Issues facing the multiple sclerosis community

Local MP and former Shadow Health Secretary, Justin Madders, attended a Parliamentary event hosted by the MS Society to learn about issues facing the multiple sclerosis community.

At the event staged ahead of MS Awareness Week (April 28th -May 4th) MPs were also joined by familiar faces including comedian Ivo Graham, legendary R&B artist Junior Giscombe and former Lioness captain Mary Phillip.

Mr Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, talked to people with MS about the challenges they are facing, from support in work, accessing benefits to receiving treatment and care on the NHS. This echoed the theme of this year's MS Awareness Week which is encouraging people to have #MSConversations.

More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, including 16,000 in the North West. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting how people move, think and feel. Symptoms are different for everybody and often invisible, but once diagnosed MS stays with you for life and over time your symptoms can get worse.

Many people with MS rely on disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help manage the extra costs of their condition. For example, paying for visits from carers to help with things like washing, cooking and going to the toilet. This means the Government’s proposed changes to disability benefits, including plans tighten the PIP eligibility criteria, could have a significant impact on people with MS.

Mr Madders, now an Employments Rights Minister, said: 

“Working in collaboration with the charity, I look forward to drawing attention to the challenges that people with MS face and calling for change.”

Dr Sarah Rawlings, MS Society executive director of research and external affairs, said: 

“We’re so glad that Justin Madders joined us in Parliament to learn more about the reality of living with MS.

“The condition can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable and almost half of those affected rely on PIP to help maintain their independence.

“So it’s vital we work closely with MPs from across Parliament to highlight issues like access to effective treatments, disability benefits and the impact of the Government's welfare changes.”

Pictured - Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough.