Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

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THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED ON 5 NOVEMBER 2020

Welcome to our volunteer landing page for information concerning the coronavirus outbreak. We understand that this is a worrying time for everybody. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff and those living with or affected by MS, and this will be at the heart of all decisions we make. As the situation evolves, we are committed to making sure you have the latest updates, both as a volunteer and if you are also someone affected by MS.

Thank you for all you are doing to support our community.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ADVICE

Rather than repeating content from our public website, we are linking to it here. This means that you will always see the latest updates. Similarly, if you would like to share this information with others, please link to our pages directly rather than quoting or summarising what we’ve said.

1. For advice if you're 'clinically extremely vulnerable (previously advised to shield)', click here.

2. For practical advice from our medical advisors and other health professionals (including guidance on DMTs and coronavirus), click here.

3. For care and support advice (including social distancing, shielding, NHS letters, and hospital appointments), click here.

4. For information about getting help with shopping and prescriptions, click here.

5. For advice for carers, click here.

6. For information on finance and benefits, click here.

7. For information about working, click here.

o Social care and the Coronavirus Act
The Coronavirus Act of 31 March 2020 allowed councils to declare an 'emergency period' and suspend their social care duties under the Care Act. Guidance has been published for councils to avoid stopping care for more people than is strictly necessary. They must try to provide the same services, but, if absolutely necessary, they can change what they offer in order to prioritise people with the highest needs. 

We'll keep you updated in our emails, but do check the website regularly for any changes.

1. Visit our website for more details about the Coronavirus Act and social care.

GUIDANCE FOR LOCAL GROUPS

1. For information about using social media or Zoom video-conferencing to replace suspended face-to-face services and activities, click here.

2. For guidance on how to continue MS Support to the local community during social distancing, click here.

3. For important updates and frequently asked questions on other key issues around continuing local group activity during social distancing, click here.

MORE QUESTIONS?

We hope the content linked to above, as well as our regular emails, will answer a lot of questions. But we know you may have more. We have been running 'Volunteer Voice' Zoom sessions where volunteers can connect with senior management to hear how the situation is affecting the organisation and raise any questions or concerns.

We were lucky enough to have our CEO, Nick Moberly, and Director of Digital and Services, Ed Holloway, at the previous sessions. Although we cannot guarantee that both Nick and Ed will be able to make every one, there will be someone from senior management at each of the sessions.

1. Find out more about Volunteer Voice sessions, and other events to support you, on our 'Events' page here.

You can also email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.