MS-UK is a UK Charity Supporting People Affected by Multiple Sclerosis
About MS-UK
MS-UK is a UK charity dedicated to supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our vision is to help contribute to a world where people affected by multiple sclerosis live happier and healthier lives by providing support where it’s needed most.
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (your brain and your spinal cord).
The central nervous system cells are covered in a protective layer of fatty protein called the myelin sheath (a bit like the insulation on an electrical cable).
MS is an auto-immune disease, where the immune system gets confused and instead of attacking an infection or virus, the immune system turns on itself and attacks the nerve cells, damaging this protective sheath. This process is called demyelination.
The demyelination disrupts the ‘messages’ being transmitted from and to the brain, causing them to slow down, become distorted or not get through at all.
The statistics
It has been reported that MS affects around 150,000 people in the UK, meaning that one in every 500 people has the disease. This figure has steadily increased over time, and so too have our services and the information we provide to the community.
How we help
Trusted information
MS-UK is a trusted source of multiple sclerosis information. There are no taboo subjects, the charity provides all the information and research available so you can make informed choices about how you want to live your life with MS.
Dedicated Helpline
The MS-UK Helpline team are available Monday to Friday between 10am – 4pm to call, message on WhatsApp or email for all your MS-related questions. Whether you’re looking for information, have a question or just need to talk its dedicated and knowledgeable team will provide emotional support and essential information with 100% confidentiality.
Informational booklets
Alongside offering direct support to the MS community over the phone, the MS-UK Helpline creates free, dedicated information booklets. Our Choices Booklets cover a wide range of topics, including symptom management, diet and exercise, mental health, diagnosis, and much more, with over 25 titles available to choose from.
Online activities
MS-UK’s online activities are for people affected by multiple sclerosis. They are designed to help you stay active, connect with others and manage your symptoms to live a happier and healthier life.
The activities take place online via Zoom, allowing you to join in from the comfort of your own home and save on travel costs. All classes are accessible and some offer varying levels of ability which means you can find a class that’s right for you.
This service can be accessed through My Portal on the MS-UK website. Simply register and sign up to access a multitude of classes, activities and information sessions live and pre-recorded with you in mind.
eLearning opportunities
We offer a range of eLearning materials to help industry professionals deepen their understanding of multiple sclerosis. In addition to our online courses focused on MS awareness, the MS-UK Helpline hosts free live sessions tailored for care providers, social prescribers, and those working in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
New Pathways magazine
Our bi-monthly magazine, New Pathways, is an excellent resource for staying updated on the latest MS news and research. Inside, you’ll find expert advice on managing symptoms and inspiring real-life stories from others living with the condition. A yearly subscription costs just £19.99, and every penny goes back into our services, helping us support even more people affected by MS.
Peer support service
The MS-UK Peer Support Service fosters an online community for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to connect in a positive, supportive environment. Our community features individual Peer Pods based on shared interests or drop-in sessions with no set topics, providing a safe space to talk. These online groups, facilitated by volunteer Peer Supporters who also live with MS, hold regular sessions via Zoom. Sharing first-hand experieinces is an excellent option for supporting people with multiple sclerosis
You can choose from several Peer Pods each week, with no need to book in advance or attend every session. We aim to offer as many opportunities for social connection as possible, ensuring those in need of support have a welcoming space to turn to. We know how isolating living with MS can be, and we’ve seen how powerful it is to connect with others who truly understand.
www.ms-uk.org