Website of the Department of Health

Advocacy Initiative, South Devon Branch, MS Society

The South Devon branch of the MS Society reached agreement in 2006 with the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau to manage a post, funded by the branch, to provide 8 hours a week of dedicated support to those affected by MS.

This initiative ensures that the local MS community get top quality support from a professional trained by the CAB and with all the support that a recognised service like this can provide. The postholder has also received training and support from local MS Society volunteers. The service is open to anyone affected by MS and is on a self-referral basis. Casework has included applications for DLA and other benefits and credits. The postholder has been an advocate with social services and the environmental health department with regard to Disability Facilities Grants etc. Many of the cases have been complex involving more than one issue. The initiative has won an Innovation and Achievement award and used as the basis for a ‘How to’ guide on the MS Society’s website.

For more information about the project please contact: Leo Brightley, MS Society, 372 Edgware Rd, London NW2 6ND.
Tel: 020 8438 0805 or email:

• lbrightley@mssociety.org.uk (opens new window)