Cambridgeshire CareProvider Partners with MS Society to Deliver First Specialist Therapy in its Area
A specialist Cambridgeshire care provider has partnered with the MS Society to help deliver weekly therapy sessions to outpatients affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS)— marking a first of its kind in the area.
Askham Village Community, a specialist family-run care and rehabilitation community, near Doddington will now be offering weekly exercise classes for those affected by MS with carers and family also encouraged to get involved. Funded directly by the Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket MS Society Group, each session will focus on encouraging motor functionality within a safe, friendly and professional environment.
Beyond its clinical value, each session will provide the opportunity to socialise over refreshments and formulate a sense of community for those that live with MS in the Peterborough area — a welcome opportunity for many with the condition, given the level of isolation induced by the pandemic.
Bob Bragger, a volunteer from the MS Society has been the driving force behind this collaboration and as the Group Coordinator of the Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket Group, which consists of 300 members made up of patients and carers, he will be looking to call upon Askham’s specialist offering to help enhance the physical health and overall wellbeing of these members.
The MS Society will now also be looking to fund private physio and hydrotherapy for patients at Askham — ensuring they have access to the very best care and the opportunity to use Askham’s impressive rehabilitation facilities, which include a specialist hydrotherapy pool and cutting edge robotic equipment.
These facilities were showcased to the local MS group members in an open house event last week, which encouraged members to visit Askham and provided an insight into the person-centred approach its reputation has been founded upon.
Bob Bragger commented:
“We’re delighted to have teamed up with Askham Village Community to offer specialist treatment to people with MS in the region. MS is relentless, painful and disabling, yet hundreds of people living with the chronic condition aren’t able to get the vital rehabilitation they need. When we heard of Askham’s forward thinking facilities – that are on our doorstep – it was a no-brainer for us to get in touch!
“By opening their doors, Askham will help us provide tailored rehabilitation – including state-of-the-art robotics, specialist physio with adapted fitness machines and hydrotherapy – to dozens of people living with MS. We’re incredibly grateful to the fabulous staff at Askham, and look forward to working together to support the MS community.”
Sara Neaves, Clinical Lead & Physiotherapist at Askham Village Community, added:
“When Bob approached us at Askham, it quickly became clear that we could adapt our specialist services to offer those with MS a bespoke service that aligns sensitively with their individual needs. We are a community at Askham and we want all outpatients to feel part of this. Our weekly therapy sessions will be an opportunity for those with MS to socialise with others who truly understand what they are going through, as well as receiving specialist treatments that will enhance their overall physical and mental wellbeing.”
