A multiple sclerosis support charity has absorbed a smaller organisation in a bid to support more people with the condition.

Multiple Sclerosis Research, Treatment and Education, which provides services, care and advice while undertaking research, has merged into the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, which supports people with MS, their friends, families and carers, and health and social care professionals who work with them.

The merger was completed on 7 November and the charities said that by joining forces they would be in a stronger position to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of people affected by the disease.

The new charity will retain the name Multiple Sclerosis Trust and there will be no job losses as a result of the merger, the charities said.

The Multiple Sclerosis Trust had income of £2.3m in the year to the end of July 2023, while MS Research’s income was £222,025 for the year to the end of March 2023.

The charities have 33 and three staff members, respectively. 

“The merger presents an exciting opportunity for the two charities to come together and create greater impact for people with MS, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of both organisations,” the charities said in a statement.

“By extending its remit into research, the MS Trust will add an essential component to the services it already offers the MS community. 

“The MS Trust’s unique relationship with health professionals and people with MS, along with MS Research’s experience in research, means the charity will be perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.”

MS Trust said the new charity would continue to provide the resources people with MS and their families rely on, including its helpline, website and publications.

It will also continue to educate all new MS health professionals, while continuing their ongoing fight for equitable access to MS health care across the country, the charity said.

Multiple Sclerosis Research did not have a chief executive in place at the time of the merger.

Ben Clacy, former chair of MS Research, Treatment and Education, will be moving to the MS Trust board, while MS Research’s remaining trustees will step down from their roles.

The MS Research office will remain open following the merger.

Lucy Taylor, chief executive of the MS Trust, said adding research to the charity’s activities meant it was able to make a greater difference.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this merger offers the MS Community,” she said.

“By adding research to our toolbox, and combining our expertise with that of MS Research, we’re now expertly positioned to make an even greater difference to the lives of people living with MS and their families.”

Clacy said the merger would allow MS Research to continue with its research and education projects.

“All of us at MS Research, Treatment and Education are thrilled about this merger,” Clacy said.

“It will enable us to continue to focus on the research and education projects which are so important to us while we will benefit from the larger pool of resources and infrastructure available at the MS Trust.

“This will in turn reap benefits across the MS community.”