Carers UK have launched their 2015 State of Caring Survey which focuses on how caring affects finances, health and a person's ability to live their own lives.

Families and carers play a crucial role in supporting people with MS but don't always receive the support to meet their own needs too.

If you're a carer then you can complete the survey here

Our new strategy, Together to beat MS, sets out the seven goals that will guide everything we do to work towards beating MS over the next five years.

We've produced posters to illustrate the goals featuring striking photos of people affected by MS. You can download one poster which shows all seven goals, or, if your branch has lots of wall space, you can decorate with the complete set of seven posters, one for each goal.

More than 100,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis, and many hundreds more have a friend or family member with the condition. In the UK alone, there are 14 new diagnoses every day — that is 5,000 people a year. Every one of them shares the uncertainty of life with MS. It is a debilitating condition that affects millions around the world indiscriminately.

The first issue of Teamspirit for 2015 is now available.

January's edition includes our new strategy for 2015-19, information about MS Week, our revamped Shining Star Award, and updates from the Grants team. You can also find the latest on research, info and resources, fundraising, finance and news from your nation.

Volunteers provide an extremely valuable source of support for thousands of people with MS, their families and carers across the UK. Your involvement in our new strategy, Together to Beat MS, will be crucial as we work together towards our seven goals.

The MS helpline and all MS Society offices will close at 5pm on Wednesday 24th December and re-open at 9am on Monday 5th January.

We've updated and reformatted the Treasurers’ Handbook to support branches and groups to maintain their accounts, manage their assets and plan and budget for the future.

The weather is turning darker and colder, the latest John Lewis ad is on the TV and fairy lights are taking over the streets. It can only mean one thing – Christmas is on the way and with it, we’ll soon be seeing in a new year. At this time of year, it’s important to reflect on the months that have passed, as well as look forward to the year to come. 2014 has undoubtedly been an extremely busy year for the MS Society, but also an incredibly successful one.