## **MS Together**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
For the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
1
|**CONTENTS:**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|Charity information|**3**|
|Trustees’ report|**4-23**|
|Independent examiner’s report|**24**|
|Receipts and payments account|**25**|
|Statement of assets and liabilities|**26**|
2
## **Charity Information**
Registered office:
Trustees:
Chief executive officer:
Charity number:
Independent examiner:
Bankers:
8 City Road, Worsley, Manchester M28 1BD
Marc Smith (Chair) Hannah Verghese (Vice Chair) Annabelle Bridges (Treasurer) Vanessa Vallely Niraj Mistry Tom Jamison Samantha Bromfield Ruth Stross
Amy Thompson
1200565
Thompson Accountancy Services Hadleigh, England, SS7 2BT
Lloyds Bank
3
## **Introduction**
## **A letter from our Chair:**
As we look back on 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for everything MS Together has achieved this year - and for the strength and spirit of our community of young adults living with MS.
MS Together continues to grow and evolve as a small but impactful charity, rooted in compassion, connection, and the belief that no young person should face MS alone. This year, we supported more people than ever before through our peer support groups, events, and new services, and deepened our commitment to making sure every young adult diagnosed with MS feels seen, heard, and supported.
We made important strides in our emotional wellbeing support by launching one-toone counselling and group therapy services, offering safe and specialist spaces for young people to explore the challenges of life with MS. We also took our work on the road with the MS Together Tour - a series of in-person events across the UK that brought young adults together to connect, share experiences, and build community.
2024 was a year of meaningful connection - through in-person events, online sessions, and powerful stories shared by our community. We saw the strength of our members not only in their own journeys, but in the way they lift each other up.
As Chair, I want to thank every single person who has contributed to MS Together this year - our volunteers, fundraisers, donors and trustees. A special thank you goes to our Founder, who was appointed as CEO in June 2024 and continues to lead with heart and vision.
Together, we are creating something truly special. I look forward to building on this work in 2025 as we continue to grow our impact, reach more young adults, and ensure that no one has to face MS alone.
With gratitude, **Marc Smith** Chair of the Board of Trustees MS Together
4
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
The board of trustees, present their annual report and financial statements of MS Together for the year ended 31 December 2024.
From: 1 January 2024 (period start date) To: 31 December 2024 (period end date)
Charity name: MS Together Charity registration number: 1200565
## **Objectives and Activities**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 The relief of need among people affected by
the charity as set out in its multiple sclerosis (MS), with a particular
governing document focus on those aged living with MS aged 18-
35, by providing services of support and
advice.
MS Together exists to support young adults
aged 18-35 living with multiple sclerosis (MS)
by providing peer support, emotional
wellbeing services, information, and
opportunities for connection. The charity’s
mission is to ensure that no young person
feels alone or overwhelmed by their
diagnosis.
Summary of the main Para 1.17 and In 2024, MS Together significantly expanded
1.19
activities in relation to those its range of support services for young adults
purposes for the public affected by MS. Key achievements included:
benefit, in particular, the
**----- End of picture text -----**
5
|activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.||
Hosting**55+ virtual events**and
webinars covering vital topics such as
wellbeing, fatigue management,
employment, and relationships.
Delivering**over 15 in-person events**
across**11 UK cities**through the MS
Together Tour and our regional
groups, connecting more than**200**
**people**in person.
Offering**one-to-one counselling**and
**group therapy**to**50+ individuals**,
with sessions specifically tailored to
the unique experiences of young
adults living with MS.
Launching a**rebranded MS Together**
**Support Helpline**, staffed by trained
peer volunteers with MS, offering
emotional support, signposting, and
guidance to those affected by the
condition.
Amplifying lived experiences via
**Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook**,
reaching**over 100,000 users**and
featuring**over 30 peer stories**,
fostering a sense of community and
understanding.
Delivering**workplace awareness**
**talks**to**NHS Trusts, charities,**and
**corporate partners**, promoting better
understanding and inclusion of people|
|---|---|---|
6
|||with MS in the workplace.
One member shared,_“Attending an MS_
_Together in-person event changed everything_
_- I finally met people who understood what I_
_was going through.”_|
|---|---|---|
|Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit|Para 1.18|The trustees confirm that they have complied
with their duty under section 17 of the
Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the
guidance on public benefit published by the
Charity Commission.|
## **Additional information**
|**Additional information**|||
|---|---|---|
||SORP reference||
|Policy on grant making|Para 1.38|MS Together does not operate a grant-making
programme.|
|Policy on social investment
including program related
investment|Para 1.38|The charity does not currently hold any social
investments.|
|Contribution made by
volunteers|Para 1.38|Volunteers were central to MS Together’s delivery
in 2024. 38 active volunteers contributed to peer
support, helpline services, event facilitation, social
media, and operations. Their time, insight, and
empathy were instrumental in supporting over
500 people.
As one volunteer shared, “It’s powerful to be able
to give back and reassure others newly
diagnosed with MS.”|
7
## **Achievements and Performance**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
SORP reference
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Achievements and Performance**|**Achievements and Performance**|**Achievements and Performance**|
|---|---|---|
|SORP reference|||
|Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.|Para 1.20|In 2024, MS Together reached more people than
ever before:
**Community growth:**
Over 500 new members joined our private
support groups in 2024, bringing our network to
over 2,000 young adults living with MS across the
UK and Ireland. These spaces continue to be a
lifeline - offering daily connection, validation, and
friendship for those navigating the uncertainty of
MS.
We also strengthened our local presence through
**11 regional support groups**, helping young
people access peer support closer to home.
These groups host regular meet-ups, provide
localised advice, and create a strong sense of
community across different parts of the UK and
Ireland.
In June 2024, we launched the**MS Together**
**Tour**- a nationwide initiative to bring our
community together in person. With**one meet-up**
**in a different region each month**, the Tour has
helped foster deeper connections and reduce
isolation, especially for those less engaged in
virtual support. The Tour has also been more
accessible for people as each event has been
partially funded.
In summer 2024, we hosted a dedicated content
day, inviting community members to share their|
8
stories through video interviews, panel discussions, and open storytelling. The voices captured that day have shaped future campaigns and inspired more authentic, engaging content - helping us grow our reach and connect with a wider audience. **Our services:** We delivered more than **55 virtual events** , including virtual socials and themed workshops. We also hosted a series of impactful webinars, offering practical advice and lived experience on key topics like employment, travel, and navigating life with MS. We also hosted over 15 in-person events across the country, some facilitated through the MS Together Tour, some through our dedicated regional groups. In 2024, we also expanded our emotional support services: **Group counselling** launched in September. **One-to-one counselling** began in June. Our **new support helpline** became a vital resource for young people seeking guidance and a listening ear. Together, these services supported over 50 individuals in their first six months. Every participant in counselling and therapy reported improved wellbeing and reduced feelings of loneliness.
9
**Raising awareness:** We delivered **six workplace awareness talks** , reaching more than 200 professionals. 97% of attendees reported a better understanding of MS, helping to reduce stigma and promote workplace inclusion. Our work was featured in national media, including **BBC Radio** and **The One Show** , giving visibility to the challenges and resilience of young people with MS. Our **More Than MS** campaign challenged public perceptions and highlighted the full identities of young adults living with MS, featuring high-profile ambassadors such as Lina Nielsen, Kadeena Cox, Bianca Wallace, and Laura Goodall. **Fundraising:** In 2024, our community showed incredible generosity and drive: Our **130K May** campaign raised over £10,000, with involvement from Great Run participants, community-led events, and individual fundraising challenges across the country. We launched **Stronger Together in 30 Days** , a new community-led fundraising challenge that empowered individuals to take on personal goals while raising funds and awareness.
10
**Partnerships:** We built meaningful collaborations with key organisations.
- ECTRIMS for their Patient Community Day
- Hidden Disabilities (Sunflower Lanyard scheme)
- MS Society for World MS Day
- MS Trust for collaborative content **All seven UK MS charities** for MS Awareness Week, tackling taboo topics
- Oceans of Hope for a unique peer-led outdoor event
We also showcased our work at major sector events including the **MS Trust Conference** and **MS Society’s MS Frontiers** , strengthening relationships with professionals and partners across the UK.
**MS Academy Masterclasses** (Foundation & Advanced level, 2 modules) - MS Together endorse the education and Amy attended module 2 of the Masterclass and met with delegates. Delegates represent professions across the MS multi-disciplinary team so good for awareness and raising our profile.
## **Additional information**
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set
2024’s strategic objectives were: 1. We significantly expanded our emotional wellbeing offer, delivering **subsidised**
11
**one-to-one counselling** , **group therapy** , and launching a new **support helpline** - all designed specifically for young adults with MS. These services supported over 50 individuals in the first 6 months, with **100% of participants reporting improved wellbeing and reduced loneliness** . 2. **Increase in-person engagement** We brought our community together offline through **15+ regional events** , our **11 active regional groups** , and our brandnew **MS Together Tour** , which began in June 2024 and visits a different UK or Ireland region each month. These inperson gatherings helped deepen connections, reduce isolation, and strengthen our nationwide community. 3. **Develop high-quality, relevant information resources** We created a wide range of **digital and video content** shaped by young people with MS, alongside an impactful **webinar series** covering vital topics like employment, intimacy, and symptom management. Our **content day** brought community members into the creative process, ensuring all resources reflected real-life experiences and needs. 4. **Increase awareness and visibility of MS in young adults** We secured national **media coverage** including BBC Radio and _The One Show_ ,
12
|||reaching new audiences and challenging
outdated perceptions of MS. Our**More**
**Than MS**campaign, in collaboration with
high-profile ambassadors, helped highlight
the diverse realities of young people living
with the condition. We also delivered**six**
**workplace awareness talks**, with 97% of
attendees reporting improved
understanding of MS.|
|---|---|---|
|Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set||MS Together experienced transformational
growth in income and fundraising success in
2024, reflecting increased trust in our mission and
growing community support.
**Total income rose to £119,068**- a**significant**
**increase**from £30,660 in 2023. This included:
**£54,308 in unrestricted funds**, giving us
greater flexibility to respond to emerging
needs and invest in long-term impact
**£64,760 in restricted grants**, enabling us
to launch and expand core services such
as counselling, helpline support, and
regional events
This significant increase was driven by:
**Successful funding applications**to
trusts, industry partners, and foundations
**Strong community fundraising**,
including our new_Stronger Together in 30_
_Days_challenge and_130K May_, which
raised over £10,000|
13
**----- Start of picture text -----**
An increase in individual giving and
regular donors
Total expenditure was £48,415 , allowing us to
scale our impact while maintaining a lean,
efficient model.
This resulted in a net surplus of £70,653 ,
positioning us for sustainable growth in 2025 and
beyond.
For comparison, in 2023, income was £30,660
and expenditure £12,340, with a surplus of
£18,320 - demonstrating how 2024 marked a
major turning point in the charity’s financial
trajectory and capacity to deliver.
Investment performance The charity holds no investment portfolio.
against objectives
**----- End of picture text -----**
14
## **Financial Review**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 MS Together ended 2024 in a strong financial
financial position at the end position. Income increased from the previous
of the period year, rising to £119,068 from £30,660 in 2023.
Careful financial planning and a lean delivery
model enabled the organisation to significantly
scale its services - including counselling,
regional events, and digital resources - while also
building a healthy surplus of £88,973 .
This surplus not only provides financial stability
but also lays a solid foundation for strategic
investment in 2025, including expanding in-
person support, growing the team, and enhancing
digital infrastructure. The growth reflects
increasing confidence from funders, donors, and
partners in MS Together’s mission and impact.
Statement explaining the Para 1.22 The trustees hold reserves to ensure continuity of
policy for holding reserves services, manage risk, and invest in future
stating why they are held development. The target is 3–6 months’ core
operating costs.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 At 31 December 2024, reserves totalled £88,973.
This is available for use at the discretion of the
trustees in furtherance of their charitable
objectives.
Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22 Not applicable.
reserves
Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 None.
deficit
**----- End of picture text -----**
15
|Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern|Para 1.23|There are no uncertainties about MS Together’s
ability to continue as a going concern.|
|---|---|---|
## **Additional information**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
The charity’s principal Para 1.47 Principal income sources include:
sources of funds (including Grants from trusts and foundations
any fundraising) Individual donations
Challenge and community fundraising
Corporate sponsorships and partnerships
MS Together is proud to say that 100% of funds
raised directly support the delivery of our
charitable objectives - from mental health
services and peer support to awareness-raising
campaigns and community events. As a small,
independent UK-based charity, we rely entirely on
the generosity of grantmakers, public
donations, and partnerships to continue our
work. Every contribution makes a tangible
difference, enabling us to reach more young
people living with MS, provide critical emotional
support, and build a stronger, more visible
community.
Investment policy and Para 1.46 The charity does not currently hold any
objectives including any investments.
social investment policy
adopted
A description of the principal Para 1.46 Main risks include:
risks facing the charity
**----- End of picture text -----**
16
||**Reliance on a small staff and volunteer**|
|---|---|
||**base:**As a small charity, we rely heavily|
||on the dedication and capacity of our staff|
||and volunteers. This can create risks|
||related to burnout, workload distribution,|
||and succession planning. A small team|
||also means that there may be challenges|
||in scaling up our services or responding to|
||unexpected needs quickly.|
||**Demand for support exceeding**|
||**capacity:**With increasing awareness of|
||MS Together and the growing number of|
||people seeking support, we face the|
||challenge of meeting demand while|
||maintaining the quality of our services. As|
||our reach expands, the need for|
||counselling, events, and other resources|
||is also growing, potentially exceeding our|
||current capacity to deliver. This could|
||affect the sustainability of our services, the|
||ability to meet the needs of everyone, and|
||the quality of the support we provide.|
||**Uncertainty in long-term funding:**While|
||2024 has seen significant growth in|
||fundraising, there remains uncertainty|
||around long-term funding sources. As a|
||charity primarily reliant on grants,|
||donations, and sponsorships, we face|
||potential fluctuations in funding. Changes|
||in economic conditions, donor priorities, or|
||government policies could impact our|
||financial stability and our ability to plan for|
||the future.|
17
**Mitigations include:**
1. **Diversifying income:** To address the funding uncertainty, we are working to diversify our income streams by exploring new fundraising opportunities, expanding our corporate sponsorships, and increasing our engagement with individual donors. We are also exploring new grants and funding opportunities that align with our mission. This will ensure that we have a stable and sustainable financial foundation moving forward.
2. **Developing operational processes:** To mitigate the risk of relying too heavily on a small team, we are committed to developing and improving our operational processes. This includes streamlining administrative tasks, implementing better systems for volunteer management, and increasing the efficiency of our service delivery. By creating more structured workflows and clear roles, we can ensure that our staff and volunteers are supported, and that the charity’s day-today operations run smoothly.
3. **Expanding the staff team in 2025:** In response to growing demand, we plan to expand our staff team in 2025, ensuring that we have the necessary resources to continue scaling our services and provide high-quality support. Hiring additional staff will allow us to spread the workload, prevent burnout, and enhance our
18
capacity to meet the needs of our community. We will also invest in staff training and development to ensure that our team has the necessary skills to grow and adapt as the charity evolves.
19
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
|Type of governing document|Para 1.25|MS Together operates under a Constitution
adopted in accordance with the Charities Act
2011. Constitution document adopted
13/05/2022.
Registered with the Charity Commission for
England and Wales 04/10/22. Charity number
1200565.|
|---|---|---|
|How is the charity
constituted?|**Para 1.25**|The charity is a Charitable incorporated
organisation governed directly by Charity Law
and regulated by the Charity Commission of
England and Wales. It operates under its
constitution.|
|Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees|Para 1.25|Trustees are recruited based on relevant skills,
lived experience of MS, and alignment with the
charity’s mission. Appointments are made in line
with the constitution.
In selecting individuals for appointment as
appointed trustees, the charity trustees have
regard to the skills, knowledge and experience
needed for the effective administration of the CIO.|
## **Additional information**
|The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works|Para 1.51|The trustees are responsible for keeping proper
accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the charity and to enable them to
ensure that the financial statements comply with
the Statements of Recommended Practice and
the regulations made under the Charities Act|
|---|---|---|
20
|||2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the charity and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection
of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees oversee the day to day running of
the charity, along with around 40 volunteers. The
trustees seek the views of the community and
volunteers in making decisions about the charity
and its activities.|
|---|---|---|
|Relationship with any
related parties||MS Together maintains a transparent and
accountable approach to any relationships with
related parties. In 2024, no trustee received any
remuneration or other benefit from the charity. All
trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no
personal financial gain for their involvement.
The charity also benefits from collaborative
relationships with other MS organisations and
health sector partners; however, these
partnerships are strategic and not financial in
nature. No related party transactions took place in
the reporting period.|
|Other||In 2025, MS Together will continue to prioritise
social support, expanding both our virtual and in-
person events to ensure that young people living
with MS have access to a variety of engagement
opportunities.
Building on the success of our regional events
and the MS Together Tour, which offers monthly
meet-ups across different regions, we will deepen
our reach and connection with the community.|
21
This expansion will focus on both increasing inperson engagement and offering meaningful virtual spaces for support and interaction. A key focus for 2025 will also be the mental health and emotional wellbeing of people living with MS. Following the success of our counselling and therapy services, we will further invest in enhancing these offerings and exploring new ways to support individuals with their mental health. This will include expanding our counselling and therapy provision, launching new initiatives focused on resilience and coping strategies, and continuing to integrate mental health support into all of our services. Additionally, we will build on our new 2025 strategy, focusing on increased accessibility, empowerment, and awareness for young people living with MS. By fostering community connections, expanding our professional support services, and continuing to create high-quality informational resources, we aim to provide comprehensive, meaningful support to our community.
## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**
|Trustee name|Office (if any)|Dates acted if not for
whole year|Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint trustee
(if any)|
|---|---|---|---|
|Amy Thompson||01/01/24 – 30/05/24||
22
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Annabelle Bridges
Marc Smith 14/10/24-31/12/24
Niraj Mistry
Ruth Stross
Samantha Bromfield 05/06/24-31/12/24
Tom Jamison
Hannah Verghese 05/06/24-31/12/24
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Additional information**
## **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members**
Amy Thompson, Founder and CEO – appointed June 2024
## **Reference and Administrative details**
|Charity name|MS Together|
|---|---|
|Other name the charity uses|Multiple Sclerosis Together|
|Registered charity number|1200565|
|Charity’s principal address|8 City Road, Worsley, Greater Manchester, M28 1BD|
## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature:
Full name(s): Marc Smith
Position:
## Chair
Date:
Signature:
Full name(s): Position: 17th September 2025
Date:
23
## **Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts Report to the trustees of MS Together (Charity no. 1200565) for the year ended 31 December 2024**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31 December 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Thompson Accountancy Services Certified Chartered Accountants Suite 9, Hadleigh Business Centre 351 London Road Benfleet Essex SS7 2BT
Date: 12[th] August 2025
24
TOGETHER
IOWAISYO
EWA*J40
Rocei
ts and
ants accounts
CC16•
frorn
T¥
Section A Receipt5 3nd payment5
TO lund
AIRK
iJ•
171
C¥¢(1pE4
rar¢*
.[
AR)
i1•
7QO
AOIY4
IA14
41*
41.415
Ais
113
lu
Cmh ILj
ii.)
¥11
.•TJ
25
TOGETHER
TOGETHER
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end ol the period
Endowt
fund
Yo*41 hmd
7eO
fvn
85
17-09-25
26
TOGETHER