Connection with others programme  

Peer –to-peer connection programme 

The Peer-to-Peer connection programme aims to directly link members who are living with the same or similar condition. This programme is suitable for any member who would like to share and learn from other’s with similar experiences. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been an MDI member for several years, talking with others facing similar challenges and experiences can be empowering. Chatting with someone who fully understands can help create a sense of belonging and comfort.  

If you choose to take part, we will create a list of members who are happy to connect with others who have the same or a similar condition. The list will include names and contact details and will indicate whether the person is an adult living with the condition or a parent/guardian of a child with the condition. This list will then be shared only with other members on the same list so that you can contact each other directly if you wish. 

To take part, please complete the form here: Members Community Connection – Fill in form  

If you have any questions or queries about this programme, please contact Aoife Balfe via email at aoife@mdi.ie or Tania Quill at tania@mdi.ie 

Community connection WhatsApp group

The community connection WhatsApp group is open to adult members (over 18s), this includes partners, parents, and people living with a neuromuscular condition.  

  • Aims of the Community Connection WhatsApp Group: 

  • MDI are looking to connect members together who would like to share and learn from each other’s similar experiences. 

  • Many people are facing the same challenges and sharing experiences can be empowering. 

  • Community connection has many different benefit’s, it helps create a sense of belonging and comfort knowing you can talk to someone who fully understands. 

  • Support and guidance to parents from parents. 

  • Creating new friendships through a support network of adult members with neuromuscular condition. 

  • To provide partners with support and the opportunity to talk to others with similar lived experiences. 

  • Create new friendships for children.  

  • Helping members know they are not alone. 

  • Assisting to connect through shared experiences and process their journeys together. 

If you are a member living with a neuromuscular condition, family, or partner of someone living with a neuromuscular condition who would like to engage in the above, please fill out the application form. You will then be added into the Community Connection WhatsApp Group to connected with members on a similar journey 

MDI will not be responsible for any additional meetings or communications. MDI are not liable for any conversations, or anything shared in this WhatsApp group. To ensure we can add new members a member of MDI staff will remain in the group, however they will not be monitoring or partaking in the group chat. You are free to leave the WhatsApp group at any time.  

Register Here Community Connection Programme 

NOTE: Members who sign up will be added to the group at the end of the month 

 

Young Adult community connection 

The Young Adult Community Connection WhatsApp group is open to members aged 18-25 living with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition.  

Aims of the Young Adult Community Connection WhatsApp Group: 

  • Creating new friendships through a support network of adult members with neuromuscular condition. 

  • Helping members know they are not alone. 

  • Assisting to connect through shared experiences and process their journeys together 

  • Support and guidance to young people from other young people who have experienced the transition from child healthcare services to adult services.  

  • A positive online space where young adults can socialise, feel included, and stay connected 

  • Community connection has many different benefit’s; it helps create a sense of belonging and comfort knowing you can talk to someone who fully understands 

If you would like to engage in the above, please fill out the application form. You will then be added into the Young Adult Community Connection WhatsApp Group 

MDI will not be responsible for any additional meetings or communications. MDI are not liable for any conversations, or anything shared in this WhatsApp group. To ensure we can add new members a member of MDI staff will remain in the group, however they will not be monitoring or partaking in the group chat. You are free to leave the WhatsApp group at any time.  

Register Here {link} 

NOTE: Members who sign up will be added to the group at the end of the month