Getting help and support

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Caring for someone with MS can take its toll both physically and emotionally.

Help is out there.

There are organisations that can put you in touch with other people in the same situation, give practical help or simply listen.

This page has information about:

Local carers’ centers
National carers’ organisations
Talking to others
Learning opporutnities
Help from the MS Society

Some services and opportunities are different in Scotland and Wales. See the pages about getting help in Scotland and Wales for more information.

Local Carers Centers

There is a network of local Carers Centers and services that may be able to help make things easier for you.

Each Centre delivers a wide range of local support services to meet the needs of carers in its community. These range from support services for you as a carer or for the needs of the person you care for and will inform you of the services that your local Council may provide.

Carers Centers can assist you in getting information regarding health issues, entitlements, mobility, grants for holidays, equipment and emotional support.

Find your local centre on the (External) Princess Royal Trust for Carers website .

National carers organisations

(External) Carers UK
A national charity that helps carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need. Find out more on the Carers UK website.
(External) Carers Wales
There are 350,000 carers in Wales and they save the Welsh economy an estimated £5.69 billion per year, the cost of a second NHS. Carers Wales help carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need.
(External) The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
A national charity providing support for carers. The Trust runs the national carers centres network.
England: 0844 800 4361 info@carers.org
Wales: 029 2022 1788 infowales@carers.org
Scotland: 0141 221 5066 infoscotland@carers.org
Northern Ireland: 028 9043 4700 info@carerscentre.org
Crossroads
A national support charity for carers.
(External) England and Wales : 0845 450 0350
(External) Scotland : 0141 353 6504
(External) Northern Ireland : 028 9181 2112
(External) NHS Carers Direct
Information support and advice for carers from the NHS.

Talking to others

Many people find that it helps to talk about their feelings to other people. This could be a friend or family member, or someone who has been in a similar position.

You might also benefit from finding a local support group. Your local MS Society branch might be able to put you in touch with one. Also, have a look at our map of MS services around the UK for support groups in your area. Alternatively, ask your GP for details of groups where you live.

You can talk to other carers online or at a carers group meeting.

You’ll soon realise that many others feel just the same as you. You may feel guilty about thinking horrible things about the person you care for, or treating them less well than you should.

It’s not uncommon for carers, at times of stress, to have the urge to walk away from it all.

It often helps to talk about your feelings with the person you care for. You may be surprised at how much they understand already. If this is too difficult, talk to other carers or call the MS Society Helpline .

Professional counselling It might also be helpful to talk to a professional counsellor. There are a number of voluntary agencies and private practitioners that offer counselling and your GP should be able to refer or point you in the right direction. For more information, head to our emotional support section .

Learning opportunities

Many carers really enjoy learning and doing courses, and the freedom this gives them to spend time on themselves.

There is support available - from finding the right course to funding and how to arrange alternative care. See the (External) Directgov website for details.

At the MS Society, we recognise that Carers can face a number of barriers when considering returning to education or employment. The Carers Opportunities Fund can offer financial help with course fees and the associated costs. See the page on financial support for carers for more details.

Help from the MS Society

Online
Have a moan, ask a question, chat with other carers by posting a message in our forums . There's adedicated area for carers.
At government level
We represent carers through our parliamentary activities, working with our representatives in parliament and involving other carers’ organisations to get the best deal for carers. See the campaigns section of the site for more information.
Taking a break
For information on taking a break from caring, see the s hort breaks, holidays and respite care page .
Financial assistance
Financial help for carers , including grants for respite care, home adaptations and personal development, as well as a dedicated fund for young carers and short breaks.
Research funding
We fund research into carers’ needs so that we can better understand the needs of carers and how a carers role can impact on family life.
See the MS Research section of the site for more.
Learning events
Learning events for carers to help people better understand MS and increase confidence in their own ability to care. For more information contact your local MS Society branch
Ask a question
Contact our helpline, which is open from 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday. Calls are free.
0808 800 8000
helpline@mssociety.org.uk