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MS Week 2009 – MiSconceptions about MS
17.03.09
MS Week (27 April - 3 May) was our annual opportunity to put the spotlight on multiple sclerosis (MS) and get loud about the issues that matter to people affected by it. This year’s theme was misconceptions about MS and the lack of understanding about what living with the condition means.
The latest phase of the 'Putting the Pieces Together' awareness campaign was at the centre of the activities with six eye-catching new images highlighting different common misconceptions about the condition. Campaign adverts featured in most of the major Scottish daily newspapers and the new images have also been used to target various other Scottish publications. One of the adverts was also used for a three week online campaign on the Daily Record’s website for the first time, reaching thousands of new people.
The media also covered a range of MS issues in the run-up to and during the week with stories on childhood MS in the Scotsman, misconceptions in various newspapers and the new drug treatment, Cladribine, in the Herald and Scotsman. Articles about branch activities and events also featured in several local papers, meaning that most areas of Scotland had at least one MS-related story in the local press during the week.
The Society also took the week's key messages to the Scottish Parliament, providing a briefing on recent research developments to a group of MSPs with an existing MS or wider health interest. This was backed up with the first edition of a new regular newsletter for MSPs from the Society and a parliamentary motion highlighting the misconceptions theme and backing the week which around 50 MSPs have signed up to support.
Fundraising activities included a national direct mail appeal, several local cake break events and the parachute jump event.
The Shine on Scotland vitamin D campaign was also launched by the McLaughlin family during MS Week with the aim of getting the Scottish Government to provide vitamin D to all children and pregnant women. It has received high profile backing and promotion including the campaign film being shown at both Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Thanks to all of the members and volunteers who organised, participated in or otherwise supported one of the MS Week activities in Scotland this year.
If you have any ideas on how the Society can increase the impact of next year's MS Week please email ryan.norton@mssocietyscotland.org.uk
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For more information:
Ryan Norton
Communications & Information Team
MS Society Scotland
Tel: 0131 335 4058
email
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