Devon charity urgently needs new building to support people with multiple sclerosis
People in Devon living with multiple sclerosis and other long-term health conditions need new premises to access vital support from the South West MS Therapy Centre.
The Exeter-based charity supports over 380 members with neuro-physiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy - specialist therapies that can help reduce pain and improve and maintain mobility, and can be a lifeline for those living with long-term conditions
Caroline Aird, Chief Executive of the South West MS Therapy Centre, explained: “Our current beautiful, listed building is no longer fit-for-purpose.
“We are urgently seeking a new home for services.
“We are asking the community in Devon, could your property be the perfect fit?”
WATCH VIDEO: Caroline Aird explains the need for new premises.
Currently based at West Grange, Clyst Heath, the centre occupies part of the former Digby Hospital site. While the location has good parking and road links for those travelling from outside the area, the thermal properties of the listed building mean it is costly to heat and much of the building inaccessible for those with limited mobility.
Like many charities, the centre provides a vital community space for those who need it most, who are living with health challenges.
Good access and parking needed
The centre currently has a fully accessible small open gym for people of all abilities, including specific equipment for wheelchair users. This allows people to exercise safely, including people with long-term health conditions, injuries and reduced mobility who are supported by expert neuro-physiotherapists.
However, the centre has outgrown the current premises which has good access and parking for members. Parking is a key issue as many centre users travel by car to and have limited mobility. There is currently parking for over 25 cars.
An accessible building with facilities such as ramps would be perfect, but this does not all have to be in place, if there’s scope for renovations.
Caroline added: “The bigger the space, the more people we can welcome to our community and help improve their wellbeing.”
All ideas welcome
She continues: “It is a challenge to find the right premises at the right price. We are a charity so we can’t build a new centre without significant investment.
“We know members love it here; there are beautiful gardens which give you a lift as soon as you arrive, and there’s a real sense of spending time somewhere special. So, whilst it will be a reluctant move, we know it must happen.
“Our members’ main concerns are that any downtime is kept to a minimum during a move. We don’t want anyone to miss out on vital therapies, classes or miss physiotherapy sessions.”
‘A chance for Devon to show its spirit and solidarity’
There are approximately 17,000 people with MS in the Southwest and Wales in the UK, according to the MS Society. This equates to around 1 in every 500 people, and 73% of those with MS are women.
Loneliness is a significant issue for people with MS in the UK, and centres such as these offer people opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges. Some members visit the South West MS Therapy Centre 3 or 4 times a week.
Caroline concluded: “It is a tough time for charities, but we are hopeful that the right person will see this at the right time. Perhaps their property could be just what we’re looking for.
“This is a chance for Devon to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space. We’d urge them to get in touch with us.”
If you can help, please contact the South West MS Therapy Centre by emailing admin@southwestmscentre.co.uk.
If you would like to support the charity, you can find out more or donate here.