MS Plus is the go-to provider of information, advice and support for people affected by multiple sclerosis.
We’re a combined entity of the ACT, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania with over 60 years' insight into how to live well with progressive neurological conditions.
MS Plus offers vital support and services for people living with multiple sclerosis while the search for a cure continues.
We are here so no one has to face MS alone.
WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often debilitating disease which attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). The term multiple sclerosis means ‘many scars’ and depending on where those scars (lesions) develop, they result in various symptoms.
It is the most common neurological disease in young adults and often attacks people at the time of their lives when they are planning families and building a career. The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 40 years of age, although symptoms may begin much earlier, and three out of four people living with multiple sclerosis are women.
No two cases of multiple sclerosis are identical and the severity and progression of the condition cannot be predicted.
Multiple sclerosis attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves)
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include extreme fatigue, blurred vision and balance issues
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease for which there is no known cure...yet
1 in 3 Australians will be directly impacted through a diagnosed family member, friend or colleague
For many people with MS, the symptoms are invisible
There's been occasions where strangers have asked Rachael to get up out of a seat on a train because they perceive her as young and healthy.
“Just because you can’t see MS, you can’t judge people because you have no idea what they go through every other day. It could be a great day, but the rest of the days could be difficult. No one knows what I’m going through unless I tell them."
Rachael Hendry, MS Ambassador
1 in 3 Australians will be directly impacted by multiple sclerosis through a family member, friend or colleague. The uncertainty of what lies ahead after diagnosis can be a difficult experience, and that's why we are here to make sure no one faces MS alone.
HERE'S HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
MS PLUS ADVISOR
More than 1,600 people with MS will receive specialised advice from caring nurses, occupational therapists and social workers through MS Plus Advisor.
MS PLUS CONNECT
This year, people with MS, their families and carers will reach out over 27,000 times to our free helpline and support centre, MS Plus Connect.
MS PLUS PEER SUPPORT
Nearly 600 new people with MS and their loved ones, will find social connection through MS Plus Peer Support groups, held online, in-person and by phone.
MS PLUS EDUCATION
Over 2,700 people will participate in MS Plus Education webinars and events to better understand and live with MS.
NDIS SUPPORT
Around 1,500 people will seeks assistance with their NDIS plans
MS PLUS EMPLOYMENT
Over 700 people will receive employment support to help them stay in their jobs, or to find employment.
By fundraising, you are ensuring the continuation of programs such as MS Plus Connect which provides guidance and support when needed, MS Plus Education, Wellbeing Support Program and MS Plus Advisor programs all helping people living with MS maintain their quality of life, employment and delay disease progression.
"The information and support we received through MS Connect was absolutely invaluable, and we couldn’t be more thankful."
Mr & Mrs Smith, parents of April, diagnosed 2017
"I can’t explain how much this has changed my life. I have my confidence back and a sense of control. I can hang out with my friends again.”
Jackie, 36, living with MS.
“Attending the MS Gym on a regular basis has allowed me to meet others in a similar position to myself and to discuss helpful aspects of this disease, while having a laugh. While attending the MS Gym I am assured that I am able to use the correct equipment and receive advice suitable to my needs.”
Gai, diagnosed 1999
“It was really good to get some detail and clarify about the subject from an expert.”
Terri, diagnosed in October 2014
