We Need Your Help

Where Your Money Goes

Just running The Branch on a day to day basis is very expensive, stationery, phone calls travelling etc., and that's without Knotty Matters and the subsidised trips that we organise.Without the help of the donations from the public we would not exist. Our Fundraising Officer Wendy has to try and think up new ways of raising funds as the "tin rattling" outside supermarkets is becoming harder to arrange.So if you can help or have any ideas to help raise funds please give her a call on 01782-239229

Research

One of the MS Society's main objectives is to promote and fund MS research. We fund scientific and applied research in order to make the maximum impact on MS, and the quality of life of people affected by MS. Our fundraisers work hard to pump around 2 million pounds into research each year. But we also encourage others to fund MS research, for example, other funding bodies and relevant industries.

The MS Society's Research Network

an update

The MS Society's research network now consists of 160 people affected by MS who are keen to be involved in all aspects of the MS Society's research program. Their active participation in the evaluation of current and proposed research will help to improve the quality of the projects we fund and ensure the maximum benefits for people affected by MS.

Every member of the network was invited to a workshop to launch this new venture and discuss how best to move forward. Three workshops were held in April and May in Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Each one included presentations on MS research; information from the MS Society on how people could get involved; a review of examples of grant applications to identify what types of information network members would need to assess different projects; and a discussion of the way forward - in particular identifying training needs, and how to get the network live.

The participants were very enthusiastic about wanting to input their experience of living with MS as well as other skills knowledge gained. They also expressed interest in instilling a sense of urgency for research and motivating young researchers. A full report is being written in consultation with the entire network and will outline next steps in more detail.

The network is now full and over 30 people are on the reserve list. If you would like to add your name to the list please contact  researchadmin@mssociety.org.uk,

We will keep you up to date with the network's activities through TeamSpirit, MS Matters and the research pages on the website.

This is just one of many branches of research and clinical trials that are ongoing to find out more click the link below

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/research_we_fund/index.html

Locally, the Branch arranges monthly meetings, social evenings, days out, Yoga sessions. The Branch is funded entirely by voluntary donation therefore we are constantly carrying out fundraising activities whilst on the lookout for new ideas. Anyone interested in volunteering their services, be it as part of the fundraising team, support team or administrative skills, please contact the Branch, or , email

christine.elna.green@btinternet.com

By Jane Elliott BBC News Online Health Staff

Despite the devastating diagnosis and a gradually worsening condition Suzanne has been able to keep working.

Her career prospects even improved with her going on to be a director of human resources and then a management consultant, although she now works part-time.

But Suzanne, who uses a wheelchair at work and has a tremor in her writing hand, admits that many of the other people she knows with multiple sclerosis (MS) have not fared so well and some have even suffered discrimination.

"I tended to apply for work from people I know, but a lot of people who apply cold find that their having MS can go against them.

"I also knew one person with MS who used to work in maintenance, where he did a lot of work with his hands, and luckily for him the people he worked with did help him to retrain."

But many others do not have such understanding employers.

Each month about 100 callers contact the MS Society's Helpline with enquiries on employment for people who either find it difficult to adapt, or to get a job at all.

Training course

Now an innovative training course has been launched to help people with multiple sclerosis and other long-term conditions to keep their jobs or find work.

Suzanne is one of the project leaders for the course and said she hoped they could use it to ensure people with MS remain in employment.

"There are many barriers to employment for people with long-term conditions and this course sets out to lower them.

"We'll be tackling everything from writing job applications and preparing for interviews to understanding your legal rights and knowing what Disability Employment Advisers and others can do to help."

Transform

MS Society chief executive Mike O'Donovan said the training scheme could transform the lives of people with MS.

"Finding a job or keeping it can be one of the greatest challenges facing people with a lifelong condition like MS.

"The aim of this new course is to combine practical help and information with building the confidence to promote your strengths, identify your skills and manage your condition at work.

"It is designed to help you find out what sort of work is best for you, what adjustments can be made in the workplace and what an employer will expect from you."

The scheme, which is being run by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, is initially being piloted in the West Midlands, London and Sussex.

The training, 'At work with MS', is being led by people with the condition and is being funded by the National Disability Development Initiative, which is part of JobCentre Plus. The training is free.

For more information on the courses contact the MS Society on education@mssociety.org.uk