MS-UK's video: MS-UK Christmas appeal - this is Helen s story

Stop loneliness this Christmas Did you know that 71% of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) feel lonely or isolated because of their condition? By working together with MS-UK, you can help these people feel less alone this Christmas. MS affects around 130,000 people in the UK and 2.3 million people worldwide. Living with a long-term condition that people do not understand can make it hard to stay connected. It can be difficult to maintain independence and often people struggle to reach out and ask for the support they need as a result. This is why services like the MS-UK Helpline are so essential. But it wouldn’t exist without people like you. MS-UK saw a 44% increase in calls to our helpline in the first month of lockdown alone and we continue to provide the MS community with essential information and emotional support when they need it most. As the Christmas period approaches, demand will be even higher and we need your support to ensure we can be here for as many people affected by MS as possible. Our research has revealed that people with MS are often too scared to speak out about loneliness for fear of being viewed as a burden. People tell us they feel like a “viewer of the world, not a part of it,” and have “no one to share, communicate and laugh with, turn to, speak to and share worries with.” But with your continued help, MS-UK can be there for anyone who calls our Helpline to listen and provide them with much-needed emotional support. This Christmas, by donating to the MS-UK Helpline you’ll help ensure no one has to face MS alone. About the MS-UK Helpline You can contact us about anything, whether it is about managing your symptoms, accessing benefits or simply to chat. Our helpline is staffed by trained information officers and we’re here to provide you with all the information you may need to make your own decisions. We will never advise a course of action or make recommendations, but we will give you access to as much information as you want so that you’re able to make choices that are right for you. To contact the MS-UK Helpline email info@ms-uk.org or call free on 0800 783 0518. To make a donation visit, www. XXXXXXXX