Newbury mayor visits West Berkshire Therapy Centre

THE mayor of Newbury has praised the work of staff at the West Berkshire Therapy centre following a formal visit.

Billy Drummond met trustees, staff and volunteers at the specialised therapy gym for people with disabilities, which opened at Bradley-Moore Square, Harts Hill Road, Thatcham, in 2014.

He said he was impressed to hear about the wide range of unique adaptations that have been added to the equipment since the centre opened in 2014 in response to needs expressed by clients.

Mr Drummond also listened to clients who spoke enthusiastically about how the service helps them to be more mobile, more independent and more capable of carrying out basic tasks of daily living.

The service helps people with conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, stroke, rheumatism and arthritis and other physically disabling conditions, as well as those with sight impairment and other conditions that make it unsafe for those affected to exercise in conventional settings.

Trustee John Holt said afterwards: "We're most grateful to the mayor for his interest in what we do, the difference we make and the unique service that we provide to people in Newbury, Thatcham and further afield.

"Our exercise equipment suppliers have responded brilliantly to all our requests to modify and upgrade things and there is no comparable facility with such specialised rehabilitation equipment anywhere in the UK or elsewhere."

The centre also works in partnership with staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, helping those affected by 'long Covid' to keep their muscles in good working order while they recover.

The centre is financed by a combination of voluntary contributions from clients and an ongoing programme of fund raising.

More information about the centre can be found at www.westberkshiretherapycentre.org.uk