#MS Week - let's raise awareness together

MS Awareness Week 2020

MS Awareness Week 2020 will run from 20-26 April. It's a chance to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, and the reality of living with it. #MSWeek.

Most people have a vague idea what MS is, but lots of them are a bit confused. Some people know it causes problems with how we move. But what about how we feel? And the symptoms you can't see? For MS Awareness Week, let's help everyone understand exactly what MS is like.

How do I get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved:

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Which graphics describe your MS?

These cartoons were drawn from people's descriptions of some of the most common MS symptoms.

Download and share them on your social channels with how they feel for you using #ThisIsMS.

Let's spread the word about invisible and visible MS symptoms.

Illustration of sunshine and dark clouds. Text reads: depression
Depression graphic (JPG, 172.2 KB)
Fatigue written in orange with person walking next to it
Fatigue graphic (JPG, 137.3 KB)
Bathroom illustration. Text reads: Going repeatedly to the loo - with no results. Needing to go every 5 minutes somedays.
Loo graphic (JPG, 139.1 KB)
Illustration of person sitting on a train. Text reads: I look like I'm being lazy and selfish but I really do need that seat!
I need a seat graphic (JPG, 153.1 KB)
Illustrations of people with MS with text reading: symptoms can be incredibly varied
Symptoms graphic (JPG, 158 KB)
Illustration of person speaking. Text reads 'People say we all get tired. Not like this they don't'
Fatigue graphic (JPG, 141.9 KB)
Illustration of someone speaking. Text reads: Not remembering. Having something on the tip of your tongue.
Memory graphic (JPG, 110.4 KB)
Illustration of cactus with text reading: pins and needles
Pins and needles graphic (JPG, 153.7 KB)

Read stories about living with MS

Share your story about life with MS

Amy Thompson

"But you don't look ill" - the invisible symptoms of MS

Many people were shocked the first time they saw me after my MS diagnosis last year. They expected me to look different or be less able-bodied due to my diagnosis.

Read Amy's blog
Noor on the beach

How CBT helps me manage pain and low mood

Depression and low mood more generally are not uncommon in people with MS and pain certainly can play into this, making us feel worse. But there are ways we can manage low mood to minimise the impact it has on pain that are easy to incorporate in our day to day lives.

Read how CBT helps Noor
Photo shows MS Society Trishna Bharadia at the launch of the Song Cycle album

Dealing with uncommon symptoms and side effects

Trishna writes about experiencing unexpected symptoms, associated with her MS, including chronic urticaria (“hives”) and angiodema (deep tissue swelling)

Read Trishna's blog about unusual symptoms

Fundraise, campaign, volunteer

Illustration of countryside with a duck in a pond. Text reads My Ms Walk. Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS

My MS Walk

Get involved in the brand new My MS Walk and organise your own walk to raise life-changing funds for MS research

Find out more about My MS Walk
Graphic: heads and shoulders of two ladies talking in profile with cogs above their heads

Shape how we work

We're recruiting for trustees and national council members right now. Could you help make sure we understand and deliver what our community needs?

Volunteer to shape how we work
Photo: three campaigners, two standing on either side of one in a chair, with placards saying stand up for people with MS

Campaign with us

Our campaigns community stands up for the rights of everyone affected by MS. Find out more about what we do and how you can get involved.

Get involved in MS campaigns

Make a donation

Help us be there for everyone with MS

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    Our minimum donation is £2, please enter a different amount.

£30could process one blood sample, giving researchers crucial information about genes and the immune system.

£50could pay for an hour on a microscope, so scientists can study cells and tissue in greater detail and improve their understanding of the biology of MS.

£100could pay for half an hour of MRI use, so researchers can monitor the success of clinical trials and understand MS in more detail.

Every penny you give really does take us a step closer to stopping MS. Your donation will make a difference.

Donate now

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    Our minimum donation is £2, please enter a different amount.

£10a month could pay for lab equipment like microscope slides to study the building blocks of MS

£20a month could pay for lab equipment like petri dishes to grow bacteria important for studying genetics

£30a month could process a blood sample to help us understand what causes MS, so we can stop it in its tracks

Your regular donation means we can keep funding world class MS research with confidence. Together we will stop MS.

Donate now
Local group members high-fiving