Local Support Development Officer

Image of Leo Brightley, Local Service Development Manager

Hi, I'm Leo Brightley and I am the Local Support Development Officer for the Lancashire, Greater Manchester & South Cumbria Region.

I am part of a national team responsible for supporting our volunteers and branches as we work to develop services and provide support for the MS community.

I have a broad remit but some of the main areas of responsibility are:


  • Helping branches achieve and maintain their essential services such as advice, grants, information and fundraising.
  • Working to find volunteers and to ensure they are happy in a role that they enjoy.  
  • Organising training for both new volunteers and long standing team members on topics ranging from listening skills, web sites, campaigning and fundraising.
  • Ensuring our local teams and the Regional Committee are able to meet their obligations in terms of health and safety and governance issues.

The biggest part of my role is to support our national Branchout campaign ensuring that people affected by MS will have access to:

  • Advocacy and counselling
  • Organised exercise such as physiotherapy, yoga and tai chi
  • Access to complementary therapies
  • Training and guidance for newly diagnosed people and on issues like symptom management
  • Information on reseach and all aspects of MS
  • Support groups for younger people, parents and children


Having been a volunteer for many years I think we need to ensure that, whilst what we do makes a real difference, we make our activities as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.


If you want help developing any of these services or can contribute in your local area then do get in touch with me on 01282  831139 or email me.

You will be joining a good and supportive team.