Several scholarships are available to assist those with MS, or those contributing to the MS community:
Esme Tombleson Awards
Dorothy L Newman Scholarships
Mastering Mountains Grant
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant
Outward Bound
Esme Tombleson Awards
Esme Tombleson was the co-founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand in 1961 and from 1975 was President for many years. She was also founder and president for many years of the Gisborne branch and on the International Federation of the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s executive. In 1987 she received the rarely awarded gold medal for distinguished services to Multiple Sclerosis.
In honour of her work, the MS Society of NZ presents the Esme Tombleson Award annually to anyone who has made a significant contribution, nationally, to MSNZ and people impacted by multiple sclerosis. Recipients are announced at the Societies AGM. The nominations for this award are submitted through the Regional Societies and coordinated through MSNZ.
Application Deadline: 31st October annually
Application Criteria: Download the Esme Tombleson Criteria
Application Form: Esme Tombleson Award Application Online Form
Past Recipients: Esme Tombleson Person with MS Past Recipients
Dorothy L Newman Scholarship
The Dorothy L Newman Scholarship assists people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are unable to continue in their current job and require retraining or upskilling to enhance their chances of securing paid employment. Successful applicants will be eligible for a financial contribution payable for their course fees with the amount awarded at the discretion of the Selection Panel. The Scholarship is co-funded by Multiple Sclerosis NZ (MSNZ) and the Dorothy L Newman Trust.
Applicants will be required to state in their application the reasons why they chose their course of study, how they intend to use their qualification on successful completion of their course and the likelihood of employment following the course.
Application Deadline: 31st October annually. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of November.
Application Criteria: Dorothy L Newman Scholarship Criteria
Application Form: Dorothy Newman Scholarship Application Online Form
Past Recipients: Dorothy L Newman Scholarship Recipients
Mastering Mountains Grants
Mastering Mountains offers grants, along with access to their services, to people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to help them overcome a specific obstacle so they can accomplish a self-directed objective in New Zealand’s outdoors.
There are two grants that people can apply for:
-
Mastering Mountains Grant for single-day outdoor goals.
-
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant for multi-day outdoor adventures that involve at least one other person.
Successful applicants are motivated individuals with an achievable outdoor goal that will improve mobility, encourage a healthy lifestyle and strengthen their connection to community. These people receive free access to Mastering Mountains mentoring services and a financial contribution, helping them achieve their goal within a year of their application. The amount awarded is at the discretion of the Selection Panel, but previous grants have been worth up to $4000. Read more about past grant recipients.
Applications are open to New Zealand residents with MS or FND and are received annually between the 1st of April and the 31st of May.
Mastering Mountains Grant
This grant is for people who wish to accomplish a self-directed, single-day outdoor objective. Successful recipients receive:
- Free access to Mastering Mountains mentoring service for up to one year.
- Funding toward rehabilitation costs (the primary focus of the grant).
- Contribution toward personal equipment or ger costs.
Examples of outdoor objectives and costs that would qualify for this grant:
- A day-hike with your family or friends.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards new boots and walking poles.
- A cycle race, joined by your mates.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new bike and backpack.
- A day-long rock climbing mission with your partner.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards new climbing shoes and puffer jacket.
- A canoe or kayaking day mission with your friends.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new PFD and paddle.
Complete the Mastering Mountains grant application form here
Past Recipients:
Mastering Mountains Past Recipients
You Can Get Outside With MS Leaflet 2018
Mastering Mountains Expedition Grant
This grant is a supplement for people planning a self-directed, multi-day adventure (longer than two days) with at least one other person. Successful recipients receive:
- Free access to Mastering Mountains mentoring service for up to a year.
- Funding toward rehabilitation costs (the primary focus of the grant).
- Contribution toward personal equipment or gear costs.
- Contribution toward group gear costs.
- Up to $200 of additional funding per day for up to five days, depending on the number of people and the costs involved; our contribution to transportation, food and accommodation days.
Examples of outdoor objectives and costs that would qualify for this grant:
- An overnight hike or tramp with your family or friends.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new sleeping bag + contribution towards food cost and PLB hire.
- A three-day bike-packing mission with some mates.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new bike + contribution towards food and accommodation.
- A five-day climbing expedition with your climbing partner.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new ice axe + contribution towards food and transportation.
- An overnight sea-kayaking mission with your family.
Grant: rehabilitation + contribution towards a new kayak + contribution towards food and group first-aid kit.
Click on the above link for course dates. Funding is available – Email adapted@outwardbound.co.nz
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. It is an opportunity to show yourself what you are truly capable of achieving. Break your preconceptions of your physical limitations and test your boundaries.
PROGRAMME
During your 8 day course you’ll build the confidence to challenge yourself, a philosophy you can then transfer into everyday life. Return home with the courage and determination to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
All participants must be:
- 18+ years of age
- Independent in personal care and taking medication
- Able to communicate clearly and have no intellectual disability
- Able to attend without a carer and travel to and from the course independently
- Experienced spending time away from home overnight
- Able to participate in a full day of physical activity with rest breaks
- Comfortable in and around the water, including having head under – lifejackets available
- Able to meet general Outward Bound screening guidelines
- Willing to give things a go
- Have had at least a 1-year adaptation period since acquiring a disability.
Wheelchair users must:
- Use a manual wheelchair (electric wheelchairs are not suitable for a course)
- Be able to transfer from the ground to their wheelchair
- Be under 85kg.
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is blind or visually impaired.
Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
More Information
For more information see: https://www.outwardbound.co.nz/courses/activate/ or to apply, email: adapted@outwardbound.co.nz or phone: 0800 688 927.
This course is fully funded by Outward Bound’s generous donors. Participants will only need to cover the cost of their travel to and from Picton, and a pre-course medical done by their GP or nurse practitioner.
PARTICIPANTS WILL EXPERIENCE:
- Outdoor and physical activities such as high ropes, camping and journeys at sea. The exact programme is a surprise but there will early starts, late nights and lots of fun
- Active reflection and workshops exploring what was learnt from each activity
- Three qualified instructors and three support workers
- Living, sleeping and working with 10 others from all around New Zealand
- Some nights will be spent staying in a bunkroom at the school in Anakiwa and others exploring the Marlborough Sounds.
PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN:
- Resilience: Solution focused skills to manage challenge, uncertainty and change
- Mindset: Understanding how your thoughts, feelings and actions impact your wellbeing
- Empowerment: A deepened sense of personal identity, belonging and an acceptance of who you are. Understanding your values and how to use them to guide your goals, decisions and actions
- Teamwork: Develop your ability to work in a team and build connections with people in your community.
THE COURSE INCLUDES
- Specialist activity and safety equipment
- Food and accommodation for the duration of the course
- The option to borrow clothing. A gear list will be provided.
Participants will need to pay for their own medical and travel costs.
All participants must be:
- 16-18 years of age
- Independent in personal care and taking medication
- Able to communicate clearly and have no intellectual disability
- Able to attend without a carer and travel to and from the course independently
- Experience spending time away from home overnight
- Able to participate in a full day of physical activity with rest breaks
- Comfortable in and around the water, including having head under – lifejackets available
- Able to meet general Outward Bound screening guidelines
- Willing to give things a go
- Have had at least a 1-year adaptation period since becoming a disabled person.
Wheelchair users:
- Use a manual wheelchair (electric wheelchairs are not suitable for a course)
- Be able to transfer from the ground to their wheelchair
- Be under 85kg.
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is visually impaired.
Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
Leaps & Bounds is the ultimate bonding experience. You’ll learn more about each other and your relationship, as you problem-solve and overcome challenges together.
Key outcomes include:
- Develop an understanding of each other’s strengths and capabilities
- Gain trust, respect, and a more meaningful connection with each other
- Experience working in a partnership and as part of a wider team
- Push your own self-imposed boundaries and support your significant other as they push theirs
- A better understanding and appreciation for the outdoors.
All participants must be:
- Able to communicate clearly and have no intellectual disability
- Able to participate in a full day of physical activity with rest breaks
- Comfortable in and around the water, including having head under – lifejackets available
- Able to meet general Outward Bound screening guidelines
- Willing to give things ago
Disabled participants must:
- Have had at least a 1-year adaptation period since becoming a disabled person
Caregivers/parents must be:
- Able to walk/run 3km in 30 minutes
- Able to support the personal care of their teen
- Willing to fully participate in all aspects of the course
Wheelchair users must be:
- Using a manual wheelchair (electric wheelchairs are not suitable for a course)
- Able to transfer from the ground to their wheelchair
- Be under 85kg
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is blind or visually impaired. Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities eg. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
Please contact Leonie King, Outward Bound to book.
Click on the link above for course dates.
You’ll take on eight days of outdoor adventure together, spending your time at the school in Anakiwa, and out amongst the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Activities can include tramping, camping, sea journeys, water challenges, and height activities. Not only will you be working with each other, you’ll team up alongside up to six other caregiver & teen duos and two expert instructors, all bringing their own mix of stories and personalities!
Leaps & Bounds is the ultimate bonding experience. You’ll learn more about each other and your relationship, as you problem solve and over come challenges together.
Key outcomes include:
- Develop an understanding of each other’s strengths and capabilities
- Gain trust, respect and a more meaningful connection with each other
- Experience working in a partnership and as part of a wider team
- Push your own self-imposed boundaries and support your teen as they push theirs
- A better understanding and appreciation for the outdoors.
Email info@outwardbound.co.nz for more information or call 0800 688 927
Click on the link above for course dates.
The course is designed for individuals with a mild physical condition or physical ‘niggles’. That might include but is not limited to arthritis, early-onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back and knee injuries and amputations.
Past participants include people with arthritis, early onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back injuries and amputations.
You are best suited to Discovery Low Impact if you:
- are able to participate in a full day of activities (with rest breaks)
- are comfortable walking at least 2km over uneven terrain and can comfortably climb a minimum of 5 flights of stairs
- can sit without back support, for example in a waka
- are able to sit on the ground, and get yourself up to standing unassisted
- can climb at least 6 rungs up a vertical ladder
- are comfortable in water and getting your head underwater (wearing a life jacket if necessary)
- are able to complete any day to day activity without support.
More Information
For more information or to apply, email info@outwardbound.co.nz or phone 0800 688 927.
“When you have lead a very active life and suddenly lose some of your physical strength it is a great loss of confidence, but the Aspire course gives you the tools to take charge of your life again and know that anything may be possible.” Annette
“I have taken away a stronger belief in my abilities and greater determination to achieve in my chosen career.” Samuel Tate
