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Forum About us

Support for family, friends and carers

Most people with MS will need support from family and friends at some point. And it's only natural that many carers see themselves first as partners, sons, daughters or friends.

But using the formal term 'carer' can help you get extra support and do the best for you and the person you care for. We're here to help you find out how.

Last full review: 1 October 2023
Next review date: 1 October 2026

We also update when we know about important changes.

Find out how we keep our information up to date

Making life easier for carers

Help for carers

Caring for someone with MS can take its toll both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are organisations that can put you in touch with other people in the same situation, give practical help or simply listen.

Support for young carers

When you look after someone in the family with MS, it feels good to know you’re making their life easier. But life for a young carer can sometimes be tough. Just always remember: there’s support out there for you.

Care and support for advanced MS

This page explains who will help make sure that symptoms associated with advanced MS are managed well, and will help to prevent complications.

Financial support and planning ahead

MS carers’ rights at work

There are currently over three million working carers in the UK. Work is important for well-being, income and to keep social contacts.

Caring for my mum

Zena looks after her mum Nikki who has MS. In 2016 she won our Carer of the Year Award.

Watch this video to learn a bit about their journey together and how they keep smiling. There is an audio described version of this video.

We all need support sometimes. Our online community has a dedicated space for carers.

Connect with people online

You may also be interested in

Health and social care for MS

MS is unpredictable, which can make planning and accessing the right care difficult. This section explains more about health care, social care and residential care, and will help you get the best support for you.

MS Help

MS Help Hub is here to support you if you’re living with MS, know or care for someone who is, or just have questions.

Getting around

Find out about mobility aids and driving with MS. There's also information about accessible public transport.

My partner, my husband... my carer?

This one’s going to be tough. I want to confront a topic that has slowly but steadily invaded my mind and now occupies dark corners of my self-image, my confidence, and my sense of, well, ‘me’. Does my partner consider himself to be my carer?
Members of a local group chatting at a group meeting

Find support near you

Our local groups are here for you with events and services delivered in person and online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.

Illustration of an MS Helpline advisor in front of a computer screen

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