Multiple sclerosis support groups are regular meetings, in person, online, or one-to-one, where people affected by MS share similar experiences, practical advice, and emotional support. They welcome people with MS at any stage, plus partners, families, and carers, and most are free to join.
Living with multiple sclerosis can be unpredictable, and it's completely natural to want to talk to people who understand what you're going through. MS support groups bring people together, whether that's over a cup of tea at a local group, through a Facebook group, or in a one-to-one conversation with someone who has faced a similar experience.
Whether you were diagnosed recently, have been living with MS for years, or are supporting a partner or family member, this guide is for you. Below, we'll walk through the different types of MS support groups across the UK, how they help, how to find the right one, and what additional support is available to make day-to-day life at home easier, including how Tiggo Care can help.
A support group is simply a regular meeting, in person, online, or by phone, where people come together to share information and support each other. Some are peer-led by people with MS themselves. Others are run by registered charities such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society or MS Trust, and some are hosted by trained professionals working alongside volunteers.
You don't need a diagnosis to join. Support for MS groups typically welcome:
Groups take many forms. Some meet monthly in a community hall or café. Others are built around a shared situation, such as groups for young people with MS, or for people managing fatigue, mobility changes, or cognitive symptoms. There are also identity-based spaces, including groups for women, for mums (such as muMS UK), and for LGBTQ+ people with MS. Every person's experience of MS is different, which is exactly why this range of options exists.
Beyond emotional support, many members find it useful to compare notes on neurology appointments, employment rights, benefits, and accessible exercise. It's worth being clear on one thing, though: support groups sit alongside your NHS or private care, not instead of it. You'll continue to manage your MS as guided by your GP or specialist, with a group simply offering an extra layer of support along the way.
You might mix and match different types of support depending on your energy levels, mobility, transport, and personal preference. Here's an overview of what's out there.
Most towns and cities have a local group, often run by a Multiple Sclerosis Society branch. These typically meet in community centres, church halls, or leisure centres, usually monthly or fortnightly. Sessions are often structured around activities such as coffee mornings, chair-based exercise, or yoga to build a sense of community, and some ask for a small voluntary donation to cover room hire.
For example, JEMS, a group for Jewish people affected by MS and their partners, meets monthly in Edgware, London, while the Wandsworth MS Society meets monthly on the 4th Thursday. In the New Forest village of Brockenhurst, yoga for MS is held fortnightly and a ladies’ coffee morning meets monthly.
Groups like these show how varied local support can be, built around a shared community as much as a shared diagnosis. They're a good place to meet people in a similar situation close to home. It's worth checking current dates and locations directly with the group before attending, as details like these can change.
Specialist centres offer therapies such as physiotherapy, exercise, and massage, aimed at helping members stay active and maintain their independence. MS therapy centres, for example, help up to 100 local people every week. It's worth checking each centre's website directly for eligibility, cost, and waiting lists, as these vary by location.
Several UK charities provide information and support for MS online and by phone:
Some people also look into charities such as Overcoming MS, a global charity focused on lifestyle changes, as a way to learn more alongside their usual medical care.
If a group setting feels overwhelming, one-to-one buddy schemes match you with someone with a similar experience, whether that's age, type of MS, or treatment. Conversations usually happen by video call, phone, or message. This option may suit people who prefer a quieter, more personal connection.
You might also come across informal online spaces, such as a closed Facebook group set up after a local meet-up, or a WhatsApp group among members. Online forums provide access to peer support 24/7 for people living with multiple sclerosis, which can be useful on nights or early mornings when a meeting or phone call isn't practical.
If you join one of these online groups, it's sensible to avoid sharing personal medical details publicly and to check the group's privacy settings.
Multiple sclerosis brings a lot of uncertainty: unpredictable relapses, fatigue, cognitive changes, and pressure on work and relationships. According to a 2018 survey by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 60% of people with MS report feeling lonely. This research shows just how common loneliness is within the MS community, and why connection matters so much.
Peer support groups help alleviate feelings of isolation simply by putting you in regular contact with people who understand. Many members say it's a relief to talk about frustration, grief, or fear without needing to explain themselves first, and to hear that symptoms like brain fog or mood changes are common, not something to hide. That sense of being understood can make a real difference to your health and wellbeing, not just your mood in the moment.
Support groups often provide practical tips too, from comparing notes on appointments to sharing how others manage fatigue at work or navigate mobility aids day to day. You may also learn coping strategies from people further along in their journey, and pick up genuine motivation from hearing others' stories, whether that's a return to work or trying an adapted sport. Many people say a group helps them feel more in control of daily life, simply by making them feel they are no longer facing it alone.
There's support for families too. Carer-only groups give partners and adult children a space to talk openly about burnout, guilt, and future planning, with signposting to respite options and financial advice where needed.
It's also worth noting that some groups invite counsellors to speak about anxiety and low mood, since researchers have found that peer support can help reduce anxiety and depression for some people living with MS. That said, if you're feeling persistently low or hopeless, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services. A support group is a valuable complement to professional help, not a replacement for it.
Support groups are excellent for the emotional and informational side of living with MS. But as symptoms progress, many families find that day-to-day, practical needs grow too, and that's where care and support at home can help.
Many families feel worried when a loved one is living with multiple sclerosis. Everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, preparing a meal, or getting to an appointment, can gradually become harder, and families often wonder whether they're doing enough. With the right support at home, your loved one can stay in familiar surroundings while getting help with daily routines, personal care, and company.
Living with multiple sclerosis can be challenging, but with the right support, your loved one can continue to live independently. In-home care services can be an excellent option for people with MS who want to remain in their own home while getting the assistance they need to manage their symptoms day to day.
Depending on what's needed, this can include:
Every care plan is personalised around what your loved one actually needs, to help them maximise their independence and quality of life, while giving family members peace of mind. If your loved one needs more continuous support, our live-in care service offers round-the-clock help at home. To talk through what support might look like for your family, explore our full range of services.
In this section, we'll cover how to actually find a support group and work out whether it's right for you. It's completely normal to try a few before finding the right fit, so don't be put off if the first one you visit doesn't feel quite right.
Visit MS Trust, Shift.MS, MS Together, or similar charities to register your interest in webinars, events, or buddy matching. If you're interested in a particular charity's work, it's worth checking its website directly for the latest news, events, and contact details.
Joining is usually simple: a short online enquiry form, followed by a welcome email with guidelines and a timetable. You don't need to book every session, and it's fine to attend as often, or as little, as suits you.
If it's your first time, arrive a few minutes early, or log on just before the start time online. It's fine to keep your camera off, simply listen, or leave early if you're feeling tired. You only need to share what you're comfortable with, and no one will push you to say more.
One important safety note: check that organisers follow proper safeguarding practices and don't promote unproven cures. Never stop or change prescribed medication based on a group discussion. Always check with your GP or specialist first to ensure any changes are safe for you.
Finding the right multiple sclerosis support group often takes a bit of trial and error, and that's completely normal. Whether you choose a local group, an online community, or one-to-one support, connecting with people who understand your situation can make a genuine difference to how you feel day to day.
If your family also needs a little extra help at home, alongside the emotional support a group provides, Tiggo Care is here to help. We're regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), meaning our services are regularly inspected to check they're safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led, and we're a member of the Homecare Association, which promotes high standards across the sector. Get in touch to talk through how we can support your loved one at home, or find out more about us and how we work.
Chris Williams is the Founder and Managing Director ofTiggo Care, an award-winning London home care provider that supports adults living in their own homes. He founded Tiggo Care after struggling to find suitable care for his parents, both of whom lived with rare diseases, giving him first-hand experience of the challenges families can face when arranging personalised home care. Chris studied Human Sciences and Epidemiology at Oxford University and previously worked at Kearney and Oxford Sciences Enterprises.
No. You can listen only, use just your first name, or keep your camera off online until you feel comfortable sharing more.
No. Groups welcome people at every stage of MS, along with partners and carers.
Most charity-run groups are free. Some local groups or therapy centres may ask for a small donation towards room hire.
No, it's a private wellbeing activity. It's still sensible to keep personal financial or employment details private within the group.
Alongside medical treatment from your GP or specialist, many people find that a mix of peer support, staying active where possible, and practical help at home makes daily life easier to manage.
This depends on individual circumstances, so it's best to check with Citizens Advice, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or a benefits calculator, rather than relying on general guidance.
That's completely normal. You can leave at any time, ask for a 1-to-1 chat instead, or try a different format, such as a smaller group or a buddy scheme.
Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
.webp){kind=logo}
.jpg)