MS-UK is a national charity formed in 1993. We are here for people affected by multiple sclerosis – that’s around 130,000 people in the UK or one in every 500, with about 130 people diagnosed every week on average. The overall number of people living with multiple sclerosis worldwide is estimated to be 2.3 million. MS-UK is here for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis, to empower them to live healthier and happier lives by improving the understanding of MS and providing support where it is needed most. 

MS is a condition that affects the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord. There is currently no cure. The symptoms people experience vary greatly from person to person and over time. Such symptoms may include fatigue, pain, sensory problems such as with vision, cognition difficulties and issues with bodily functions such as speech and swallowing and bladder and bowel. 

Just as there is no cure, there is also no definitive understanding of the cause of MS. This means that there is no consensus around how to treat or manage MS, doubling the uncertainty in people’s lives and those around them. This is why MS-UK has always been at the forefront of promoting choice, of providing people with all the information and support they need to live life as they wish to with multiple sclerosis; whether that be through drugs, complementary therapies, lifestyle changes, a mixture of these or none at all.

Our vision - our hope for the future

A world where people affected by multiple sclerosis live healthier and happier lives.

Our mission - the difference we want to make

To improve understanding of multiple sclerosis and provide support where it is needed most.

Our values

All of the staff at MS-UK sign up to our values and actively use them in their day to day roles. These are the values that guide our work...

Community-led

The voices of people affected by multiple sclerosis inform all our work

Independent

We do not accept funding from sources that may, or can be perceived to, jeopardise our ability to act in the best interests of people affected by MS

Professional

We are knowledgeable and provide high quality services

Unbiased

We will always be balanced in the information we share

Non-judgemental

We respect an individual’s right to make choices for themselves

Supportive

We treat everyone fairly, with respect, care and compassion

Please see the link to their webpages:

https://www.ms-uk.org/

Below outline many ways that MS-UK can support someone with MS:

MS-UK Helpline

Navigating multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, but you’re not alone. The MS-UK Helpline team are always here whenever you need, offering emotional support at every turn. Whether it’s managing symptoms, accessing benefits, or simply seeking a friendly chat, we’re here for you. There are now four ways to contact our helpline

 

Our helpline is staffed by trained information officers and we’re here to provide you with all the information you may need to make your own decisions. We will never advise a course of action or make recommendations, but we will give you access to as much information as you want so that you’re able to make choices that are right for you.

Our helpline is open between 10 am-4 pm Monday to Friday. Due to a high volume of calls, responses from our helpline service may be delayed. However, if there is no one available to take your call please leave information about your query, email address and telephone number and a Helpline Information Officer will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that it is likely that we will be able to respond to emails faster than telephone messages and that you may receive responses outside of office hours.

Information Choices booklets

MS-UK believes we must listen to the voices of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to shape the information and support we provide. It is these people that bring us perspectives that no one else can give.

For every Choices booklet we produce, MS-UK consults the wider MS community to gather feedback and uses this to inform our content. All of our Choices booklets are then reviewed by the MS-UK Virtual Insight Panel before they are published. Here you can find links to a wide range of leaflets, from topics such as MS symptoms through to living life with MS day to day.

We offer a variety of information dedicated to living with MS. You can download them free from our website or order printed copies here. From Diet and Exercise to complementary therapies and drugs, plus bladder and bowel and menopause to name a few, there is a host of useful information available.

MS Awareness e-learning

Do you care for someone living with multiple sclerosis (MS)? The session is open to care and support professionals (or volunteers) who may be supporting people with multiple sclerosis.

This could be:

  • Residential care home support staff
  • Domiciliary/home care workers
  • community support workers
  • Personal Assistants
  • Private carers

The session will touch on:

  • What is MS?
  • Symptoms that may impact on wellbeing
  • A personal insight into living well with MS
  • Symptom management and wellness – what support do people with MS need?
  • MS-UK services and how we can support the MS community and their allies
  • How care and support workers can support people on their MS journey

Do you work with or support someone living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and want to increase your understanding and knowledge of this long term health condition? 

Professionals at MS-UK have created an accredited e-learning course that can help you do this. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Please see below an overview of the chapters within the course. We share real life experiences and professional support that is available. 

This interactive course will provide:

  • An overview of MS
  • What causes it
  • The different types of MS
  • How someone gets diagnosed
  • The different kinds of symptoms people experience
  • What treatments are available

The cost of the course is £20 per individual. If you are interested in enrolling a group of more than five professionals please email learning@ms-uk.org to discuss a group discount rate. 

MS-UK Online

MS-UK’s online service is here to offer a range of activities to stay active and connected for those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and manage their symptoms to live happier and healthier lives.

Our activities online include exercise sessions which take place on a Tuesday and Thursday via Zoom. These are accessible classes that offer three levels to choose from meaning there is a class that’s right for you. Please see our Exercise page to find out more.

Other activities include mindfulness courses, chair yoga classes, information sessions and workshops. Please click on the link and follow the steps for your preferred activity. 

We also have our Peer Support Service offering the opportunity to connect and chat with other people affected by MS. Whilst the topic of conversation is not necessarily based on people’s MS it provides the opportunity to talk to, connect and hear from others with similar interests. Please click on the ‘Peer support’ tab to get in touch and find out more about the service.

To join any of our online activities simply click the event calendar at the bottom of the page for the activity you are interested in. This will take you through to Eventbrite, which is a bookings facility we use to help run our online activities.

For each activity, there is a suggested donation amount for the event. However, this is only a suggestion and you can choose to donate starting anywhere from £1.

If you would like to know more about the activities we are providing or would like to ask questions about an event before joining, then please email register@ms-uk.org or contact us by phone on 01206 226500. Also, if you have any suggestions of activities or topics for information sessions you would like to see us host, please send an email to register@ms-uk.org.

If you are interested in finding out more about what’s on offer and staying in touch for future events as we announce them, please follow us on Facebook, sign-up to our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram.

Do you have difficulty accessing online or know someone who does not have access to the internet? Not to worry, give us a call and we can let you know about alternative materials we have such as our exercise handout sheets and other ways to remain active and informed. Call us on 01206 226500.

Exercise sessions

We have launched online exercise classes specially designed to help you stay active at home and manage your wellbeing. These classes will offer accessible exercise for all abilities, social interaction and instruction delivered by our Exercise Specialist, Alan Pearson. These classes will give you the confidence to manage your wellbeing independently by attending the classes and practicing the exercises in your own time. Socially these classes will enable you to stay connected with like-minded people and meet others affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). 

MS-UK has worked closely with those affected by MS to develop these classes and have shaped them based on the feedback we have received from our previous online classes since their launched in April 2020. 

About the classes

There will be six classes held on Zoom every week with each class focusing on different components of exercise and types of training. Specific focus will include improving cardiovascular endurance (aerobic exercise), strength (resistance training), flexibility (stretching) and coordination. We will also include specific focus on problem areas such as drop foot, balance and posture to name a few. 

These classes are not 'just another class aimed at increasing breathing rate and moving a weight around'. Instead, the primary aim is to develop strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance which can help improve your daily function and achieve your optimum mobility. What you learn and the strength you gain in these classes can help you with day-to-day activities at home. 

When?

Classes will be held live on a Tuesday and Thursday and will be categorised based on the individual’s ability. The classes will be structured as follows

  • Level one (11-11:30am) will focus on exercises for those who are seated, have trunk (core) weakness and have limited upper limb movement
  • Level two (11:45am – 12:15pm) will be for those who can transfer independently but may require assistance or the use of a walking aid
  • Level three (12:30 – 1pm) for those who mobilise independently with minimal impairment

Individuals are welcome to attend more than one session on a given day.

We will be looking to extend and grow the content we have to offer online throughout the year which will include masterclass videos, taster and information sessions.

We suggest a recommended donation for each session of £5. The donations are important to ensure we can deliver and sustain the online classes in the future. Whilst the suggested amount is £5, we ask people to donate a sum of their choosing so that money is not a barrier to attend the classes. You can get access to the classes by registering here each week.

Online information sessions and workshops

As part of MS-UK’s online service, we provide a range of live and recorded content covering topics and issues that our clients want to know more about.

These sessions aim to give information on a range of issues from symptom management such as fatigue and spasticity to other topics on CBD and exercise.

We listen to the questions we get on our helpline and social media, to help bring people affected by multiple sclerosis information on hot topics by professionals who have expertise in the area of interest.

Please click below to find out about our upcoming information sessions and events. To join in any of these sessions please follow the link to Eventbrite where you can book your ticket. Each session has a suggested donation, but you can choose any amount from £1.

If there are topics or specific issues you would like to know more about please send your suggestions to register@ms-uk.org.

Upcoming classes

Information sessions with Dr Gretchen Hawley

Mindfulness courses

Chair Yoga Sessions

Peer Support Service

The MS-UK Peer Support Service has been developed to create an online community for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to connect with others that share a common interest, in a positive and supportive space.

This community is comprised of individual ‘Peer Pods’ that are formed in connection with our online activities.

When you access one of our activities, such as an exercise class, Chair Yoga or Mindfulness, for example, you will be invited to join the relevant Peer Pod. You can join a Peer Pod even if you have not taken part in one of our online events but simply would like to meet, connect and get to know others online.

What is a Peer Pod?

The Peer Pods are groups that are made up of other attendees (both past and present), that hold regular sessions via Zoom, in order to share experiences, provide support and encouragement, and just to socialise in general in a safe space. These sessions are facilitated by a volunteer Peer Supporter who has been recruited from within the group.

We know how isolating it can be to live with a challenging condition, but we have seen what a difference it can make to be able to talk to others that completely understand.

If you would like to be part of the Peer Support service and get involved with one of our Peer Pods, please contact our Peer Support coordinator Vicky who can let you know more about the service. Please email peersupport@ms-uk.org.

Please read our Peer Pod guidelines to ensure that the pods become and remain safe spaces for everyone involved.

Peer Pod Guidelines

Please see below some of the Peer Pods that have been created:

Young Adult Peer Pod - We understand that receiving a diagnosis at any time in life is difficult, but it can be particularly challenging at a young age. Often, teens and young adults can feel under-represented within the MS community and this can lead to further feelings of loneliness and isolation

MS and Work Peer Pod - Work life balance is important for everyone and working with a long-term health condition can be challenging, so this pod aims to provide a space where people can connect for mutual support and encouragement, to share tips and strategies for coping well in the workplace and generally chat with others who understand.

This pod is hosted by our volunteer Glenda and is held fortnightly on a Wednesday at 7:30pm.

Newly Diagnosed Peer Pod - We know that ‘newly diagnosed’ is not necessarily just for those who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the last month or year or even the last 5 years. We understand that many people when first diagnosed can spend several years not engaging with health services or the ‘MS community’ and so this pod is for all those that may only now, for whatever reason, be finally feeling ready to talk.

When – every Monday at 7pm via Zoom. For details to join the Zoom session, please fill out our Peer Pod form. Vicky Timmins, MS-UK’s Peer Support Coordinator will be in touch shortly to get you signed up.

Sunday Drop-in Peer Pod - Up until now, we have run a variety of pods at various times and days throughout the week, but we realise that MS doesn’t just stop at weekends – indeed, it’s at this time that you may feel particularly lonely – so we are delighted to announce that we have now created a Sunday Drop-in pod that will run every week at 3pm.

As with our other Drop-in pods, this will be a space where you can speak openly and freely about anything that matters to you, whether MS related or not, with others that completely understand.

Monday Drop-in Peer Pod - These sessions are hosted by one of our volunteers – Neil, and held every Monday at 3pm.

Tuesday Drop-in Peer Pod - These Tuesday Drop-in Peer Pod sessions are hosted by one of our volunteers – Sarah and held fortnightly on a Tuesday afternoon at 3pm. Everyone is welcome, so please do come and say hello – the more the merrier!

Wednesday Drop-in Peer Pod - This session is hosted by two of our volunteers – Simon and Lisa and is held weekly on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. Everyone is welcome, so please do come and say hello – the more the merrier

Creative Writing Peer Pod - There are many benefits to writing including exploring your thoughts and feelings, promoting greater self-awareness, increasing confidence and improving communication skills. This pod is suited for absolute beginners to creative writing as well as seasoned veterans with an established writing practice.

Caregiver's Peer Pod - Whether you have become a family member or friend’s main source of care, or you help out a little with daily tasks, it can be extremely valuable to hear from others in a similar position about their experiences of caring for someone and it is essential that you take time for yourself too.

By joining our pod, you will have the opportunity to chat, speak freely and openly about your own feelings and experiences and gain valuable peer support from others that understand.

Sessions are held via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month at 5pm

Men's Peer Pod - They are a welcoming and supportive online space where you can meet others who may be facing similar challenges. The pods provide the opportunity for you to speak openly and freely about mental health and anything that matters to you, whether MS related or not.

The pods take place every Monday afternoon at 2pm and Thursday evening at 7pm via Zoom.

Women's Peer Pod - The women’s peer pod was chosen by the MS community, with the understanding that there may be some discussions around multiple sclerosis (MS) which can be difficult to talk about, particularly when they are on sensitive subjects, so we hope that by having this group, people will feel more comfortable discussing the topics that really matter to them.

When – 6.45pm every Thursday, hosted by Lisa and 11am every Friday, hosted by Carrie.

LGBTQ+ MS Peer Pod - Our LGBTQ+MS peer pod is for anyone living with MS who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning or other non-heterosexual or non-cisgender.

It is a safe, friendly, and supportive online space where you can meet others that may be in similar circumstances. It provides an opportunity for you to speak openly and freely, without fear of judgement, about anything that matters to you, whether MS related or not. A place where you can feel seen, heard, and understood.

This pod held it’s very first session in June 2023 and occurs every fortnight thereafter.

If you are interested in joining us, please email Vicky at peersupport@ms-uk.org and she will give you more information.