Useful resources for those with MS

According to a study by Gov.UK, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has an estimated prevalence of “190 cases per 100,000 population, with 105,800 individuals in England”, which is a huge number and one that unfortunately keeps on growing.

MS can present itself in many forms, and some cases are worse than others, but with help and guidance, living with the disease doesn’t have to be a burden. With the help of aids like straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts and charities and organisations, you can get the reassurance and information you need to live life to the fullest.

Keep reading for more information about some of the best resources for those with MS.

What is MS?

The NHS describe what Multiple Sclerosis is on its website: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. In many cases, it's possible to treat symptoms. Average life expectancy is slightly reduced for people with MS. It's most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, although it can develop at any age. It's about 2 to 3 times more common in women than men.”

Useful resources for those with MS:

• MS Trust
• MS Society
• MS-UK

MS Trust

Founded in 1993, the MS Trust has been helping people with MS for 30 years and still continues to be the support that many people living with the disease depend on to this day. The MS Trust prides itself on being a support network from the moment you get diagnosed and throughout your journey, leaving no one to suffer with the disease alone without support and a smiling face.

Not only does the MS Trust offer support for those with MS, but it also helps fund MS specialist nurses in areas that need them most, they speak about this more on its website, commenting: “Right now, around 103,688 people with MS live in areas where there are not enough MS nurses to look after everyone. That's simply not right, so we're working with the NHS to fund new MS nurses in the areas that need them most and ensure people with MS have the care and support they need.”

What does The MS Trust do to help those with Multiple Sclerosis:

• Fund your MS specialist nurses
• Answer your questions about MS
• Supporting those with advanced MS
• Provide trustworthy information
• Offer training and support to health professionals
• Listen and speak to the wider MS community

MS Society

Solely based on the wants and needs of those in the surrounding community, MS Society is a charitable company limited by guarantee, so everyone who supports and works for the society, including the board of trustees, are unpaid. In short, the MS Society “fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights. Together we are a community and together we can stop MS.”

Campaigning, supporting, fundraising and researching are all a part of what the MS Society do to help support those who are dealing with MS. If you have been diagnosed with MS and want to know how MS Society can help you, then head to their website and find a whole host of useful resources, latest news and fundraising events.

What does The MS Society do to help those with Multiple Sclerosis:

• Undertaking breakthrough research
• Offer support for those with MS
• Offer an MS helpline
• Offer financial help and guidance
• Offer support for carers

MS-UK

Formed in 1993, MS-UK is another charity on a mission to help as many people with Multiple Sclerosis as possible. Funded by charitable donations, the charity is run by a group of volunteers who offer support, guidance and a friendly face to thousands of people across the UK. MS-UK have a whole host of online resources that can offer help, guidance and useful information to those who may need it, including an online magazine, MS choices leaflets, a helpline, and e-learning for those who may want to learn more about how they can help.

MS-UK have a vision and a hope for the future: “MS-UK is here for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis, to empower them to live healthier and happier lives by improving the understanding of MS and providing support where it is needed most.”

What does MS-UK do to help those with Multiple Sclerosis:

• Offer support and guidance
• Run an MS helpline
• Offer online resources and guides
• Offering e-learning courses for those wanting to learn

If you, or someone you know, suffers with MS, then make sure you take a look at some of the resources mentioned above and get the support and care you need. For more articles like this, make sure you check out our blog.