MS Awareness Week 2026 – What to Know
What is MS Awareness Week?
MS Awareness Week is when MS charities get together and encourage awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. Charities collaborating this year are the MS Society, MS Together, MS-UK, Neuro Therapy Network, Overcoming MS, Shift.ms, and Talks with MS.
Every year MS Awareness Week celebrates a theme, and in 2026 it’s ‘challenging assumptions’. Misconceptions about MS can cause real harm for people who are living with the condition. The MS Trust says “Living with MS is not easy. We want to encourage everyone to pause, listen and learn about MS before saying something that might hurt or offend someone living with it.”
When does MS Awareness Week Take Place?
In 2026, MS Awareness Week takes place from 20-26 April.
Understanding the Daily Impact of Multiple Sclerosis
Debilitating Fatigue
This can occur early in the day and worsen in heat
Cognitive Dysfunction
Can affect memory, concentration, and finding words
Mobility limitations
Muscle stiffness or spasms affects 80% of patients
Hidden Symptoms
Many symptoms are not visible, leading to misconceptions from others
Emotional Distress
Uncertainty of disease progression can cause depression and anxiety
Employment Impact
MS can impact productivity, job changes, or lead to early retirement
How to support Someone Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Supporting someone with Multiple Sclerosis takes compassion and understanding. Other things that can help, include learning more about what MS is, what causes it, and how we can best support people living with the condition. The NHS tells us that “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but treatment can often help manage it.”
Learn More About MS and Its Symptoms
Charities such as MS Trust and MS Society can be great sources of information, with helpful downloads and factsheets.
Offer Meaningful Support to People Living with MS
Offering a solid support system can make a huge difference to people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Encourage Safe and Gentle Physical Activity
Stopping smoking, doing light exercise, and eating a balanced diet can all make a difference to symptoms.
Help Maintain Independence and Routine
Careful planning of appointments, activities, and visitors can help manage cognitive fatigue.
Show Patience and Emotional Understanding
Letting the person know that you are there for them emotionally as well as on a practical level.
Everyday Support for People Living with MS
Family, friends and support groups can provide important emotional and practical help.
Getting Involved in MS Awareness Week
Getting involved in MS Awareness Week is as easy as telling someone about the condition. Spreading awareness is crucial, which is what MS Awareness Week is all about. If you would like to raise money though, the MS Society has lots of information about walking, running, baking, swimming, cycling, and many other ways you can raise vital funds.
How Helping Hands Supports People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Helping Hands Supports People Living with Multiple Sclerosis through visiting and live-in care delivered in their homes. Since we were established in 1989, we have supported many people living with MS, helping them to live as well as possible in the homes they love, leading to their increased physical and emotional wellbeing.
We build each of our customers’ care packages around them as individuals, makings sure the care plan is flexible enough to change as their needs do. We listen carefully to the way each person likes to live and make sure that their package of care reflects that. And, because our care is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales, you can be confident that you’re in expert hands.
Your care, delivered with consistency and compassion
We try to make arranging care simple and stress-free so that we can focus on what really matters: your care needs. Speak to our team today to begin your journey.
Speak to our team
Our friendly, knowledgeable team can answer your questions and talk you through your options. We are available 7 days a week.
Book a free care assessment
Your local Helping Hands care manager will visit you to understand your needs and preferences and discuss how we can help. We can visit you at home, in hospital or even a care home to carry out the care assessment.
Confirm your care package
We create a tailored care plan for you to review. Once you’ve agreed the plan, we can organise care in as little as 24 hours.