A new podcast series, which aims to provide support and advice to the 9,000 people currently living in Ireland with multiple sclerosis (MS), has been launched.

MS Explored has been created by MS Ireland in partnership with Novartis Ireland. It explores a range of topics including dealing with a diagnosis, the impact on families and managing work/education pressures.

MS Ireland said that during the Covid pandemic, it recorded an increased demand for information and support, with people calling for more easily accessible resources. This prompted the charity to create the podcast, which is hosted by its information, advocacy and research officer, Aoife Kirwan.

Ms Kirwan was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and she describes the podcast as “an invaluable resource for the MS community”.

“Having lived with MS for several years, I know firsthand the impact a diagnosis can have on both your mental and physical health. Hearing real-life stories from others who are navigating life with MS, coupled with advice from healthcare professionals on how to better manage it, will undoubtedly provide huge support to listeners no matter what stage they are at in their own journey.

“I only wish there had been a resource like this available when I was first diagnosed” she commented.

The podcast features contributions from leading healthcare professionals, including consultant neurologist, Dr Lisa Costello, clinical nurse specialist, Sinead Jordan, and clinical psychologist, Dr Eddie Murphy.

According to Dr Costello, who works as a neurologist in Beaumont Hospital, this resource will be a useful guide for those living with MS.

“It is not always possible for us to support across every element of life with MS as part of the treatment pathway and so we welcome resources such as this, as they can provide great comfort to people at all stages of their MS journey, whether they have just been diagnosed or are at a different juncture,” she explained.

The podcast can be listened to here.