Free specialist counselling
Our Counselling Service gives people living with MND the opportunity to access up to 12 free
one-to-one counselling sessions.
These sessions are led by a qualified therapist and could help you understand and manage difficult feelings you may be experiencing.
Please note, at this time, we are only able to offer support through telephone or virtual sessions.
Who our Counselling Service is for
Our free counselling service is available to anyone aged over 18 who has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and lives in Scotland.
If your voice has been affected by MND you can still access this service. We have counsellors who are experienced in using different methods of communication and working with people using communications aids.
We know a diagnosis of MND can be extremely overwhelming and lead to people experiencing a wide range of difficult emotions. So, if you’re struggling in any way right now, please do get in touch with us.
Talking to someone outside your family or circle of friends may help you better understand your feelings and manage them more effectively.
We also offer this service if you are caring for someone with MND.
How our counselling could help you
Our Counselling Service could help improve your quality of life by:
- providing personalised support that’s tailored to your circumstances
- allowing you to speak openly and confidentially about your illness
- reducing the sense of fear, anxiety or depression you may be feeling
- giving you new ways to think and manage difficult feelings
- increasing your confidence and motivation.
“Being diagnosed with MND was devastating but the hardest part was telling my kids I won’t be here to see them grow up. Speaking to a counsellor through MND Scotland really helped me realise that it’s possible to have these conversations and make the most out of the time I’ve got. I may have MND, but I’ve still got time to make memories that my kids can hold on to forever.”
How to access our Counselling Service
To access our Counselling Service, please complete the application form below. We’ll then review your application and respond to it within five working days.
Alternatively, you could speak to your MND clinical nurse specialist and ask them to apply on your behalf.
You can also contact us on 0141 332 3903 or support@mndscotland.org.uk if you have any questions about our Counselling Service and the support you’ll receive.
Need urgent help?
If you need to speak to someone right now about difficult emotions you’re experiencing, you can reach out to:
Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit breathingspace.scot
Message SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support
What happens after you’re referred
If you’re referred to our Counselling Service, we’ll contact you to identify your needs and make sure
you’re suitable for the service.
If you are suitable, you’ll be able to access up to 12 free one-to-one counselling sessions. Each session usually lasts up to one hour and takes place once a week. But we can be flexible to meet your needs and availability.
Support Services Referral
Other ways we can support you
Accessible holidays
Specialist holiday homes in stunning Scottish locations. Fully equipped to meet your needs.
Counselling for carers
Caring for a person living with motor neuron disease can be extremely hard, we’re here to help.
Advocacy
Our advocacy team are ready to listen to your concerns and help solve any issues you’re facing.
Benefits advice
Our free benefits service can help you claim financial support you’re entitled to.
Grants for you
We offer a wide range of grants to help you live a good life and ease money worries.
Free counselling
We offer tailored counselling sessions to people living with MND and carers.
Your precious gift can help find a cure for MND