Multiple Sclerosis Society- North Staffordshire

15/06/2026

📣Reminder – Befriending Service for People with MS in North Staffordshire 📣

A gentle reminder that, thanks to funding from the National Lottery, we are continuing to work in partnership with the North Staffordshire branch of Home Instead to offer a befriending service for people living with MS.

We know that living with MS can sometimes be socially isolating and that getting out to activities can be difficult. If this sounds familiar, you may be able to access up to 20 free hours of companionship from friendly, qualified Home Instead staff.

As this is a pilot service, places remain limited. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to access the service, please get in touch using the contact details on the poster below.

12/06/2026

One of our volunteers is a part of this study team … we wanted to reach out and share the chance for you to make a difference….

🔬 Have lived experience of MS? We want to hear from you!

We are inviting people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to take part in a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) consultation to help shape an exciting new research proposal focused on improving how MS is monitored.

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University are preparing a Medical Research Council funding application titled:

“Co-producing a patient-centred retinal imaging approach to monitoring multiple sclerosis using adaptive optics OCT”

This research explores the use of a new, non-invasive eye imaging technique that could help us better understand and monitor MS progression. A key part of this work is ensuring the research reflects the priorities, experiences and needs of people living with MS.

📅 Consultation details
📍 Event: Manchester Metropolitan University – Empowering Community and Health Outreach (ECHO) Steering Group Consultation
📆 Date: Wednesday 17 June
⏰ Time: 11:00–13:00
💻 Location: Microsoft Teams

During the session, you will:
✅ Hear about the proposed research and planned involvement activities
✅ Review accessible project summaries
✅ Ask questions and share your feedback
✅ Help shape the relevance, acceptability and design of the research

Your views will help:
• Refine research questions so they reflect patient priorities
• Ensure outcomes are meaningful for people living with MS
• Shape the design and acceptability of imaging procedures
• Improve patient-facing information and materials

We warmly welcome people with lived experience of MS at any stage of the condition who would like to share their perspectives. Your contribution at this early stage could make a real difference in strengthening the quality and impact of future MS research.

📧 Interested in taking part? Please email: [email protected]

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to support your participation.

Thank you for helping to shape the future of MS research 💙

08/06/2026

Do you take Vitamin D supplements?

Researchers are working hard to fully understand the link between vitamin D and MS, and to test if vitamin D could be a treatment for MS.

07/06/2026

📢 Event Cancellation Notice 📢

It is with regret that we have to announce the cancellation of our fundraising concert with Jean Martyn, which was due to take place on Sunday 14th June.

Despite receiving a great deal of interest before arrangements were made, ticket sales have unfortunately been disappointing. After careful consideration of the costs involved, the coordinating team at North Staffs MS Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Leek Town FC for their generous offer to host the concert, and to Jean Martin for kindly agreeing to entertain us at a fraction of her usual fee. Your support and generosity are very much appreciated.

As a charity, we must always consider the bigger picture and ensure that our fundraising efforts remain sustainable. We will continue to explore new fundraising opportunities and would love to hear your ideas. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send us a message.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

The North Staffs MS Society Team

02/06/2026

One of our volunteers Lin Hulme will be on Moorlands Radio at lunchtime (12.10 pm) talking about the MS Society and promoting the Jean Martyn fundraising concert which is at Leek Town Football club on Sunday 14th June.
We hope it goes well Lin.
If you are pondering getting tickets, we suggest you buy them now, as we expect sales to increase after the broadcast.

www.ticketsource.com/north-staffs-ms-society

30/05/2026

Today is about raising awareness, understanding and showing support for everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis.

MS isn't always visible but the challenges are real. Behind every smile is someones story.

Together we can raise awareness, promote better understanding and show support for the MS community we live in. 🧡🎗

29/05/2026

Are you socially isolated?
Do you feel you’re missing out on the activities being arranged and you can’t attend?
Fear not- we’ve launched our very own Companionship service. Please do get in touch if you feel you can benefit! *Places are limited*

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

Don’t forget! See you Wednesday! Feel free to share!