The University of Sheffield has asked for volunteers to help with their research study.  They asked a group of people with Multiple Sclerosis, and a group of healthcare professionals, about what they thought the contents and appearance of a fatigue management app should be. They would like to know how far you agree or disagree with the things they said.

You can take part in this research if you are:

• Someone living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or someone experiencing MS-like symptoms, regardless of whether or not you have received a diagnosis.
• You have a partner who has MS
• You are a professional who works with people with MS

You must be over 18 to take part in this research.

Find out more here!

Source MS Society: “Welfare support is vital for many people with MS. It helps us manage the extra costs of the condition, stay in work for longer and participate fully in society.”

“Yet our welfare system too often ignores invisible symptoms like pain and fatigue and fails to recognise how MS symptoms fluctuate.”

The assessment criteria for PIP fail to capture the true extent of the difficulties people face. And benefits assessors don’t always take evidence provided by professionals into account. Too often people with MS are under pressure to repeatedly prove they need support.”

Join the MS Society “Campaign to make welfare make sense” and watch their excellent film “Does Emma need benefits?” by clicking here.

Source Gov.UK: People with the most severe, life-long conditions will no longer have to attend regular reviews for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

New guidance coming into effect this summer means people who are awarded the highest level of support under PIP – and where their needs are expected to stay the same or increase – will receive an ongoing award of PIP with a light touch review every 10 years.

The change will ensure that those with severe or progressive conditions receive an award which reflects the fact that their condition will not improve.

The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton, said:

“We’re absolutely determined to ensure people get the right support that they need to live better, more comfortable lives.

PIP is a needs-based benefit that takes into consideration people’s individual, and sometimes quite complicated circumstances.

We’ve listened to feedback from organisations and the public, and this common-sense change will ensure that the right protections are in place while minimising any unnecessary stress or bureaucracy.”  Read on