Challenges with mobility and movement, strength, balance, stiffness or pain often seriously affect quality of life, independence and mental well-being. The unique power-assisted, professionally-supervised exercise therapy at the West Berkshire Therapy Centre helps over 300 people every week fight back against such conditions, often with remarkable benefit.
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, they rely on donations to continue providing their vital service. If you can make even the smallest donation on The Good Exchange it will be match-funded by Greenham Trust.
Power Assisted Exercise
Opened in April 2014, West Berkshire Therapy Centre is an award-winning not-for-profit charity comprising of a specialised physical therapy centre for people with disabilities in West Berkshire and the surrounding area.
Power-assisted exercise equipment allows clients who are unable to attend conventional gyms to exercise. The machines simulate everyday activities and allow clients to put in as much or as little physical effort as they wish, whilst helping to maintain and strengthen muscles which helps to prevent or delay further deterioration in muscle function.
A display screen beside each machine monitors real-time progress and provides detail on the physical effort level and the time remaining on that machine. It also allows the client to change the exercise program and the speed of the workout.
In July 2025, some new ‘next-generation’ machines were installed. They were funded by a grant from The Berkshire Community Foundation, The Berkshire Nurses, Relief In Sickness trust and Tesco Stronger Starts. Among the first to try out the new machines was client Gerry, who immediately took to the ‘Climber’. He said:
“The electronics are clearer than on the older machines. The footrests are better and comfortable, this machine helps me to strengthen my legs and arms and I can exercise both at the same time. It’s stable and strong, I feel safe on it. It’s easy, it’s fun”.
The next-generation ‘Rower’ is also proving a winner with users.
Said Tony: “I like that I can use both arms and legs at the same time; I can give it a good strong push and pull. It’s stable and I can feel my muscles work.”
Lisa’s opinion: “It’s good to be seated because of my balance issues; the machine is strong and stable, I feel safe, I know I’m not going to fall off”.
Client-focussed
Over 90% of users find that sessions at the Centre have a positive impact on their health and well-being, makes them feel less stressed and more relaxed, and feel fitter and stronger.
Their clientele have a wide-ranging spectrum of reasons for visiting, including: neurological conditions, post-operative rehabilitation, learning disabilities, stroke, amputees, dementia, spinal cord injury, weight loss, orthopaedic conditions, complaints caused by long Covid and simply feeling the effects of getting older.
Donations welcomed
As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, they rely on donations from clients as well as local patrons and organisations to continue providing their vital service.
There are no fixed charges; clients are asked to donate what they can afford for their sessions.
They also have fundraising pages available on the following websites:
Location
West Berkshire Therapy Centre is located just off the A4, between Reading and Newbury, within the Frank Hutchings Community Hall. The full address is: West Berkshire Therapy Centre, Bradley-Moore Square, Harts Hill Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 4QH.
There is plenty of free parking outside, including four Blue Badge parking spaces.
The Centre is fully accessible.
Contact Us
To learn more about what West Berkshire Therapy Centre has to offer, please ask for a leaflet by calling 01635 864561 or by sending an email to info@westberkshiretherapycentre.org.uk.
You can also visit their website: westberkshiretherapycentre.org.uk
