To mark this year’s National Volunteering Week (18 – 24 May), MS Australia is taking a moment to celebrate the commitment of our Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) members and highlighting what volunteering means to them.
Established in October 2023, our 57 LEEP members are drawn from diverse backgrounds, including younger people, older people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, parents, including single parents, LGBTQI+ people, and people living in regional and rural locations.
Each member contributes their unique experience and insight to MS Australia’s advocacy work, ensuring we maintain a strong lived-experience focus.
Muskaan joined the LEEP in March 2025 and chose to volunteer to give meaning to her lived experience and use her voice. Before joining the LEEP, she thought volunteering was a one-size-fits-all activity; over a year in, she knows that’s not the case.
“I used to think volunteering meant having all the answers or being endlessly available, but I’ve learned it’s really about showing up as you are and how you like to.”
Throughout her time in the LEEP, Muskaan has found that she benefits from volunteering, not only because she’s seen the difference she’s made, but also because she’s found a community of peers.
“I’ve found connection, purpose and a sense of belonging in the LEEP. Along the way, I’ve met incredible people, people who inspire me, peers I learn from, and healthcare professionals and researchers who genuinely care about making things better. Being surrounded by people so committed to the MS community gives me real hope.”
Rachel shared that she started volunteering because she wanted to use her experience with MS and self-advocacy to improve outcomes for others.
“Sharing my lived experience felt like a way to turn something challenging into something meaningful.”
At first, she thought volunteering meant having specialist knowledge, but she quickly learned that what matters most is sharing her story and being open to speaking up.
“Being part of LEEP is rewarding because I can see my voice genuinely impacting on research and policy. It’s empowering to know that my experiences help guide decisions, and it’s incredibly grounding to work alongside others who understand what life is like with MS.”
When Kirrily first joined the LEEP in March 2025, she believed that volunteering was a one-way relationship in which she contributed her time to a cause she believed in. She was pleasantly surprised to find that volunteering comes with some great perks.
“Since starting with the LEEP, I have been so rewarded for my efforts – new friendships & networks, new experiences and opportunities. I have been at the table in discussions I never expected to be party to and have quite a new sense of self-identity.”
“I am so grateful to MS Australia for supporting such a powerful avenue for patient voices. I have involved myself wherever I can.”
On National Volunteer Week, we extend our sincere gratitude to the LEEP members and all volunteers across the MS community in Australia for their contributions to driving policy change and bolstering the needs of people living with MS.
This week’s theme is ‘Your year to volunteer’ and encourages potential first-time volunteers to give it a go, emphasising that volunteering looks different for everyone.
If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, know this: you can find meaningful involvement in any way that works for you. Learn more about volunteering through the Volunteering Australia website.
Applications for LEEP membership are currently closed. The LEEP membership will be reviewed periodically, and if applications for membership open, they will be announced on this website.
