Campaigns in Northern Ireland

We have a local group of campaigners made up of staff and volunteers working to secure the changes needed. If you want to get involved we'd love to hear from you. You can get involved in campaigning with us by emailing us at [email protected].

Our upcoming election campaign

Living with MS is already a fight. MS is unpredictable and different for everyone, and many symptoms are invisible but have a very real impact. People living with MS in Northern Ireland should not also have to fight slow, fragmented and inconsistent systems. They should be able to easily access healthcare, social care, employment support, suitable housing, accessible transport or financial support.

Our election campaign will call on all political parties to commit to practical action in the next Assembly mandate. And help build a better MS future rooted in fairness, dignity and independence. 

More than 5,300 people live with MS in Northern Ireland, with many more waiting for diagnosis. They deserve timely care, flexible employment support, accessible homes and transport and a social care system that works. And financial support that recognises the extra costs of MS.

Across health, welfare, employment, social care, housing, transport and infrastructure, our message is clear. No-one should have to fight the system to live well with MS.

Download our Northern Ireland manifesto

#FightForNeuro

In Northern Ireland we're spearheading the #FightForNeuro campaign for urgent action on neurology services. People with MS are facing long waits for diagnosis, treatment, MRI scans, review appointments, rehabilitation and mental health support. Too many are left to navigate a complex system alone, often only receiving help at crisis point.

We’re calling for sustained investment in neurology services and full implementation of the Regional Review of Neurology Services. We need a clear MS care pathway across Northern Ireland. And an expanded specialist workforce so people with MS can get timely, consistent and compassionate care.

MS, employment and financial support

Many people with MS want to work. But too many are pushed out before they need or want to leave because employment support is not strong enough. Our work on MS and employment is focused on influencing the Department for Communities’ Disability and Work Strategy. So it can better support disabled people to find work, stay in work and progress where they can.

Our survey to inform the Disability and Work Strategy found that 72% of respondents were in paid employment. But 50% said MS significantly affects their ability to work. 44% had left a job because of MS and 38% were working below their skill level. We’re calling for job retention to be central to the Strategy, alongside flexible working and phased returns. And time off for appointments, timely reasonable adjustments, MS awareness and stronger employer accountability.

Calling for reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

We’re also continuing our engagement with Department for Communities officials on reforms to Personal Independence Payment. PIP helps people meet the extra costs of MS and stay independent. But the current process is too often stressful, mistrustful and poorly designed for fluctuating, invisible and progressive conditions. 

We’re calling for a system built around fairness, dignity and respect. We need proper weight given to clinical evidence and people’s own accounts and an end to informal observations. As well as a move away from unnecessary reassessments for people with long-term, incurable and progressive conditions.

Join our campaigns community to stay up-to-date with our work