your hobby is creative,
academic or something personal,
it should be meaningful and
enjoyable. The main goal of a hobby
is that it gives you the opportunity
to express yourself and relax at the
same time. Always be on the lookout
for new interests and hobbies.
The more your mind works the
more healthy it will stay.
JEAN HUDSON
MSWA SENIOR COUNSELLOR
21

MSWA CLIENT
AN INCREDIBLE
CAREER OF
PASTORAL CARE
& GENEROSITY
OF SPIRIT
MSWA Client & Volunteer,
Margaret Wells.
As she approaches both her 80th birthday and her ten years of voluntary service for MSWA,
Margaret Wells reflects on the two things that have kept her positive over the years: keeping
busy (with hobbies and volunteering) and caring for others.
From 1970, Margaret worked for
three decades as a boarding school
housemistress, seeing to the
practical and emotional wellbeing
of innumerable teenagers.
She started in Geraldton, spending
19 years in a boys’ boarding house,
the John Frewer Hostel. She
later moved to Perth and spent
three years at Iona Presentation
College, and finally, 12 years at
Penrhos College.
Throughout these 21 years in Perth,
Margaret was also a voluntary tour
guide for Burswood Park Heritage
Trail, regaling visitors with stories
of the dozen bronze sculptures
and other public works and
landmarks that are peppered along
the riverfront.
22

MS DIAGNOSIS
It was in 2000, when Margaret was
aged 59, that she was diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis.
“I’d been experiencing symptoms
many, many years before diagnosis,”
recalls Margaret. “They were
arthritis-like symptoms. But I knew
myself it was more than that.
“When I was diagnosed with MS, I
knew absolutely nothing about it. I
didn’t know anyone with MS back
then. It was a bit of a shock, but
at the same time a relief to know
something was wrong – to have it
confirmed.
“My GP sent me to the MS Society
(now MSWA). I had a chat to the
nurse and went to a few events for
those who are newly diagnosed.”
Margaret was still working at the
time, so started going along to a
‘workers after dark’ support group
at the MSWA Wilson Services Centre
once a month. “We’d chat about
MS and we’d each take something
for dinner.”
A NOT-SO-QUIET RETIREMENT
Margaret retired from her boarding
school career a couple of years after
diagnosis. “I was starting to feel
fatigued, going up and down those
stairs. You know when enough’s
enough. If you’re smart you retire
on a high.”
A story Margaret often tells people
involves her life-long desire to
visit New Zealand. “The day I was
diagnosed, I came out of the
neurologist’s office and thought ‘I
might not be able to walk someday’.
I went straight to the travel agent
and booked a trip to New Zealand!
“I’ve always kept that determination
– that this isn’t going to beat me.”
Margaret’s travels continued into
her sixties and seventies, enjoying
bus tours in the UK, Europe
and Canada.
“I’ve been one of the lucky ones,”
she reflects. “My condition didn’t
deteriorate over the years. I chose
not to start medication. I thought,
‘I’ve managed with this for so many
years, I think I can keep going’.”
Margaret does struggle with fatigue
and pins and needles, but says it’s
manageable.
“I looked after all the kids in boarding
houses with these symptoms and I
coped. I’m still going, still able to do
things.”
She enjoys spending time with her
family (she has five grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren,
whom she adores).
“My twin granddaughters turned
21 this year. Their brother, the
youngest, turned 15 yesterday. We
celebrated over breakfast; my son
cooks a mean breakfast!”
Another activity Margaret enjoys
is her RSLWA Poppy Ladies craft
group. She recalls 2018 when the
group knitted 62,000 handcrafted
red poppies that were placed on the
lawns at Kings Park for the 100th
anniversary of Armistice Day.
“I also go to a walking club, we walk
through Carousel Shopping Centre
at 8.30am once a week. I do Prime
Movers and gardening too.
“I’m 80 next month, so I should
probably wind down a little bit!”
Margaret’s neurological condition
remains stable and she values the
difference MSWA’s physiotherapy
team have made.
“We’ve a great group at
hydrotherapy on a Monday. We stay
for lunch and a cup of tea. We’re all
tired from the session and we chat
about how we’re feeling, which can
be just as helpful as the physical
therapy. It’s good to be in touch
with people who know how you
feel, what you’re going through.”
VOLUNTEERING FOR MSWA
In 2011, Margaret began volunteering
for MSWA.
“I had to give up golf, and I was
looking for something else to do. An
MSWA occupational therapist came
out to advise me about handrails
in my new bathroom and she
mentioned volunteering at MSWA.
“I thought ‘I don’t know when I’ll
need a bit more help along the
way’. It’s been my way of paying it
forward.”
Margaret began in the mail room,
putting leaflets into envelopes, and
soon moved to assisting with the
weekly Outreach group.
“It’ll be 10 years next week. Making
morning teas and cuppas for 10
years!”
AN ALTRUISTIC ATTITUDE
Margaret explains how helping
others is what has got her through
the difficult times.
“My saving grace was my twin
granddaughters, Tayla and Paige.
They were born in May and I was
diagnosed in July. My son and his
wife were battling with two babies,
so I decided to be there for them as
much as possible and threw myself
into helping them.
“The diagnosis didn’t bother me
so much because I kept telling
myself ‘these little ones need me
now’. That’s how I got through the
first year.”
She explains that she doesn’t get
low, just very tired.
“I’ve got to say to myself ‘stop’ and
have a few days off. I know when
to stop. I think that’s important.
Keep people around you and keep
busy if you can. I’m ever so grateful
my condition has remained stable.
I hold onto that.”
23

BRAND, MARKETING & SALES
2020 MSWA CLIENT SATISFACTION
MSWA invited Clients who received at least one service from us to provide feedback. We asked them about
their satisfaction with services, likelihood to recommend, and overall experiences with MSWA in a year that was
impacted by a global pandemic. We are thankful for those who took part as the results help us understand the
needs of our Clients better and improve our performance.
OVERALL SATISFACTION
Dissatisfied
7%
Very Dissatisfied
3%
Accommodation
100%
Respite
94%
MSWA
2019 92%
2019 88%
Satisfied
36%
Very
Satisfied
54%
90%
Client
Relationship
Coordinator
Client
Liaison
Coordinator
2019 92%
91%
94%
New in 2020
New in 2020
MSWA EXCCEDS EXPECTATIONS
31%
40%
2019
CLIENTS OF MSWA FEEL
No
Sometimes
Yes
NET
Agree
Respected 97%
Valued 92%
Listened to 94%
LIKELIHOOD TO RECOMMEND MSWA (NET PROMOTER SCORE)
20 0 20
% of MSWA Clients
Promoters are loyal and likely to repurchase; Passives are susceptible to competitors;
Detractors require proactive outreach to mitigate brand damage.
40 60 80 100
Clients were asked how likely they would be to recommend MSWA to others on a scale of 0 to 10
MSWA NPS
+43
+45
2019
80 % of MSWA Clients
60
40
20
0
15
17
Detractors
(0-6)
25
23
Passives
(7-8)
2019
60
60
Promoters
(9-10)
Reasons for recommending MSWA:
• Caring and helpful staff
• Great service
• Professionalism
Reasons for not recommending MSWA:
• Quality of services not
meeting expectations
• Lack of communication
and engagement
Net Promoter Score = % Promoters – % Detractors
24

SATISFACTION WITH QUALITY OF SERVICE
BY SERVICE
Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied
Satisfied Very Satisfied
NET
Satisfied
Physiotherapy 97%
Counselling 98%
Community Support 91%
Occupational Therapy 93%
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
Strongly Disagree (1) + 2 3 + 4 5 + 6
7 + 8 9 + Strongly Agree (10)
I was happy
with MSWA’s
methods of
communication
Mean /10
7.8
Nursing 91%
Speech Pathology 94%
Dietetics 98%
MSWA was
handling
Clients’
needs well
7.7
Social Welfare 93%
40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
% of MSWA Clients using a service
40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
% of MSWA Clients
Mean /10
SATISFACTION WITH SKILLS OF STAFF
BY SERVICE
Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied
Satisfied Very Satisfied
NET
Satisfied
Physiotherapy 97%
Counselling 98%
I felt supported
as an MSWA
Client during
this time
The frequency of
communication
from MSWA was
adequate
7.7
7.6
Nursing 94%
Occupational Therapy 97%
Speech Pathology 96%
Dietetics 98%
Social Welfare 89%
SATISFACTION WITH AVAILABILITY
BY SERVICE
Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied
Satisfied Very Satisfied
NET
Satisfied
Counselling 100%
Speech Pathology 94%
Outreach
(opening hours)
40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
% of MSWA Clients using a service
97%
Physiotherapy 92%
Occupational Therapy 92%
Nursing 90%
Dietetics 93%
Social Welfare 88%
40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
% of MSWA Clients using a service
40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
% of MSWA Clients
WHO RESPONDED
PARTICIPANTS BY SERVICE
Online Phone TOTAL
Service n= % n= % n= %
Physiotherapy 161 68% 106 69% 267 68%
Nursing 129 54% 68 44% 197 50%
Occupational Therapy 90 38% 65 42% 155 40%
Community Support 80 34% 74 48% 154 39%
Social Welfare 83 35% 45 29% 128 33%
Support Coordination 66 28% 38 25% 104 27%
Counselling 65 27% 20 13% 85 22%
Speech Pathology 50 21% 42 27% 92 24%
Outreach 36 15% 37 24% 73 19%
Residential Respite 12 5% 5 3% 17 4%
Accommodation 11 5% 23 15% 34 9%
TOTAL 237 61% 154 39% 391 100%
Age:
18-39 5%
40-49 13%
50-64 44%
65+ 38%
Location:
Metro 87%
Regional 26%
Condition:
MS 77%
ONC 23%
Tenure:
Less than
a year 8%
More than
a year 92%
Gender:
Female 70%
Male 30%
25

PHYSIOTHERAPY
FIGHTMASTER COMING TO NEW
ALBANY SERVICES CENTRE
MSWA Rockingham Client, Charles Van Niekerk, greatly attests to the benefits of boxing in
managing his Parkinson’s symptoms – both physical and cognitive. So much so, that he and
his family were inspired to hold a community fundraiser to enable MSWA to purchase a new
Fightmaster for one of our Services Centres.
For World Parkinson’s Day 2021,
Charles’ wife Nola and his two
sisters-in-law cooked large quantities
of a delicious South African street
food dish they grew up with called
‘bunny chow’: a hollowed out loaf of
bread filled with bean curry, chicken
curry or lamb curry.
Friends and family flocked to
Charles’ and Nola’s Success home
to buy themselves a Saturdaynight-takeaway-to-remember.
The amount raised was an
incredible $1,650.
“We didn’t expect to make that
amount,” says Charles. “Nola was
saying that if we make five or six
hundred dollars we’ll be happy.”
But their friends and family turned
up in droves to show their support.
MSWA’s Physiotherapy Manager,
James Beckett – who himself
attended the event – says he is
thrilled that their fundraising efforts
have allowed him to purchase
a further Fightmaster boxing
machine for the benefit of people
living with Parkinson’s in WA.
MSWA Client, Charles Van Niekerk, and MSWA Physiotherapy Manager,
James Beckett, with the Fightmaster boxing machine.
Charles too is delighted at
the outcome. “It’s a cause
that is very important to me.
Nola and I really appreciate
everyone who came along to
our fundraiser.”
Fightmasters are currently available
to MSWA Clients who attend
physiotherapy in Rockingham,
Kelmscott, Butler, Beechboro and
now – thanks to Charles and Nola
– Clients in Albany will have access
when the spacious new Services
Centre opens next year.
26

MASSAGE
THERAPY
AT MSWA
JAMES BECKETT
MANAGER PHYSIOTHERAPY
MSWA has been providing massage therapy for over 20 years. There is overwhelming evidence
in support of massage being effective in helping people manage their disability.
The majority and most robust
evidence is in the management
of pain, a common complaint
of people with neurological
conditions. There is also growing
evidence that massage has a
positive effect on balance, stability,
mobility (specifically, improved gait
speed) and reduction of disability.
Through its therapeutic benefits,
massage can promote independence
and help people with a disability
participate in work and within their
communities. These outcomes are
also amongst the most common that
people list as being their overarching
NDIS plan goals.
At MSWA a typical massage
session is from 30 minutes to 1
hour. Massage techniques, areas
of focus and number of sessions
are guided by a Client’s long-term
goals and assessment findings.
These treatments often occur in
combination with other therapies
(eg physiotherapy) to better help
clients achieve their goals. Clients
are assessed at the time of their first
appointment. This ensures that the
service is not only one that the Client
wants, but also one that is deemed
beneficial to their symptoms and
condition.
As massage is not currently
funded through the NDIS,
we offer massage to all Clients
on a fee-for-service basis
through our highly qualified
therapists. Appointments of
15 to 60 minutes’ duration
can be booked subject to
availability. Please contact
your Physiotherapist or
Client Liaison Coordinator
for more information.
WOULD YOU PREFER TO
RECEIVE BULLETIN ONLINE?
If you would like to opt-out of receiving a paper copy of this publication,
please contact communications@mswa.org.au to sign up to the e-magazine.
27

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
POSTURAL CARE
There are 24 hours in a day. Out of 8,760 hours of the year, a
person with movement problems will spend approximately
3,640 hours in bed.*
Good sleep positioning is important.
Once the hips and knees lose the
ability to straighten fully, the legs
will adopt an avoidable position
with either the knees together,
the knees out to the side, or a
‘windswept’ position with both
knees to one side.
Maintaining or improving sleep
quality and quantity are equally
as important as maintaining an
effective night time position. A
good position is usually more
symmetrical, more supportive, and
with less risk of pressure. Lying on
your back in a supportive position,
compared to lying unsupported on
your side allows the force of gravity
to be used in positive manner to
keep your spine in neutral and to
gently stretch your knees and hips.
Night time positioning
equipment needs to
be simple in order to
be effective.
The MSWA OT team has recently
been approved to purchase the
Simple Stuff Works Positioning
System which is available to trial.
The kit consists of two layers of nonslip
mesh which cover the mattress
and supports are placed in between
these layers to keep the person
comfortable and well positioned.
Some people may need support
to correct established problems
such as chest rotation – this is
easily done using the Simple Stuff
Works System.
Temperature control when using
night time positioning equipment
can be complicated. However, the
Simple Stuff Works Positioning
System aims to address this by
providing breathable, temperate
fibres which wick away perspiration.
The mesh allows air to circulate to
maintain a neutral environment for
temperature.
Speak to your Occupational
Therapist today about trialling
this positioning equipment and a
range of pillows to see if this would
suit you.
* Source: Simple Stuff Works
Associates, 2015
NABAA SAMNAKAY
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST
SPECIALIST DISABILITY
ACCOMMODATION (SDA) ASSESSMENTS
The Occupational Therapy team are excited to announce a new service for eligible NDIS Clients.
We have been trained and can now assist our NDIS Clients to transition into Specialist Disability
Accommodation (SDA).
SDA is a form of housing that is
specifically designed to support
Clients to receive the support that
they need to live in the community.
There are different housing types
that our occupational therapists
can recommend, such as:
/ high physical support (housing that
has been designed to incorporate
high level of physical access),
/ fully accessible (appropriate for
Clients that have high physical
needs),
/ robust (housing that is made out
of strong materials and requires
less maintenance to reduce risk to
the participant and community),
/ improved liveability (housing
with reasonable level of physical
access).
Our occupational therapists work
with you to assess your needs
and current home environment
to determine the best housing
and support options for yourself
and your family. It is important to
us to ensure that everyone has
the opportunity to live in a safe,
comfortable environment that
meets their expectations and
improves their quality of life.
To enquire about eligibility for an
SDA assessment, please contact
your Client Liaison Coordinator
(CLC) or your Support Coordinator
for a referral to the OT department.
LINA MAGEED
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST
28

BRAND, MARKETING & SALES
REGISTRATIONS OPEN SOON!
The MSWA Stationary Cycle Challenge is a cycling challenge
completed on a stationary bike over an 8-week period,
concluding the week of the MSWA Ocean Ride event.
As an MSWA Client, you can register for the challenge and
track your distance on a stationary bike as part of your weekly
physiotherapy routine.
We offer prizes for the Highest Individual Fundraiser, Most
Kilometres Ridden by an Individual, and Most Kilometres Ridden
by a Team (they get to host the perpetual shield for the year!)
How to get involved:
1. Registrations open Monday, 23 August 2021
2. Sign up for FREE with your physio or visit at
MSWAOceanRide.org.au
3. Ride between Monday, 27 September 2021 and Friday, 19
November 2021 during your weekly physiotherapy sessions.
4. Make a difference for MSWA!
For enquiries please contact events@mswa.org.au
or call 6454 3131
“For anyone else who'd like to
give the MSWA Stationary Cycle
Challenge a go, I would say do it!
It's a fabulous way to exercise and
the funds it raises goes to a great
cause – MSWA.”
Liz Elliot, MSWA Client
This year will be Liz Elliot’s third
MSWA Stationary Cycle Challenge.
Liz lives with an acquired brain
injury – the result of a grade three
brain tumour she was diagnosed
with in 2016. MSWA has been
heavily involved in her rehabilitation
and the MSWA Stationary Cycle
Challenge forms part of her goal to
return to cycling.
29

VOLUNTEERING, CAMPS & RECREATION
VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON 2021
Each year at our Volunteer Luncheon, we recognise some of our volunteers for their invaluable
contribution to MSWA. This year, we were pleased to give special thanks the following
volunteers for their service:
Chrystal Ling
Chrystal does wonderful work
supporting our residents over the
weekend, spending time with them
and making the day special. The
staff and management appreciate
Chrystal on many levels for making
a difference in residents’ lives.
John and Sylvia Griffith
Beautiful gardens take a lot of work
to maintain, and this is what John
and Sylvia do for us at Fern River.
They are a true team, and together
they make a massive difference at
Fern River, improving and making
our gardens colourful and beautiful.
Commended by: Danuta Figurska,
Manager - Fern River
Murray Newman
For Murray nothing is too much
trouble, and he has been invaluable
helping out with repairs, gardening,
putting up shelves and hanging
pictures, carrying out monthly
inspections on our van, and doing
odd jobs around the facility.
Commended by: Chris Rush,
Manager - Butler Accommodation
Endera Padmanathan
Endera is reliable, hardworking
and has chef quality knife skills
that any cook would admire. She
is so kind and helpful and has a
wealth of culinary knowledge that
contributes wonderfully to the food
that is prepared in the kitchen.
Thank you Endera for teaching us
so many things.
Commended by: Justine Webb,
Kitchen Supervisor - Wilson
Barbara Williams
Barbara has helped us in the office
for so many years, and she is brilliant.
Barbara is a very optimistic person
bringing us a pleasant atmosphere.
Barbara is a patient and hard worker.
She commenced volunteering at
Fern River in February 2013.
Commended by: Danuta Figurska,
Manager - Fern River
Commended by: Danuta Figurska,
Manager - Fern River
Peter Barnes
Peter is an activities assistant who
goes above and beyond for us all at
Outreach in Beechboro. Peter never
misses a Friday, he puts a smile
on absolutely everyone's face and
our team would not be complete
without him.
Commended by: Chrystal Ruthven,
Outreach Coordinator Beechboro
30

Andrea Donatti
Andrea is one of our dedicated
and reliable Peer Phone Support
volunteers who has been
supporting some of our Clients.
Andrea is an MSWA Client which
makes her very relatable when
speaking to others who have MS. I
am very appreciative and grateful
to have Andrea working with us and
helping our MSWA community feel
heard, seen and supported.
Commended by: Dajana Tesevic,
Counsellor
Gillian Rawlings
Gillian is new to the team at
Rockingham Outreach. She works in
the kitchen on a Wednesday, which
is a new day for Outreach, and her
volunteering has enabled a lunch to
be offered to our participants. Her
enthusiasm and friendly nature is
to be commended. Gillian is always
willing to oblige no matter what
the task.
Commended by: Peta McCormack-
Luckins, Outreach Coordinator -
Rockingham
Meg Gillespie
Meg works two days a week in the
Wilson kitchen. She is extremely
reliable and always makes an effort
to be friendly with Clients, staff and
other volunteers. Many thanks from
your team, Meg.
Commended by: Justine Webb,
Kitchen Supervisor - Wilson
Anju Shukla
Anju commenced volunteering
a few months ago in the Finance
team and all her help and effort is
really appreciated. It is a pleasure
to work with Anju. She is a team
player, friendly and keen to learn.
She always offers me help if I need
it. She has a positive work attitude
and many qualities that are very
uplifting in the workplace.
Commended by: Sooyian Yap,
Finance Officer
Margaret Wells
Margaret started volunteering at
a time when many are planning
retirement. In August, she reaches
10 years of service in volunteering.
Outreach would certainly not run
as smoothly each week if it wasn’t
for Margaret. Outreach staff and
Clients are enriched by Margaret’s
presence each week and for this we
are very thankful for everything she
does for us.
Commended by: Zuraini Hussain,
Outreach Coordinator - Wilson
OUR NEW VOLUNTEER AND CAMPS COORDINATOR
Hi there! I’m Mala Padmanathan, the new Volunteer and Camps
Coordinator. Interestingly, my journey with MSWA started as a
volunteer at Wilson Outreach. After a few months, I decided I
enjoyed it enough to want to stay.
For the last five years, I’ve been a Recreation Support Worker
with MSWA, working at some of our facilities including Wilson,
Fern River and Hamilton Hill.
I’m now on a new journey in a new role and am looking forward
to meeting each of you in the weeks to come.
If you or someone you know has an interest in volunteering or
attending an MSWA Camp, you can contact me on 6454 3184.
31

ACCOMMODATION & OUTREACH
MARGARET DOODY HOUSE
RESPITE UPDATE
At Margaret Doody House Respite in City Beach we endeavour to provide the most
comprehensive respite experience. It is important for us to create a homely environment
whilst ensuring we support our Clients and meet their needs during their stay with us.
We also want to keep our premises
and equipment well maintained.
Only last month we took delivery
of five new state-of-the-art Wissner
Bosserhoff electric beds, replacing
our well used more basic models
which have served many so well
over the last few years.
This costly replacement of beds and
mattresses has been made possible
by a donation from the Soraggi
family, who very kindly donated one
bed and an electric recliner chair,
and through the allocation of funds
raised by the MSWA Ocean Ride
2020 for the remaining four.
We humbly thank the Soraggi
family for their generous donation
and of course all those MSWA
supporters who participated in, and
donated funds to, the Ocean Ride.
All the beds have been put to good
use and the feedback from our
Clients has been incredible.
If you, or anyone you know, needs
respite support or would like more
information about our amazing
respite facility, please contact
Alimul Tasin or Adam Moore during
business hours on 9385 9574.
And don’t forget our Treendale
Gardens respite facility in
Australind, providing a break
away and some country air!
ALIMUL TASIN
MANAGER – MARGARET DOODY HOUSE
32

OUTREACH HAPPENINGS: WILSON
Here we are already eight months into the year. Time certainly whizzes by and at Wilson
Outreach our Clients, volunteers and staff just seem to get busier. The pace in the atrium and
Occupational Therapy room is a force to be reckoned with.
Clients attend Wilson Outreach
from Mondays to Thursdays. Both
rooms are a hive of activity from
8.30am to around 1.00pm on these
days. As well as the morning tea
trolley doing the rounds, at 10.00am
there are always wonderful cooking
aromas coming from the kitchen.
Lunch is served at midday with two
courses on offer for $4.00, with an
amazing menu to choose from.
As well as celebrating birthdays
and special theme days such as
St Patrick’s day, ANZAC day and
Easter there have been many other
exciting additions to the monthly
program. On the last Thursday of
every month there is the ‘Op-Shop
Cafe' when morning tea is served as a
fundraiser for the group. Everyone's
favourite are the pumpkin scones,
hot out of the oven and baked by
Justine, the Wilson cook. The smell
is divine around the whole building
and that brings many staff along
who support this every month.
During the rest of the month the
Op-Shop is open to both Clients and
staff with all items being sold for
$2.00 each. To highlight the clothes
that were in the shop, Clients
and staff recently participated in
a fashion parade. This was held
in the atrium, showcasing many
glamorous items, together with
scarves and handbags to match.
Not forgetting shoes, which only
enhanced the outfit! Purchases
skyrocketed that day with many
laughs to go with it.
With never a dull moment at
Wilson, a sports tournament was
also held in May. This time it was
an outside activity, for Clients,
staff and volunteers. Numerous
‘stations’ were set up, both under
the patio and on the lawn area as
a round robin tournament. Medals
and participation certificates were
presented before lunch and most
importantly the winning team
announced. Congratulations to ‘The
Pink Team’, who came through with
flying colours. The smiles from all
the photos taken say it all: everyone
was a winner that day.
Well done to Zuraini and her team
for such a fantastic program thus far.
Here's to everyone enjoying the rest
of the year when in attendance at
Wilson Outreach. If you are reading
this and feel Outreach is a place you
would like to visit, please contact
Nicola Ryan, Senior Outreach
Coordinator or Zuraini Hussain,
Wilson Outreach Coordinator,
on 9365 4830.
NICOLA RYAN
SENIOR OUTREACH
COORDINATOR
33

COUNSELLING
THE
IMPORTANCE
OF PETS
Anyone who has ever owned a pet will agree that animals are a great source of unconditional
love and support. But, for an individual with chronic illness, a furry friend can provide much
more than faithful companionship and a good cuddle. Studies show that animals can help
with everything from lowering stress and blood pressure to battling depression and healing
chronic pain.
Here are some of the benefits:
Pets reduce stress
Many people feel stress. Research
shows that just patting a pet can
ease stress and reduce your blood
pressure. Even watching fish
swimming in an aquarium reduces
stress as you relax and practice
mindfulness.
Pets provide companionship
Pets can be affectionate, accepting,
loyal, honest, and consistent. If you
feel isolated with little support, a
pet can help reduce feelings of
loneliness and isolation.
Pets help fulfil the human need
to touch
Most people feel better when they
have physical contact with others.
Simply patting a pet can lower your
heart rate.
Pets require routine and
organisation
Most pets require a routine of
feeding, cleaning and exercise.
This can give you purpose and
motivation which can help your
self-esteem, wellbeing and mental
health.
Pets provide a sense of purpose
A pet can provide you with a sense
of purpose, which helps improve
mental health conditions like
depression and anxiety.
Pets increase your
social interaction
Pets create opportunities for
social interaction as pet-friendly
events, beaches or parks can help
increase your social network. If
you are uncomfortable with social
interactions, your pet can be your
own special ’support person’, as
it is often easier to face difficult
situations when not alone. Not to
mention the social interaction with
your animal, which at times can be
just as, if not more, nourishing than
interacting with humans.
Pets improve your fitness
(particularly dog owners)
If you own a dog, they need regular
walks, and this exercise is good
for you too. Exercise, like walking,
has many benefits for your mental
health and wellbeing. You can also
use the time walking your dog to
improve your fitness and make the
most of the outdoors to help you
further develop mindfulness and
relaxation. The simple joy a dog
exudes while on their walk can be
contagious and mindfully engage
you in the moment.
Below is the link to the HABRI
(Human Animal Bond Research
Institute). The short videos are
amusing:
habri.org/the-pet-effect/
KAREN BROWN
MSWA COUNSELLOR
34

“We adopted Toby from the RSPCA four years ago and we
were so lucky to find him, he has honestly been a lifesaver to
me. Toby is a Border Collie cross, he is very gentle and follows
me everywhere. He always senses when I am feeling down or
unwell and will come and lay or sit beside me. I am diabetic
and he even senses when my blood sugar is getting low, he
will come and nudge me to tell me something is wrong. I have
no idea how he learnt to do that! If my husband is working I
take Toby for a short walk, it makes me get out of the house
and have some exercise even when I don’t feel like it. He is my
friend, my companion and my comforter.
JEAN GILBERT
MSWA CLIENT
I would encourage anyone who is thinking of getting a dog
to go for it. Choose one who is suited to your personality and
lifestyle and you will have a friend and a companion in life.”
SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS
AND COMPLIMENTS
We want to hear from you. Your feedback helps us to understand what is working well and
where we can improve.
You can raise a concern or
acknowledge the supports an MSWA
staff member has provided by:
/ Talking to the coordinator of
your services
/ Telephoning the Complaints
Liaison and Compliance
Coordinator, Michelle John,
on 6454 3146.
/ Emailing
feedback@mswa.org.au
/ Writing to Quality and
Compliance; Locked Bag 2,
BENTLEY DC 6983.
Please tell us:
/ What happened
/ When it happened
/ Who was involved
/ What you would like to see
occur as a result of sharing your
feedback
All feedback is reviewed, and
complaints investigated in a timely
manner with the team responsible
for the service.
Our goal is to achieve a positive
outcome for all people involved
and improve the quality of the care
and services provided. You will be
included in the process and the
outcomes shared with you.
Please note, you have the right to
have support from an advocate at
any point in a complaint process.
The Complaints Liaison and
Compliance Coordinator can help
you to access an advocacy service
if you wish.
35

TAKE A BREAK
IN THE SOUTH
WEST.
MSWA TREENDALE IS NOW TAKING BOOKINGS.
Whether you or a loved one need a break from daily routine, we have a range of rooms
with 24-hour care at MSWA Treendale Gardens Respite for a much-needed break.
Located next to the respite facility is a wonderfully appointed family holiday unit, where
families can get away from regular routines whilst accessing support for their loved ones.
To find out more please contact us on 9725 9994 or treendale@mswa.org.au