Support for family, friends and carers

Most people with MS will need support from family and friends at some point. And it's only natural that many carers see themselves first as partners, sons, daughters or friends.

But using the formal term 'carer' can help you get extra support and do the best for you and the person you care for. We're here to help you find out how.

Add bookmark

In this section

Getting help and support

Caring for someone with MS can take its toll both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are organisations that can put you in touch with other people in the same situation, give practical help or simply listen.

Carers' rights at work

There are currently over three million working carers in the UK. Work is important for well-being, income and to keep social contacts.

Support for young carers

There is support available for "young carers" – that’s anyone under 18 who’s giving extra help and support for a family member with MS.

Financial support for carers

The financial impact of caring for someone with MS can be huge. But there is help available

Taking care of yourself

If you give care and support to someone else it can be all too easy to neglect your own health and wellbeing.

Planning ahead for the care you want

Everyone with MS has the right to make choices about the care they receive now, as well as in the future.

Caring for my mum

Zena looks after her mum Nikki who has MS. In 2016 she won our Carer of the Year Award.

Watch this video to learn a bit about their journey together and how they keep smiling. There is an audio described version of this video.

We all need support sometimes. Our online community has a dedicated space for carers.

Connect with people online

You may also be interested in

Health and social care for MS

MS is unpredictable, which can make planning and accessing the right care difficult. This section explains more about health care, social care and residential care, and will help you get the best support for you.

Caring for the carer – Simone Bell

Simone Bell cares for her husband Nikoma, who lives with MS. She shares her story and offers tips to fellow caregivers.

MS Helpline

Our MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone living with MS. Give us a ring to chat about everything MS, or get help with benefits, legal advice and getting active.

Getting around

Find out about mobility aids and driving with MS. There's also information about accessible public transport.

My partner, my husband... my carer?

This one’s going to be tough. I want to confront a topic that has slowly but steadily invaded my mind and now occupies dark corners of my self-image, my confidence, and my sense of, well, ‘me’. Does my partner consider himself to be my carer?

Living with progressive MS: We care about our carers

Nina, who lives with secondary progressive MS, writes about the people closest to her – her loved ones who are sometimes her carers too.

Members of a local group chatting at a group meeting

Find support near you

Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.

Make a donation

Start an independent group

Our MS Society local groups are here for everyone. But we know sometimes you need different ways to find each other and connect.

If you want to grow your own community., we can help you find your people and start an independent group.

Explore new resources to help you grow your community