Families Get Hands-On With MS Science at the Brightwell

On Saturday 10th October, the MS Society welcomed families to the Brightwell for a Digesting Science event, and what a day it was! From 11 am to 3 pm, parents, children, grandparents and friends came together to learn more about multiple sclerosis: what it is, the symptoms it can cause, and how it can be treated, all through a series of creative, hands-on activities.

Digesting Science was set up in 2013 by the MS research team at Queen Mary University of London, who recognised that parents living with MS often need support when it comes to talking with their children about the condition. The activities were designed by scientists, designers and parents with MS working together, so everything is both scientifically accurate and genuinely fun. Rather than sitting through a talk, families get stuck in, exploring how the nervous system works and what happens when MS affects it, in a way that feels approachable rather than frightening. 

That’s exactly what we saw on the day. The room was full of conversation, laughter and curiosity as families worked their way through the activities together. Even the youngest members of the group threw themselves into it, and it was lovely to see children not only learning about the science behind MS, but also getting a sense of how the condition can make someone feel, whether that’s fatigue, changes in sensation, or simply having a bad day. One mum told us afterwards that her daughter now feels much less scared about MS, which is exactly what Digesting Science is all about. That kind of understanding can make a real difference at home. 

Just as valuable was the chance for families to meet one another. For many parents with MS, connecting with others in a similar situation is a reminder that they are not on their own, and for children it can be reassuring to meet other young people whose families share the same experiences.

Lunch was provided for everyone, giving families time to relax, chat and swap stories between activities. By the end of the afternoon, everyone went home having learnt something new, and hopefully with a few new conversation starters for the weeks ahead.

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A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the day so special, and to Maria Fitzgerald and the MS Society team for making the science of MS so accessible and engaging.

More dates coming soon

We’re hoping to host more Digesting Science events over the coming months. Keep an eye on future newsletters for new dates, and in the meantime, for tips and resources on how to tell children about an MS diagnosis, please see Explaining MS to Children - Tips & Support | MS Society UK