In just three weeks we’ll be coming together to celebrate some of the incredible achievements of our volunteers at our Volunteer Impact Awards on Thursday 30 November at 7pm.
Comedian and MS Society Ambassador, Ivo Graham will be joining us to host the awards online. We’ll also be joined by our judging panel, celebrity supporters, and special guests as this year’s winners are revealed.
It’s amazing how quickly the Year-End financial process seems to roll around! One minute we’re going into autumn, and the next we’re thinking about festive celebrations. Then, as soon as the jollity’s over, the Year-End finance process for groups is upon us — with its deadline of 31 January.
Whether you’re a new Finance Volunteer, or an old hand, we want to make the process clear and manageable for you. And to provide any support you might need.
Are you passionate about creating positive change for the MS community in your area? Or is there a local issue you’d like to change?
At the end of November, we're running a series of online training events. You can join whichever sessions interest you to learn how to plan a campaign, how to get your message heard, and how to speak to the media and use social media.
It's important to us that you have the tools and support you need to serve your MS communities, and that volunteering with us is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We want to make sure that systems and resources are designed in partnership with the volunteers who will use them, and that decisions affecting local groups are made by volunteers and staff working together.
Keeping adults with care and support needs, and children, protected from harm is a priority for us all. It’s critical that our staff and volunteers understand safeguarding and know when and how to act.
Safeguarding can take many different forms including unexplained injuries, bullying, harassment, neglect, theft or fraud, and self harm.
We’re the eyes and ears of the MS community, and we all have a responsibility to look out for those who may be more vulnerable.
In September’s Volunteer Newsletter, we were excited to announce that this year marks 70 years of the MS Society. You can find a copy of the article here.
The MS Society was founded in 1953 by volunteers Richard and Mary Cave. They were frustrated at the lack of treatments and support available for Mary's MS. They held the first MS Society meeting on 2 December in Chelsea Town Hall! And 70 years later there are nearly 3,000 of you!
This October, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Guardian Angel, our new free will writing provider.
We know it’s not always practical to visit a solicitor to make your will. That’s why we’ve partnered with Guardian Angel, so you can write your will online or by phone. All wills are checked by a legal professional, and their expert team will be on hand if you have any questions.
As an MS Society volunteer, we’re pleased to let you know that you’re entitled to use this service for free.
In 2021, we shared our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) strategy. This aimed to make the MS Society more inclusive and make sure that we represented and supported the whole MS community. Now, we're going to audit our progress. How are we doing? Are we on track to achieve what we said? Are there areas where we could be doing better? Where should we focus next?
Our Volunteer Impact Awards are one way that we acknowledge the commitment, achievements, and successes of our volunteers. The awards shine a spotlight on their amazing contributions and the impact they have on people affected by MS. And they culminate in a star-studded annual event, live streamed across the UK!
