MS Helpline

How we can help if...

• you've got a question about MS

  We know everyone’s MS is different and the impact of MS can change over time. We also know MS affects more than just people with a diagnosis.

  We support people with MS, people worried about MS, people going through diagnosis, and people who are newly diagnosed.

  We also support carers, friends and family, employers and professionals.

  We’re here to make sure no one has to face MS alone.

  We provide emotional support and information on a range of topics, including:

  • symptoms
  • current research
  • diagnosis
  • accessing services
  • support and benefits
  • getting in touch with the MS community

  While we can offer information and support, we're not medically trained. Most of us aren't qualified benefits advisers, though you can ask to talk to our MS Benefits adviser when you call.

  We can’t tell you what to do, but we can explore your options with you. We're here to help you to make the best decision for your situation and, if appropriate, direct you to the right service for you.

  The information we provide is always accurate, evidence-based and up to date.

  So give us a ring! 0808 800 800

• English isn't your first language

  We don’t want language to be a barrier to contacting us. If your first language isn’t English, we offer Language Line translation services in over 170 languages.

  Just call us on 0808 800 800, ask for a translation service and we’ll arrange it for you.

• you have speech or hearing difficulties

  If you have speech or hearing difficulties and are a textphone user, you can contact us free.

  We use Next Generation Text (NGT) which you can access by dialing 18001 0808 800 8000.

  A relay assistant will either type or repeat the words either of us are using so we can have a conversation.

  You can also replace your textphone with the free NGT Lite app.

  Write to us

  You can write to us at this address: MS Helpline, 372 Edgware Road, London, NW2 6ND.

• you need to use a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter

  We've teamed up with Sign Solutions to provide a British Sign Language interpreter service for everyone who needs it.

  You can use it to contact us during normal MS Helpline hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays.

  Contact a British Sign Language interpreter through your phone or tablet

  Download the StarLeaf app for Apple or Android.

  Contact a British Sign Language interpreter on your computer

  Use the StarLeaf portal video link. This link works for Windows and Apple Mac computers.

  What you'll need

  • A laptop or mobile device with either Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac.
  • Your microphone and camera turned on!
  • To use one of these browsers: Google Chrome version 46 and later, Firefox version 45 and later, Opera version 39 and later. If you're using Safari 9 or Internet Explorer 11 you'll need to download a plugin the first time you use the service.

  Need some help?

  Contact Sign Solutions for help or if you have any feedback about the service.

• you need to talk to someone face to face

  If you need to talk to someone face to face, you can

  • contact us on 0808 800 8000 to make an appointment
  • drop in to speak to a member of the team between Monday and Friday, 10am – 4pm.

  We operate a very busy service, so without an appointment you may need to wait for someone to become free, or arrange an appointment for a later date.

• you want to use our MS Legal Advice Service

  If you have concerns about your rights, we can help.

  We work in partnership with the Disability Law Service (DLS) to fund an MS legal officer to help people with MS in England and Wales.

  This service is free of charge to everyone affected by MS in England and Wales.

  Just call our usual MS Helpline number to find out more 0808 800 800

  Read more about our legal advice service

• you want to use our MS Benefits Advice Service

  Sometimes navigating the benefits system can be a challenge.

  Our MS Benefits Advice Service offers free advice to people affected by MS in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

  You can get in touch with our MS Benefits Adviser by calling 0808 800 8000 or emailing msbenefitsadvice@dls.org.uk

• you want to know more about Moving More with MS

  Our MS Helpline can talk to you about a mix of approaches to help you manage your MS better.

  No matter where you live in the UK, we can

  • provide information on staying active, and tell you where you can go for help
  • give you general information on nutrition and stopping smoking, including signposting you to specialist services
  • help you find things to do in your local area that are easy for you to get to and use.

  Do you live in England?
  

  If you live in England, you can also talk to our Physical Activity Specialist. This is funded by Sport England so is not currently available in the rest of the UK.

  Our Physical Activity Specialist will use different approaches to help you, like:

  • working with you to make an individual action plan to help you make the changes you want to see
  • offering 12 months of ongoing one-to-one telephone support. This would include your action plan, one-to-one follow-ups, and evaluation
  • providing information, and telling you where you can go for help to stay active
  • helping you find things to do in your local area that are easy for you to get to and use.

   

  Sign up to speak to our Physical Activity Specialist

• you're wondering about our short breaks service

  If you have MS and want to find some respite, or take a short break, we can help you organise it.

  Whether it's a trip closer to home or a holiday to the other side of the globe, we'd love to hear your plans.

  > Get information about short breaks

• you can't get through immediately

  Sometimes we won't be able to answer calls immediately.

  If the line's busy when you phone, you'll be able to leave a message with your name and phone number.

  We return all calls within three working days. Unfortunately we can’t return calls to numbers that bar withheld or anonymous numbers.

  • Find out more about MS
  • Find out what other support you can get in our Care and support section
• you're looking for medical advice

  The MS Helpline is not a substitute for medical care. We would always suggest that you check with your doctor, MS nurse or neurologist if you have any concerns about your condition or treatment.

• you want to read our confidentiality policy

  We occasionally monitor enquiries for training and quality purposes, but all contact to the MS Helpline is confidential, in keeping with the our safeguarding policies.

  Read our confidentiality policy