Two multiple sclerosis (MS) charities have unveiled a “strategic collaboration” through a merger.
Today, MS Trust and MS Research, Treatment and Education, announced that they had officially merged to build on the services they offer to the MS community.
Both charities said the merger will allow them to be in “a stronger position to make a significant, positive impact” on the lives of people affected by the condition.
The new charity will be led by Lucy Taylor, chief executive of MS Trust, and will retain that name. There will be no job losses as a result of the merger.
Before the merger, MS Research, Treatment and Education had three members of staff, all of whom will continue to be employed by MS Trust.
Data filed with the Charity Commission shows that MS Research, Treatment and Education’s total income fell sharply from £822,654 in 2021-22 to £222,025 in 2022-23.
Meanwhile, MS Trust recorded a total income of £2.30m for the year ended 31 July 2023, up from £1.84m the previous year.
Merger will ‘improve’ lives of people with MS
MS Trust provides information on MS, trains and educates MS health professionals and funds MS nurses while MS Research, Treatment and Education’s main role is to support the scientific community to learn more about MS and develop better treatments.
The new charity will continue to provide resources for people with MS and their families, including a helpline, website and MS publications, and educate MS health professionals.
Both charities said the merger is “an exciting opportunity” for them “to come together and create greater impact for people with MS, whilst also ensuring the long-term sustainability of both organisations”.
“By extending their remit into research, the MS Trust will add an essential component to the services they already offer the MS community.
“The MS Trust’s unique relationship with health professionals and people with MS, along with MS Research’s experience in research, means the charity will be perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
“This will ultimately improve the lives of people living with MS.”
‘We’re now expertly positioned to make a greater difference’
Taylor said: “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunities this merger offers the MS community.
“By adding research to our toolbox, and combining our expertise with that of MS Research, we’re now expertly positioned to make an even greater difference to the lives of people living with MS and their families.”
Ben Clacy, former chair of the board of trustees at MS Research, Treatment, and Education who will be moving to MS Trust’s board, said: “All of us at MS Research, Treatment and Education are thrilled about this merger.
“It’ll enable us to continue to focus on the research and education projects which are so important to us.
“Whilst we will benefit from the larger pool of resources and infrastructure available at the MS Trust. This will in turn reap benefits across the MS community.”
