The
MS Society's National Helpline is there to help anyone affected by MS,
whether you are newly diagnosed, have lived with the condition for many
years, or are a carer, relation or friend.
The MS Helpline provides information and emotional support by telephone
and email for anyone affected by MS, and it is often a good first point
of contact. It is accredited by the Telephone Helplines Association and
consists of paid staff and trained volunteers, who together deal with
around 15,000 enquiries a year. You can telephone the freephone number
below or click to email the Helpline staff.
What does the MS Helpline do?
Emotional support
For people with MS and those close to them, MS can be distressing and
difficult to deal with. The Helpline is there to provide support and
a listening ear for anyone affected by MS. Sometimes it can be hard
to talk to people close to you, but the helpline aims to provide a non-judgemental
listening service by telephone and email.
Information
The MS Helpline provides information to people with MS, their family,
friends and carers, as well as professionals who want to find out accurate,
evidence-based information regarding MS. All Helpline staff are fully
trained in MS-related issues, including:
the
process of diagnosis
symptoms
treatments
coping strategies
health and social care
employment
relationships
discrimination
benefits
They have access to the Society’s wide range of free
publications,** covering many topic areas. These can be sent out
following your call.
More support
Where another organisation may be more appropriate to suit your needs,
the MS Helpline may be able to refer you on. For example, for legal
advice regarding disability discrimination issues, we signpost people
on to the Disability Law Service as the helpline is unable to help with
individual cases.
We also signpost callers on to other departments within the Society, for example, the MS information centre, research or grants departments. Alternatively, these departments can be contacted on 020 8438 0700.
If
you would like to share your experiences of having MS or ask other people
affected with MS questions, why not post a message on one of our discussion
forums. **
** Opens a new window on the MS National Website
What
does the Helpline not do?
The Helpline is not there to judge you or your actions. The Helpline
cannot tell you what to do, but we can talk through your options with
you.