MS Together
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
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| 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 |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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| activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Hosting55+ virtual eventsand webinars covering vital topics such as wellbeing, fatigue management, employment, and relationships. Deliveringover 15 in-person events across11 UK citiesthrough the MS Together Tour and our regional groups, connecting more than200 peoplein person. Offeringone-to-one counsellingand group therapyto50+ individuals, with sessions specifically tailored to the unique experiences of young adults living with MS. Launching arebranded 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, reachingover 100,000 usersand featuringover 30 peer stories, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Deliveringworkplace awareness talkstoNHS Trusts, charities,and corporate partners, promoting better understanding and inclusion of people |
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| 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.” |
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| 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.” |
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Achievements and Performance
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SORP reference
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| 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 theMS Together Tour- a nationwide initiative to bring our community together in person. Withone 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 |
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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.
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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.
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Partnerships: We built meaningful collaborations with key organisations.
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ECTRIMS for their Patient Community Day
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Hidden Disabilities (Sunflower Lanyard scheme)
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MS Society for World MS Day
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MS Trust for collaborative content All seven UK MS charities for MS Awareness Week, tackling taboo topics
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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
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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 ,
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| reaching new audiences and challenging outdated perceptions of MS. OurMore Than MScampaign, in collaboration with high-profile ambassadors, helped highlight the diverse realities of young people living with the condition. We also deliveredsix workplace awareness talks, with 97% of attendees reporting improved understanding of MS. |
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| 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- asignificant increasefrom £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 applicationsto 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 |
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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
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Financial Review
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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
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| 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. |
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Additional information
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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
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| | 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. |
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Mitigations include:
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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 |
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----- 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
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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:
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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
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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
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