A vital resource for people in the York area affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has received a boost from a local marketing firm.

PR, design and communications agency, The Partners Group, has made its annual Christmas charity donation to the MS café in Haxby.

Run by the York and District branch of the MS Society, the café takes place every Friday at the Oaken Grove Community Centre between 11am and 3pm, providing a support network for people in the area affected by MS. 

Says branch secretary, Jackie Chapman, “Our aim is to help make the public aware of Multiple Sclerosis and raise funds for use at a local level and for research.  The café is just one of the support services we provide for people in the York area.  We also organise monthly ‘get togethers’ and provide support and friendship to anyone affected by MS, which includes carers, families and friends.”

The Haxby café has been running since 2004 and, according to Jackie, it is an important resource for the local area:

“Sometimes people just need a break, a change of scenery or an opportunity to talk to people who are in the same boat as them,” she says.  “We really do appreciate all the help we can get, and we rely on donations such as this one to keep the café running.  We’re very grateful to The Partners Group for their support.” 

Partners Group director, Karen Tinkler, says, “Every Christmas we put the money that we might otherwise spend on corporate gifts towards a donation for a local charity.  We invite everyone in the company to put forward nominations, and vote.  This year, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with MS, so once we found out about the work that Jackie and her colleagues do, it was an easy decision to make.”

The MS Society York and District branch was established in 1956 by the late Lord Martin Fitzalan Howard, making it one of the oldest in the country.  Covering an area of around 40 miles, the branch provides local support to anyone whose life is affected by multiple sclerosis.

A dedicated welfare team is available 24 hours a day to provide practical help, a listening ear or just a point in the right direction.  The welfare team also considers grant applications from members for equipment, respite care or holidays.

For more information, visit www.mssociety.org.uk/branches/yorkshire/york or contact the York and District branch on 01904 758577.

back to what's new