By Jo Sopala | Director of Develpment
Dear Friend,
Looking back at what our Enquiry Service achieved for people with MS in 2017
Last year was a very busy year for our Information and Engagement Service as we helped people with MS from all over the UK. Our work is only possible because of the support we receive from our kind friends, including those who donate through GlobalGiving. I thought you would like to know what you helped us to achieve last year.
Our team responded to the 2,720 enquiries received by phone, e-mail and through social media. Those enquiries were answered quickly and to the exacting standards which people with MS deserve. Our on-going anonymous User Survey, asking for feedback about our service, revealed that 87% of those turning to us for information would use our service again, and 90% would recommend us to someone else who has a question about MS. Just some of the feedback we received:
“I was impressed with the swiftness and professionalism of the reply”
“Someone objective and knowledgeable to talk to and who listens”
“I used the information to help make up my own mind on how to proceed with my own MS and to share this decision with my family”
“Information from the enquiry service has the power to enable individuals to question their diagnosis or treatment.”
Turning to our printed information - 44,959 items were ordered. Whilst many people with MS still value and want printed publications, an ever growing number of people are also accessing our information online. Two thirds of all of the traffic to our website last year was from people accessing our current, evidence based information about MS. Those sections had 2,533,773 page views.
In order to maintain our Information Standard accreditation, everything which falls within the scope of the quality standard (our publications, website, DVDs etc) must be reviewed at least every three years. In 2017 several of our publications, and over 100 of the A-Z items on our website were reviewed. One of the books which was totally revised last year was our Disease Modifying Drugs publication. There is obviously great interest in this fast changing arena, and in the month following the publication of the revised version, 1,577 books were posted out. It is the publication which was most requested in 2017 with more than 6,700 copies being sent out.
Our Enquiry Service is dedicated to providing people with MS with the information they need to make the choices which are right for them. That information can make a life changing difference and makes MS lives better. None of our services would possible without the kindness of our supporters. Thank you. You have helped us to achieve a great deal for people with MS and we are truly grateful.
Yours sincerely,
Jo Sopala
Director of Development.
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