Happy Volunteers' Week - a message from CEO, Nick Moberly

It’s an early Volunteer Newsletter from us this month because it’s Volunteers’ Week – a chance to celebrate the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

I wanted to use this as an opportunity to personally thank you, on behalf of everyone at the MS Society, for everything you do to support people affected by MS.

Our work is only possible because of people like you who generously give your time and energy to support the MS community. Whether you volunteer occasionally or regularly, every hour you contribute counts. And, whether you fundraise, campaign, participate in research, share your expertise to shape our work, or run a local group, your role makes a meaningful difference.

This week we’ve been celebrating volunteers in lots of different ways. We’ve been shouting loudly about you across all our social media channels. We hosted a celebratory Volunteer Voice session yesterday, which was a ‘volunteering special’. And, behind the scenes, we’re launching new resources for staff about working alongside volunteers. You can read about what else we’ve been up to here.

We know there’s been a lot of change recently within the organisation, and that volunteering isn’t always easy. But we want to improve that, and we’re continuing to listen and learn from volunteers about where we can do better.

This year, we’ve launched Assemble, our new Volunteer Management System, which is designed to make your volunteering with us easier. I hope you’ll find carrying out some parts of your volunteering a more enjoyable experience now. All volunteers have access to Assemble, so please do take a look if you’ve not already done so.

With the launch of MS Help, I’m pleased we’re now able to offer our volunteers better support through our local MS Help Teams. Please join us at upcoming online and community events to hear more about MS Help, meet staff and volunteers, and connect with others affected by MS. You can find out more about the events on Assemble.

Finally, Volunteers’ Week is also the perfect opportunity to remind you of our relaunched Volunteer Impact Awards, and to encourage you to nominate a fellow volunteer who you’d like to see recognised for the difference they make.

I’d like to wish you a great Volunteers’ Week and say another big thank you from me and everyone at the MS Society for all that you do for us. I hope that being part of this community is as rewarding for you as it is impactful for others.

Best wishes,

Nick Moberly MS Society CEO