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Hi ,
Welcome to the second edition of Vitality!
There has been some exciting developments in research and advocacy space including MS Australia's latest funding round, the first Australia-New Zealand clinical guidance developed for people living with MS and opportunities to have your say on MS Research and Advocacy.
We're also proud to share MSWA Client Lyndon Whitton's has been awarded the MS Australia's prestigious John Studdy Award for her significant contributions to the neuro community.
Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved from various local and national research studies!
Happy reading!
Research News
MSWA boosts national research program
to new heights
MSWA is proud to have contributed to MS Australia's latest $5.7 million research investment.
This is MS Australia's largest ever funding round in terms of the number of projects with 35 new research initiatives funded by MS Australia's latest research grant round, which focused on advancing better treatments, prevention and cures for MS.
MSWA injected a further $2.4 million which has underpinned almost one third of the additional 35 projects guaranteeing important MS research would commence, not in in WA, but throughout the country.
Source: MS Australia, Mar 2025
Have your say on MS research and advocacy
MS Australia invites you to share your thoughts to help shape the future of MS research and advocacy.
This is your chance to have a say on what matters most to you, helping MS Australia better serve and represent the MS community.
MS Australia is seeking input from as many voices as possible – whether you’re living with MS, supporting a loved one, providing care, working in healthcare, conducting research, or connected to the MS community in any way. The survey is open until 31 March 2025
Source: MS Australia, Mar 2025
First Australia-New Zealand clinical guidance developed for people living with MS
The first clinical consensus statement for managing MS in Australia and New Zealand has been released, and will help health professionals navigate a treatment landscape that has changed vastly in recent years due to numerous new therapies.
Published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the Monash University-led recommendations address the unique challenges faced by some 39,000 people living with this chronic neurological condition.
Source: Monash University, Feb 2025
International Women's Day - Women and MS
MS disproportionately affects more women than men - three out of four Australians diagnosed with MS are women. Pregnancy and menopause affects MS symptoms but further research is required to understand these changes. MS Australia is supporting research into how menopause and midlife affect women with MS.
Source: MS Australia, Feb 2025
New MS Management app in final stages
A MS management app called InforMS will help people manage their MS, creating a “one-stop shop” to hold their health information.
InforMS is in the final stages of development by researchers at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in partnership with MS Australia, Monash University, Healthcare Software.
Source: MS Australia, Feb 2025
Bunbury Lynda Whitton recognised
Lynda’s drive, determination, and resourcefulness make her a deserving recipient of MS Australia’s highest honour—the 2024 John Studdy Award. Diagnosed with MS in 1996, Lynda has dedicated the past three decades to advocating, supporting and bringing together others on a similar journey ever since.
Source: MS Australia, Feb 2025
MS Australia's
Pre-Budget Submission
MS Australia's 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission advocates for strategic investments to support Australians living with MS. The submission has four asks including, more funding for MS research and data, improved access to MS Nurses, better disability support and increase funding for people living with MS in aged care.
Source: MS Australia, Feb 2025
Support for
young carers
Erin Kirkland was just 9 years old when her mother was diagnosed with MS. The now 17-year-old, said she feels like the traditional roles of a parent-child relationship have been reversed. The Young Carers Network is a nationally coordinated resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
Source: Scotland Tonight, Jan 2025
Raw Nerve Podcast: Power of storytelling
The latest episode featured journalist and producer Brooke Campbell Bayes as she delves into her recent Sydney Morning Herald series on chronic diseases and disability. Brooke discusses the importance of showcasing the realities of living with chronic illness and disability, emphasising the often-invisible struggle that people in the community face.
Source: MS Australia, Feb 2025
Get involved in research
Motorneurons, muscle weakness and performance in MS
Researchers from Edith Cowan University are looking to recruit people with MS to take part in two single-session research studies. As part of the research, participants will perform basic exercise tasks. The research takes place at ECU Joondalup, participants will receive a voucher as thanks for their time.
3D textured modified food printing for people with MS
Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) would like to invite individuals with MS who has chewing and swallowing difficulties to share their insights and experience. The research study aims to develop 3D printing technology to create exciting texture modified foods for people with MS.
Australia MS Longitudinal Study
The AMSLS collects real life data from people living with MS. It is a survey-based research study that has been running since 2001. The data collected is used by policy makers and MS medical and support services to criteria a positive change and improve the lives of people with MS. The AMLS is always accepting new participants.
PLATYPUS
PLATYPUS adaptive clinical trial will seek to reverse neurological damage caused by progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS).
The first of its kind in Australia, the flexible nature of the multi-arm, multi-stage adaptive design will allow researchers to investigate the potential benefits of several existing medications simultaneously.
Health and wellness
These groups and workshops are facilitated by MSWA professionals, specialising in neurological care. With expert guidance, participation in these groups and workshops will help equip you with practical learnings and strategies, creative outlets and opportunities to share your experience in a safe space. We can talk to you about funding options if the below support services are not included on your NDIS or HCP plan.
I'm Fine Group - Butler
A space to come together, to support and be supported while sharing the experience of living with chronic illness. The sessions are facilitated by MSWA Counsellors.
When: Tues 18 Mar, 10am - 12pm
Where: MSWA Butler Centre
E: sandra.suverjin@mswa.org.au
Fatigue Management Workshop
Do you have difficulty managing your fatigue throughout the day? Come to our interactive workshop to learn more about what causes your fatigue and how to manage it!
When: Mon 24 Mar, 10am - 1pm
Where: MSWA Wilson Centre
E: ot.groups@mswa.org.au
Identify Unhelpful Thinking
We all get stuck in unhelpful ways of thinking, and in turn this affects how we deal with situations. This session is a great way to take time out and develop tools that can support your wellbeing.
When: Fri 28 Mar, 10am - 11am
Where: Online
E: Sidrah.khan@mswa.org.au
Understanding Your Emotions
Feeling like you're on a rollercoaster of emotions? Would you like the opportunity to understand your emotions? Come to our interactive psychoeducation workshop, facilitated by MSWA Counsellors.
When: Wed 16 Apr, 10am - 11.30am
Where: Online
E: Sidrah.khan@mswa.org.au
Other Opportunities
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
This is 6-week online course that aims to improve understanding and awareness of MS worldwide. It consists of modules addressing biology, diagnosis, symptoms, demographics, risk factors, and support strategies.
Free Legal Education Workshops
The Northen Suburbs Community Legal Centre organises a range of free Legal Education Session covering topics of Elder Abus, EPA & EPG, Wills, Renting & Domestic Violence and Cyber Security. Workshops are held in Mirrabooka.
Mental Health and MS Course
Mental Health and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by Menzies University is a free online course that aims to enhance understanding of mental health and its interaction with anxiety, depression and MS. The course consists of three modules.
Deciding about Disease Modifying Therapies for MS
This free online course aims to increase understanding about DMTs, to help people communicate clearly about them and help people living with MS make informed decisions about them.
Thanks for reading!
