Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain
| Abbreviation | MS Society |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1953 |
| Legal status | Charitable Organization |
| Purpose | To beat MS |
| Headquarters | London |
| Location |
|
Membership | 38,000 |
Official language | English |
Chief Executive | Michelle Mitchell |
Staff | 260 |
Volunteers | 9,000 |
| Website | http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ |
| Remarks | 300+ branches |
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (MS Society) is a charitable organisation with Charitable Company status. The MSS funds research and support for those affected by MS. The MS Society is also committed to bringing high quality health and social care within reach of everyone affected by MS, and is currently (2012) involved with the Neurological Alliance, and other charities including Parkinson's UK and MND (Motor Neurone Disease) in campaigning against changes to the Welfare System in the UK.[1]
History
The MS Society was founded in 1953 by Richard Cave, whose wife had MS.
Activities
The MS Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a membership organisation, with c.38,000 members (2012), made up of PAMS (People Affected by MS).
The MSS prides itself on its network of branches (over 300) and 9000 volunteers, who help to raise awareness and funds for the Society, both locally and nationally.
MS Society activities include:
- funding MS research into cure, cause and quality of life;[2] since 1956 the MS Society has invested over £136 million of today’s money in research.
- providing grants (financial assistance) to individuals
- education and training on MS to those affected directly and to health professionals
- producing numerous publications on MS: Publications downloads
- running a freephone specialist Helpline (0808 800 8000)
- providing local support groups through a branch and region network
- organising events such as MS Life, Multiple Challenge and Living with MS, designed to be educational and social events.
The MS Society receives most of its income from personal donations. It also raises money through sponsored events.
The charity has a Research Strategy Committee chaired by Brian Meaden. The MS Society recognises the need for systematic reviews of existing pre-clinical research as well as clinical research, about which the charity SABRE Research UK raises awareness.
The chairman of the society in 2010, Tony Kennan, received an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours.