Peer Supports
Social Support Groups
Social isolation is a problem for certain polio survivors because of their aging profile, depopulation in certain rural areas and stresses on the community fabric generally. Polio survivors help each other to cope with the challenges presented by Post Polio Syndrome. Those who are actively involved with a Social Support Group are better informed and thus better enabled to access the necessary support, including peer support. Social Support Groups provide a friendly environment and a structure within which polio survivors can meet and take part in activities to help manage their conditions. Organising outings and social functions are an important part of the activity of Polio Survivors Ireland. It also means you have the opportunity to meet with fellow survivors and to learn from each other, in an understanding environment.
Social Support Meetings
Regular meetings are held across the country so that polio survivors can get together. These meetings can provide a focus for sharing information on the Late Effects of Polio.
If there is not a social support meeting near you and you have ideas for meeting with other polio survivors please let us know by telephone at 01 889 8920 or E-mail info@polio.ie.
Telephone Support
The aim of this service is to provide social support on the telephone. Members of Polio Survivors Ireland have volunteered to train for telephone support and have agreed to contact other members on a regular basis. There are two options for telephone support:
RingRing
One-to-one contact with the call taking place about once a month for up to 30 minutes.
PhoneChat
A telephone conference – multiple members are linked up on the phone so that they can all talk together in a group. The conference takes place once a fortnight and lasts for about 45 minutes.
If you are interested in receiving this service, please contact Kerrie at the Office:
Tel: 01 889 8920 or E-mail: sic@polio.ie