#MS Week - let's raise awareness together

MS Awareness Week

MS Awareness Week 2019 runs from 22-28 April. It's a chance to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis, and the reality of living with it. Join us to spread the word about MS. #ThisIsMS.

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 #ThisIsMS.

How do I get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved:

And stay tuned for more videos, stories, research and social media graphics throughout the week by signing up to the Buzz and following us on social media.

Sign up now

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Illustration of people having difficulty walking with hashtag ThisIsMS

Download our MS Week social media images

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)

How we're raising awareness across the UK

Scotland
George Adam MSP is hosting a reception at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 23 April. The event will focus on the positive impact of MS research happening in Scotland and our Stop MS campaign, which is launching later this year.
Follow the event on Twitter

Wales
We're asking local groups to help us raise awareness of MS and promote our projects in Wales through a series of articles in local newspapers. And a group of volunteers from South Wales are aiming to raise over £5,000 by taking on a wing walk.
Read about our work in Wales

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, we're working with elected officials in the lead up to MS Awareness Week on issues such as personal independence payment (PIP), waiting times and the current review of neurology services.

Follow MS Society NI on Twitter

Read stories about living with MS

Amy Thompson standing outside a door

"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 walking 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

Photo: young boy standing in front of glass tower block with event cheering sticks

Fundraise

Every challenge, every step taken, every cake sold — every penny — takes us a step closer to stopping MS.

Find out more about fundraising
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
Photo: Lady in orange t shirt helps child with paper hat

Volunteer with us

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Join our team and help make a real difference for everyone with MS.

Read more about volunteering with us

Make a donation

Every penny you give takes us closer to stopping MS.

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£10could help us support someone calling our MS Helpline

£20could pay for one hour of research to help us understand and manage MS fatigue

£30could help run the MS Forum, giving over 27,000 people a place to come together as a community

Every penny you give us really does help us stop MS.

Donate now
Two MS Society group members high fiving