Peer Mentoring

Volunteering as a Peer Mentor with MS Ireland is a meaningful way to use your lived experience of MS to support others and make a real difference at an important time in their lives.

About Volunteering as a Peer Mentor

The Peer Mentoring Project at MS Ireland is a support initiative designed to connect individuals living with MS through shared experience and mutual understanding.

The project pairs trained volunteer mentors, who are themselves living with MS, with mentees who may be newly diagnosed or facing new challenges. The aim is to foster empowerment, reduce isolation and build a sense of community by providing practical advice, emotional support and encouragement in a safe, confidential setting.

Rooted in empathy and lived experience, the project complements professional services by offering an informal, person-centred layer of support.

“Peer mentoring isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being there, listening, and helping someone feel less alone.”

— MS Ireland Peer Mentor
  • Lived experience of MS
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Empathy, patience and the ability to build trust
  • Respect for confidentiality, equality and diversity
  • Reliability and commitment to agreed schedules and responsibilities
  • Willingness to reflect, learn and develop mentoring skills
  • Basic digital literacy (for email or online communication)
  • Completion of MS Ireland Peer Mentor Training

A Peer Mentor in MS Ireland is a trained volunteer living with MS who provides one-to-one emotional and practical support to others affected by the condition for a fixed period of time.

The role involves:

  • Listening empathetically
  • Sharing personal experiences
  • Offering guidance to help others navigate challenges

Peer Mentors do not provide medical advice or counselling. Instead, they use their lived experience to empower others, reduce isolation, and promote self-management and wellbeing.

This confidential and supportive relationship can be especially valuable for people who are newly diagnosed or experiencing changes in their MS.

Next Steps and How to Apply

If you are interested in volunteering as a Peer Mentor, please complete our online expression of interest form. 

A person's hand gently holding another person's hand in their palm

Become a Peer Mentor

Use your lived experience of MS to support others affected by MS.

Register Your Interest

Once you have completed the form, a member of our team will be in contact with you.

The Process of Becoming a Peer Mentor Involves:

  1. Completing an expression of interest form
  2. Contact from a member of our team
  3. Completing an application form
  4. Informal interview and Garda vetting
  5. Completing bespoke training for Peer Mentors
  6. Induction

Contact Us About This Volunteering Opportunity

If you would like to speak to someone about becoming a Peer Mentor, please contact:

marym@ms-society.ie

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