Parkinsons Awareness Month and MS Awareness Week are marked in April.

In 1985 the Centre was established to support people affected by MS to access oxygen therapy, over the years the Centre has expanded its services to include physiotherapy, exercise classes, an accessible instructor-led gym and counselling and support groups. Our cafe also plays an important role in our support and acts as the ideal spot to gain support and understanding from people going through the same things. In 2012 the Centre formed a partnership with the local Parkinson's UK group to open its services to people affected by Parkinson's Disease too, and has since expanded to support people who have a wide range of neurological conditions.

The reason for growing to support more conditions was that the core elements of the Centre's services - movement and wellbeing - were equally valuable to many people whatever their neurological condition - and so the Neuro Therapy Centre was born in 2014.

Our aim is to give people the best opportunity to 'live their best Neuro Life' and support in how to best manage their symptoms is the way to achieve this. Diagnosis is only the start of a person's journey, and our aim is to offer people the guidance, advice, techniques, and connections to focus on what they can do not what they can't.

Understanding Parkinson’s and MS

Both Parkinson’s and MS are progressive neurological conditions, but they affect the brain and body in different ways:

• Parkinson’s disease means parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, often leading to tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
• Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, causing a wide range of symptoms from fatigue and pain to problems with movement and coordination.

People's symptoms may vary in either of the conditions, and often there is no set pattern in how symptoms progress.

The Power of Movement

Exercise can be life-changing for people with neurological conditions. Not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.

It can:

• Improve balance and mobility
• Slow progression of motor symptoms
• Boost mood and reduce anxiety
• Ease stiffness and fatigue
• Help maintain strength and coordination

Our exercise classes and tailored fitness sessions offered at the Centre and virtually over Zoom give people a chance to move at their own pace, in a supportive space, with instructors who understand the needs of people with neurological conditions. Whether it’s seated exercise and boxing through to strength training and dance - there are lots of options available. Many of our members talk about the benefits they have found in their mobility, confidence and the fun they have had re-connecting with exercise and even surprising themselves at what they have been able to achieve over time.

Wellbeing & Connection

We know that neurological conditions don’t just affect the body — they impact every part of a person’s life. That’s why we focus on emotional wellbeing just as much as physical health.

From counselling and support groups offered at the Centre and virtually through to the peer support available in our Cafe and our listening service - our talking sessions offer the perfect opportunity to check-in with others, share experiences and concerns and make sure you don't feel alone with your worries.

Meeting others on a similar journey can  make a world of difference, and our cafe is filled with listening ears, as well as offering social activities to develop friendships. As our members often comment the cafe is full of welcoming smiles.

This month take the opportunity to help us raise awareness of these conditions and the services and support offered by the Centre, because movement and connections matter, and can set people on their path to lead their best Neuro Life.

If you are interested in our services and would like to arrange a visit give us a call on 01244 678619, or use our contact form and we'll be in touch.