”The staff are the lifeblood of the Centre".
John Wretham
Our mission at the Chilterns MS Centre is very simple: We engender a sociable atmosphere and offer an opportunity for people with multiple sclerosis to help themselves.
For anyone, the sudden disclosure that something called multiple sclerosis (MS) has appeared in their lives - either because they themselves have been diagnosed, or someone close to them has - will be a major shock generating a need for information, advice and reassurance.
Along with the other Therapy Centres offering assistance to thousands of people with Multiple Sclerosis throughout England and Wales, the Chilterns MS Centre provides a range of drug-free symptom management therapies as well as advice and support for all those with the illness and their families. If we can't help you, we know someone who can.
About 50 new cases of MS are diagnosed each week. It can be frightening to be diagnosed with this potentially debilitating disease. But help is at hand; there are new therapies and DMDs (disease modifying drugs) being discussed and introduced all the time. People newly diagnosed with MS need NOT feel alone.
At the Chilterns MS Centre it is our policy never to turn away anyone wishing to have their condition assessed or someone who feels they will benefit from physiotherapy or High Density Oxygen Treatment. If you just want to chat, that's OK too.
The Chilterns MS Centre was originally a part of Friends of ARMS Ltd. Although we are an independenent charity (No.800853) and limited company (No.2294557) we are also part of MSNTC, Multiple Sclerosis National Centres. We are run by a Board of Trustees.
We have been at our present location since 1988 and we currently have approximately 500 members, including friends & carers. The Centre operates primarily on donations from the members, the general public and corporate charitable funds. In addition the Centre receives some income from PCTs (Primary Care Trusts). The balance is from legacies & endowments.
Our centre has running costs in excess of £350k per annum. In order to meet and exceed them we are constantly fundraising. If you think you can help please go to the Fundraising page.
above to see more
about some of
our Patrons
& Trustees
Marion recently joined the MS Centre as its Chief Executive from being Chief Executive at The Hospice Lottery Partnership Ltd. Marion has extensive experience working in the charity sector; she transformed the Hospice Lottery over ten years and is delighted to be joining the Chilterns MS Centre at this time of change and expansion.
- Head of Professional Services
As our Head of Professional Services Jan will bring her wealth of experience to the key role of delivering all of the Centre’s physiotherapy and other symptomatic services. She will work closely with Marion, our Chief Executive to ensure a seamless transition to our new building whilst ensuring the Centre’s ethos. Jan will be instrumental in the introduction of new and expanding services at the Centre.
Carol is our Assistant Manager and takes care of most of the office work involved in running the centre.
Fundraising Manager Celia works three days a week as a fundraiser for the day to day revenue to help run the Centre. She can be contacted on 01296 624000 / 07792 864796 or emailed at fundraising@chilternsmscentre.org
Sue Barber works two days a week and her specific area of expertise is fundraising through Trusts & Foundations for ‘capital’ monies. Sue may be reached via the Centre on 01296 696133.
Chairman
John Greaves
Vice Chairman
John Wretham
Treasurer
David Barnard
Company Secretary
Ken Longhurst
Responsible Individual
David Idris-Evans
Trustees
Paul Robert McDowell
Linda Oatley
John Osbourne
John Sykes
Nick Brown