About Multiple Sclerosis Society

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is the UK’s largest charitable organisation dedicated to supporting everyone affected by this devastating disease.

There are approximately 100,000 people with MS in the United Kingdom. However, diagnosis has far reaching implications for families, friends and carers. Over 51 per cent of the adult population in the UK know of someone affected by MS.

It is the most common neurological disorder among young adults and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 45. Children can also get MS, but this is rare.

The Society provides a diverse range of services delivered locally through its network of 370 branches and nationally from its centres in London, Edinburgh and Belfast. The focus of the Society is to provide support today, whilst funding vital medical research to find a cure for the future.

Our key services and projects include a national freephone helpline, holiday homes, respite care, an MS nurses programme, support for young people caring for families or relatives with MS, funding a dedicated MRI scanner for the diagnosis of MS, information publications, welfare grants and our innovative Millennium Awards programme.

Our history

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was established in 1953. Today, it is the largest charity dedicated to supporting the 100,000 people in the UK affected by MS, their families, carers and friends.

The Society has expanded rapidly over the last decade and now has established national offices in London, Edinburgh and Belfast with plans for a Welsh national office.

In 1998, the Society launched its regional support programme to directly facilitate the needs of its network of local branches. It has over 50,000 members and is a leading force within the International Federation of MS Societies an organisation dedicated to the global eradication of MS.