Support Groups

Speaking with other people who have MS can be one of the most empowering and helpful things for someone with MS. Sharing stories, feelings, and experiences with people in similar situations is not only therapeutic, but also enlightening, and can often improve emotional health. Support groups frequently provide the best available opportunities to have these interactions, and MS Focus is here to help you find or start a support group in your community.

The MS Focus Independent Support Group Network

 

We recognize that each support group is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of its specific members and community. Through the Independent Support Group Network, MS Focus provides guidance, resources, and structure while allowing affiliated support groups to maintain their independence. 

The goals of our affiliated support groups are to:

  • be educational and encouraging,
  • connect you with the latest information about MS,
  • give you an opportunity to share stories and experiences with other people who will understand,
  • inspire you to discover new strengths and abilities you didn’t know you had,
  • help you focus on what you can do,
  • share tips and tricks to help you get through even the toughest days, and
  • find ways to stay positive in the journey through life with MS.

Anyone with MS can start a support group and become a leader. Healthcare professionals can also start or affiliate their support groups with us. Through the MS Focus Independent Support Group Program, support group leaders receive personalized attention, ongoing support for their meetings, and many types of unique assistance -- including materials for meetings and resources for member recruitment.  

If you would like to start or affiliate a support group, or if you have any questions, please contact our Support Groups Department by email at supportgroups@msfocus.org or call 888-673-6287.

If you are looking for an existing support group to join, search our national independent support group directory on the upper left side of the page. Please call the leaders for the support group you are interested in to confirm the date, time, and location of their next meeting.