Our impact - making a difference together
We play a leading role in MS research and fight for better treatment and care for our community. We know our resources are precious. So we use them where we can make the most impact for everyone living with MS.
Our work last year saw us get even closer to our vision for a world free from the effects of MS.
We reached thousands of people with help and support through our MS Helpline and local groups.
We successfully campaigned on the issues that matter most to our community.
And we continued to invest in groundbreaking research to stop MS in its tracks.
Funding new research to improve MS symptoms
In 2024 we launched two Doctoral Training Centres that will focus on finding effective ways to manage MS symptoms without drugs, while providing high-quality research training for a group of PhD students.
The Glasgow Caledonian University Doctoral Training Centre will focus on physical activity and exercise for people with MS who have more advanced disability. As well as more traditional forms of exercise, they’ll look at newer approaches like dance and virtual reality. And investigate whether these improve fatigue, mobility and cognition.
The Doctoral Training Centre at King’s College London will develop and test digital health interventions to treat symptoms including pain, sexual difficulties and psychological distress (for example low mood or anxiety).
I believe we have a real opportunity to influence change and achieve the maximum possible impact for people living with and affected by MS.
Our revolutionary clinical trial
Octopus is the first ever multi-arm, multi-stage trial for MS, and will transform the way we test treatments to slow or stop MS progression.
Since recruitment opened in London last year, the team have opened 13 more trial sites around the whole of the UK. Over 2000 people have registered their interest in taking part, and the team are close to achieving their stage 1 recruitment goal, ahead of schedule.
I just need to keep going and hope that more treatments get found for my type of MS. That’s why the Octopus trial is so important – knowing it’ll be coming soon is this massive beacon of hope.
Putting MS on the agenda
Thousands of us joined together to make sure MS was on the agenda of every candidate in the 2024 general election. We shared information about voter registration and how to vote. And resources for contacting local candidates about issues affecting people with MS.
We also launched our manifesto calling for the next Government to improve healthcare and financial security for people with living with MS.
After the election, over 13,000 people signed our open letter telling the new Prime Minister people with MS deserve better.
I'm so proud to volunteer for the MS Society, as together we fight for better treatment and care. Implementing our manifesto would deliver better integrated support and shape a more hopeful and brighter future for us all. Not only for people living with MS, but also their families.
Supporting people living with MS
Last year our MS Helpline responded to over 25,000 enquiries, including 2,577 calls and emails to our MS nurses who help people with specific medical questions.
2,289 people took part in 86 Living Well with MS activities across the UK. 1,619 people attended 50 in-person Living Well with MS activities and events across the UK.
And our 230 local groups provided support to close to 30,000 people with MS, and their friends and families.
Calling the MS Helpline made me realise you don’t have to be alone on your journey and there is support on every step of the way
How we spend your money
We couldn't do any of this without our amazing community's fundraising, donations and legacies.
Thanks to the support of thousands of supporters like you across UK, we can provide information, support and services to people living with MS, and fund millions in research each year.
Read more about our impact
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