‘MS-UK has done so much for me so now I volunteer with them’

Simon Dockerty explains what volunteering means to him and what inspired him to get involved

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2015, initially with Relapsing Remitting MS and now I live with Secondary Progressive MS. I am a former soil scientist who worked in the construction and environment sector until my MS made work too challenging. 

I’ve had good support from MS-UK over the years, from taking part in mindfulness courses and online information sessions, through to using the helpline and subscribing to New Pathways magazine.There has been a lot the organisation has done for me. 

I am the kind of person who likes to ‘do’, and I now volunteer for MS-UK. 

For the past few years, I have been volunteering as a lived experience co-trainer with MS-UK’s free online ‘MS awareness training’ for professionals. 

I volunteer alongside members of MS-UK’s helpline team. My part in the training webinars is to raise awareness of the condition by busting some common myths about MS. 

In 2025 I was part of training care providers, staff from the Department for Work and Pensions, social prescribers, health professionals and staff from the Royal College of Nursing and the Neurology Academy. Over the year I was involved in training nearly 850 professionals! It is fantastic to have reached so many people. 

Helping professionals develop an understanding of MS and learn more about the condition is something I can do that is both practical and useful. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we get from professionals gives me validation and supports my values.  

I first became involved in the MS awareness training after Ryan from the helpline team requested volunteers. It wasn’t something I had done before but the team at MS-UK made it easy for me. 

I also volunteer with the online peer support community with MS-UK’s ‘Peer Pods’. I love this social and supportive role. Not only do I give support, but I get an awful lot from being part of the groups too. There’s shared learning and importantly, shared experiences with other MSers who truly ‘get it’. 

Using teleconferencing software was quite new to me, but Vicky, the Peer Support Coordinator, has given me all the training, learning and support that’s needed.  

I would encourage others to see how volunteering can work for them too. Volunteering at MS-UK can be incredibly varied. From volunteering at events or being a community champion through to peer-support or volunteering for MS-UK’s awareness sessions. You can see MS-UK’s volunteering opportunities here.