West Berkshire Neurological Alliance Formed in 1999 27 local neurological charities Understanding unmet needs Representing needs Developing services Education events 1 West Berkshire Neurological Alliance Most recent focus group: ‘Coping when health and social care systems falter’ Next focus group, 16th June: ‘Continuity of Care’ 2 West Berkshire Neurological Alliance Supporting A community Power Assisted Exercise Gym 3 The health spiral • • • • • • Illness Lethargy Stiffness Immobility Weight gain Serious illness • • • • • • Less risk of illness Better circulation Improved mobility Less stiff Exercise Self-care Exercise options in catchments 21 conventional gyms, 2 rehab gyms, 19 physio clinics 4 Headlines •11 motorised machines •Assessment & Supervision •Space and calm •Disabled facilities •Good parking •Between Newbury & Thatcham •Outcomes that matter to individuals 5 Community rehab • Open 20 hours/week initially • 100 gym users twice each week, rising to 150+ • 2 paid staff (+ several volunteers) 6 Gentle help for slow, stiff or weak muscles Equipment helps standing and walking Stroke & head injury 9 Neurological 10 Cardiac and COPD 11 Amputees & diabetes 12 Morbid obesity 13 Learning disability Confusion & dementia Blind or partially sighted 14 Post operative 15 Support & referrals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Alzheimer’s Society, West Berkshire Ataxia Thames Valley Berkshire MS Therapy Centre Dystonia network Headway Thames Valley Motor Neurone Disease Association W Berks Muscular Dystrophy Support Network Parkinson’s Disease Society, Newbury & District Reading Fibromyalgia Group Stroke Care, Newbury & West Berkshire Thames Valley Vikings WEBCAS West Berkshire Disability Alliance West Berkshire Independent Living Organisation West Berkshire Neurological Alliance Royal Berkshire Hospital West Berkshire Council West Berkshire Public Health 16 Money £137k investment ………………..…….. Ongoing • • • • Fee income Group sessions Sponsors Fund raising 17 Social Enterprise •Charitable company, not for profit •Five unpaid directors •Extensive market research •Robust business plan •Very strong referral network •Fully researched equipment spec •Meeting health and well-being community needs 18 Volunteer Board Norman Casson - chairman / lawyer Jenny Thurgut - finance director Irene Waters – nurse consultant Steve Jones - training & negotiations consultant John Holt - quality systems & networks …..supported by our volunteers…… 19 Wider outcomes 20 Your community Power Assisted Exercise Gym supported by West Berkshire Neurological Alliance 7, Clerewater Place, Lower Way, Thatcham RG19 3RF John Holt 01635 864561 info@westberkshiretherapycentre.org.uk 21