Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2020-06-01 09:48
This Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to highlight some of the great things you’ve been up to over the past year.
Our volunteers are involved in so many incredible events, activities, campaigns and more, that we don’t have the space to highlight them all. But, to give a flavour of what your fellow volunteers have been up to, we just wanted to showcase a few.
What you’ve been up to
Since the last Volunteers’ Week, you’ve all been incredibly busy so we wanted to showcase a few of the great activities you’ve been involved in...
This is an unsettling time for everyone, and we really appreciate all that you are doing to continue to support the needs of our MS community. But it’s equally important for us to know what you need, so we can support you in the best possible way.
During the lockdown we’ve been thinking about new ways to raise funds for our rapid response to the crisis.
This morning, 8 June, we launched the MS Society Never Alone Silent Auction, where anyone and everyone is welcome to bid on some incredible prizes! We’re offering some ‘money can’t buy’ virtual experiences, giving our bidders the opportunity to receive masterclasses with well-known names in business, entertainment and sport.
We know the COVID-19 outbreak has made life incredibly tough for many people, especially in the MS community. The virtual My MS Walk will help people stay active, be part of a virtual community and raise life-changing funds for MS research.
You can get involved in My MS Walk wherever and whenever you like, even if you are shielding at home, as we know many people in the MS community are. It doesn’t matter whether you walk up and down the stairs, roll around your garden or stroll through the park.
We know you are always interested to hear about the work we do to influence policy and campaign on behalf of our community. And in these times of rapid change and uncertainty, it’s even more important for us to represent the needs and rights of people affected by MS.
Research results from Italy suggest that having MS doesn’t increase the chances of a more severe COVID-19 infection.
Researchers set up an online platform to collect information about people with MS who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, or had developed symptoms. MS neurologists were asked to input data and share patient outcomes.
The results report that 223 out of 232 people with MS showed only mild symptoms. Of the 232 people, 211 were taking a disease-modifying drug.
NHS Volunteer Responders have asked us to remind you that their volunteers are ready and willing to help anyone with a medical condition making them vulnerable to COVID-19, or a disability – especially if they are over 70.
If you know somebody with MS who is self-isolating and needs help with shopping or collecting prescriptions, or would just appreciate a call for a chat, point them in the direction of NHS Volunteer Responders.
They can call 0808 196 3646 or visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk to request assistance.
Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers, and the perfect time to thank you for everything you do.
In ‘normal’ times, it's a chance for the whole UK to celebrate the contribution of all those who generously give their time to volunteer for so many good causes.
And, of course, a new army of volunteers has recently been signed up to local and national initiatives right across the country to help and support the lonely and vulnerable during the current crisis.
