AN AWARD-WINNING support group is encouraging those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Clydebank to come along and join them.

Dumbarton and District MS Group, part of the MS Society, has been catering for Bankies who have the neurological condition after the Clydebank branch dissolved in 2017.

They wrote to the members that they inherited, however, are still appealing to anyone with MS in the town and surrounding areas to join the current members who attend a variety of activities on offer.

Sheena Rollo, the Dumbarton group coordinator, told the Post: “MS is a fluctuating condition, therefore different support will be required at stages throughout an MS journey. Dumbarton and District MS Group can offer people that support.

“We want people to know they are not alone, and we are here to support them and would encourage them to come along and join us at any of our organised events.

“We really are trying to break into Clydebank, just the very idea the MS community there is feeling isolated is not what we want, we want them to feel included and know we are here for them.”

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The group organise trips and events such as drop in’s that include lunch, an exercise class and guest speakers, as well as a lunch club at Ingliston Country Club and Hotel.

And a new therapy that offers a safe space to talk to a fully qualified counsellor where there is no judgement was introduced this month.

The active group that has been running for 50 years has been described as “really friendly and helpful with a real bond” and were crowned last year’s community/voluntary team champion at the Provost’s Civic Awards in August.

Members have previously told the Post that they love getting out and about instead of being stuck inside watching the TV, as well as getting the chance to meet “other people affected by MS”.

“Meeting other people affected by MS” and “friendship” were the most common ways the groups help out.