Christmas Appeal

This Christmas, your support can make a huge difference for people living with multiple system atrophy (MSA) by funding essential training and awareness for external Health Care Professionals (HCPs).

Donate to our Christmas Appeal here

Why we need your support

Our most recent Needs Survey revealed alarming gaps in the support and understanding of MSA

• 56% of people said their GP and practice did not understand MSA

• 41% felt that on the day they were diagnosed they were not given any information about what to expect when living with MSA

• 80% of carers felt their needs were not considered during clinic appointments

• 34% of people were not referred to any specialist palliative care or hospice support

These figures show a pressing need: HCP’s must receive better training and awareness to effectively support people with MSA and their carers.

What we are doing

Thanks to generous supporters, the Trust already provides education and training sessions for health and social care professionals, delivered by our expert MSA Health Care Specialists.

But we want to do more. Next year, we are launching a new online training module alongside the Neurology Academy. This will help doctors, nurses and other professionals understand MSA’s complexities and impact.

Why it matters

MSA is a rare, complex condition that many professionals will not have encountered before. Without training, people with MSA and their families often face delays in diagnosis and their care and the added stress of having to explain their condition repeatedly.

For people with MSA and their families timely, informed care can make an enormous difference.

• Robust training ensures HCP’s can provide timely support, tailored to the needs of those living with MSA.

• Better awareness means more sensitive and knowledgeable consultations.

• Earlier, compassionate conversations lead to improved planning and emotional support.