On Wednesday 23 July, the Mayor of Thatcham Petra Pemberton (above) visited the West Berkshire Therapy Centre to cut the red ribbon celebrating the arrival of two new power-assisted exercise machines.
The state-of-the-art machines enable many local residents with physical challenges to develop new dimensions in their exercise routines, designed to help maintain mobility, strength, and independence. The machines were funded by a grant from The Berkshire Community Foundation, The Berkshire Nurses and Relief in Sickness Trust and Tesco Stronger Starts.
West Berkshire Therapy Centre is a community charity in Thatcham which helps those affected by Parkinson’s, MS, Stroke, Fibromyalgia, pain, rheumatism, arthritis, cancer, sight loss, post-operative recovery and many other conditions.
Clients come from North Hampshire, Reading, West Berkshire, and beyond. Individually-designed exercise routines help to improve mobility and the ability to carry out basic tasks of daily living, reducing pain, and encouraging greater independence.
Above (left to right): Mayor of Thatcham Petra Pemberton, Jill Owen (Manager, Major Grants and Events, Greenham Trust), Rob Daniels (Head of Grants, Greenham Trust), Norman Casson (Head of Board of Trustees).
Much of the equipment at the Therapy Centre is bespoke and intelligently allows clients to use as much or as little muscle power as appropriate to their condition. As fitness levels improve, the machines do less of the work.
All of the specialist power-assisted equipment at the Therapy Centre is designed to simulate tasks which may have become difficult, such as keeping balanced, getting up out of a chair, putting on a seatbelt, walking up stairs. Clients are able to put in as much or as little physical effort as they wish whilst crucially reaping the benefits of exercising.
Above: Veronica trying out the new ‘Seated Climber’ machine.
As a charity, there are no set charges for sessions at the Centre; donations are requested from clients can afford.
If you would like to know more about the Therapy Centre or arrange a free, no-obligation visit to see both the new and established equipment, please email info@westberkshiretherapycentre.org.uk or telephone 01635 864561. Printed and PDF versions of the Therapy Centre leaflet are available on request.
