2022 - we've launched our new volunteer recognition programme, Impact Awards, which has replaced Shining Stars. For more information, please visit the MS Society website by clicking this link.
Happy #VolunteersWeek! All week, we're celebrating our volunteers, the contributions they make to our work, and the positive impact volunteering has on their lives.**
**Meet Dorothy - after being diagnosed with MS over 40 years ago, Dorothy joined her local MS Society group as a Support Volunteer...
"My main role was providing other newly diagnosed people with information about local services. I also helped those in need to complete grant application forms to get funding for items that would make a positive and lasting impact on their lives."
A shining example
"Later I became a Committee Member of the group. In that role, I was responsible for looking at how local services were provided and delivered to people living with and affected by MS.
This led to me being nominated for my first Shining Star award by the group in 1998.
Getting rewarded by my peers was special. It made me feel very proud and it was great to know that other volunteers appreciated my efforts, commitment, and support I gave to them and the group."
The birth of our MS Helpline
"I joined the then fledgling MS Helpline team as a home-based volunteer providing emotional support and information.
I often do three shifts a week, as well as helping provide additional cover for shift and rota changes and holidays."
Award number two
"It was the MS Helpline Team that nominated me for my second Shining Star award. It was great to be appreciated by the staff members on that team. It gave me extra motivation to carry on and confirmed that I was doing a good job.
I don’t volunteer to be rewarded for it. But that sort of acknowledgement is a great bonus and makes you feel very positive about everything that you do."
Inspired by Dorothy’s story? See the different ways we offer MS Support
