Questions about MS? 0808 800 8000
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MS Helpline

MS on your mind? Freephone: 0808 800 8000

Our MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to anyone living with MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays.

It’s free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK. What you tell us is confidential and when you call us, it won’t show on your phone bill.

You can send us a direct private message on Facebook messenger between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. We also have a confidential email service: [email protected]. So drop us a line and we’ll get back to you within five working days.

How we can help if...

you've got questions 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 8000

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 8000, 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 Society, 8 City North Place, London, N4 3FU.

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

You can contact an interpreter through the InterpretersLive! app.

You'll also need to 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 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 0808 800 8000 to find out more.

Read more about our legal advice service

you want to use our MS Benefits Advice Service

you want to speak to an MS nurse

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.

you want to use our befriending service

We know from our research that loneliness and social isolation affect three in five people with MS.

Our befriending service gives you the opportunity to have a weekly phone call with your matched volunteer for 12 weeks.

Find out more about our befriending service

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.

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.

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

You may also be interested in

Dealing with diagnosis

For some people, being diagnosed with MS can be overwhelming. For others it comes as a relief. Find out more about dealing with diagnosis.

Support for carers

Most people with MS will need support from family and friends at some point. If you care for someone with MS we can help.

Local support

Up and down the country, our local groups are on hand to provide friendship, support and information. Find your nearest group and check out our courses and other services.

National MS support groups

There are several national support groups in the UK, including Asian MS and Mutual Support (armed forces).

Virtual support events

Welcome to our virtual support events page. Join our sessions to learn about topics related to MS, connect with others and share your experiences.

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