Family Support Services

We have a total of six Family Support Workers and Community Support Workers located around the country. The focus of MDI’s Family Support Programme is to support people with neuromuscular conditions and their families to fully participate in society and reach their potential through personal empowerment. We provide practical information regarding any aspect of neuromuscular conditions as well as a supportive listening ear so that people can discuss and explore issues of concern. All calls and meetings are held in strict confidence; however, confidentiality may need to be waived in the event of a risk of harm to the person or another individual. Our Family Support Workers offer information and support in a variety of areas including but not limited to:

• Offering emotional support and a listening ear

• Accessing Counselling, Bereavement and Play Therapy services

• Accessing Personal Assistance Service

• Organising well-being, educational and social peer-to-peer support events

• Advocating on behalf of an individual member in relation to rights, entitlements and financial assistance – such as accessing the carer’s allowance or medical card

• Accessing education and employment

• Securing disability equipment

• Assisting with transport needs – such as securing a primary medical cert and accessible transport

• Providing support in areas of health – such as new diagnoses, treatments, health-care packages and life-cycle transitions

• Accessing suitable housing – such as securing accommodation, adjustments to the home 

• Providing support to parents

• Developing independence and confidence skills

• Supporting members pre and post bereavement

• Making referrals to other agencies and services where relevant.