MS Helpline

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 8000

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 8000, ask for a translation service and we’ll arrange it for you.

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.

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.

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.

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 0808 800 8000 to find out more.

Read more about our legal 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 [email protected]

  Read the latest information about finance and benefits and coronavirus COVID-19

Our MS Helpline team can help with most things to do with MS, but sometimes you might want to speak to someone medically trained.

Our MS Nurses can give you medical information on things like treatment options, side-effects of medication, and managing symptoms. They can give you information, support and talk to you about how to get help. But they can't give advice about your specific condition.

To see if one of our MS Nurses can help, call us on 0808 800 8000.

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.

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

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
• Information about care and support and coronavirus COVID-19
• Getting help with shopping and prescriptions during the COVID-19 lockdown
• Information about finance and benefits and coronavirus COVID-19

   

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.

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