# 2-2021 Community Advisor News
19 August 2021
Hi everyone,
Going back into alert level 4 may have felt very unsettling for many of you. At MS Wellington your health and wellbeing is our top priority, and we want to keep you and our team as safe as possible at any time and especially during a Covid outbreak. As Community Advisors we are still available for you, our service just looks a little different. At alert levels 2, 3 and 4 it becomes a ‘virtual service’ so you can have contact with us by phone, email or video conferencing. Face to face support groups do not take place under levels 2, 3 and 4. At alert level 1 it is largely business as usual; we can visit you and face to face support groups are back up and running.
For an up-to-date status on NZ and regional alert levels at any time, check here; Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
Here is the latest edition of ‘News from your Community advisor’.
MS and Pregnancy webinar
MS is increasingly a condition that affects young men and women. The NZ MS Research Trust is holding a webinar this Saturday in the first of a series. The first topic is on MS and Pregnancy. It will be of interest to all ages and genders looking to understand the impact of MS on current and future generations. This webinar will be held this coming Saturday, 21st August and is free to register.
MS Wellington Newsletter
Here is the link to the Newsletter that has just gone out;
If you didn’t receive the MS Wellington Newsletter in your inbox today but would like to receive it in the future, please let me know and I will ensure the relevant database is updated.
Important update of our Privacy Policy
As you may have seen in the MS Wellington Newsletter sent out today, we have recently updated our Privacy Policy. Please go to the link below so you can see what has changed and what we require to put these changes into place.
https://mswellington.org.nz/privacy-policy-statement/
MS Gym
MS Gym is a great site that provides specific exercises for your MS symptoms that you are able to do in the comfort of your own home. Some exercises are available for free, or if you become a member you can get access to all of their online content.
Medical Care under Alert level 4
If you require medical care while we are under Alert level 4 it is important that you seek the treatment you need. General Practices/Primary Care are open and GP’s are well versed now for phone and video consultations, or creating safe spaces for those needing face to face appointments. Please reach out to your practice if you need to.
Book my vaccine
The vaccination programme is back up and running today. To book your vaccine online; Book My Vaccine | Ministry of Health NZ (covid19.health.nz) or phone 0800 28 29 26
Mental Health Support
For many people this new covid 19 outbreak may have an impact on your mental health. The Mental Health Foundation have developed a section on their website with wellbeing tips, answers to FAQs and helpful links.
Getting through together | Mental Health Foundation
All New Zealanders can also call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor – it’s free and confidential.
Grocery shopping and Priority Assistance
Grocery shopping during a lockdown may create additional issues that you don’t need. Checking with a local family member, friend or neighbour if they can shop for you can be a workable solution – remember the level 4 protocols though. Also Countdown have reinstated their priority assistance for grocery delivery; priority-assistance (countdown.co.nz)
Did you know?
Did you know that I am a Total Mobility Assessor for half price taxi card? If you think you may be eligible, contact me to discuss. Here is a link to information about the scheme; Total Mobility » Metlink
Feel free to be in touch with me at any time if you have any questions or would like to discuss your needs. My contact details are below – and I work business hours Monday – Thursday most weeks.
Ngā mihi,
Gillian Fry
Manager & Lead Community Advisor