DIFFERENT STROKES EXERCISE CLASS STARTING IN SOUTHAMPTON IN MAY 2006
Different Strokes are pleased to announce that an exercise group is being set up in Southampton, specifically aimed at stroke survivors. The class is run by physiotherapists and designed to improve balance, fitness and suppleness – continuing where NHS physiotherapy has left off. The class will also give you the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Stroke survivors.
Who are ‘different Strokes’?
Different Strokes are a nationwide registered charity set up to provide support for younger Stroke survivors. Their aims are to optimise recovery by offering rehabilitative services, information and advice. As well as providing the ‘StrokeLine’, so that stroke survivors can speak to other stroke survivors on the telephone, different Strokes also organises a national network of weekly exercise classes.
Currently there is no existing Southampton based exercise class. The neurological team here at Therapeutics is therefore working alongside different Strokes to provide a class for residents living in and around the Southampton area.
Who is the class aimed at?
The class would be suitable to anyone that has had a stroke and can walk without assistance from another person. For health and safety reasons we ask that those interested in joining the class gain consent from their GP to ensure medical fitness. In addition class participants will receive an initial assessment by a physiotherapist at Therapeutics, to identify movements and exercises that may cause pain or injury and establish an individualised programme.
The class itself will be run by a physiotherapist and include a warm up, gentle stretches, light aerobic work, muscle strengthening exercises, posture advice, postural control exercises and a cool down. Carers and family members are also welcome to the class and free coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available.
Where will it take place?
The class will take place at Therapeutics Rehabilitation Clinic in the fitness studio. The clinic is situated at Trojans Sports Club in Eastleigh and has ample parking facilities and disabled access. For those unable to drive, for a nominal cost, we are able to offer transport in our adapted minibus.
When will it take place?
We anticipate the class will take place once weekly on a Friday. The exact time of the class will depend on the feedback generated by this information letter. We will try our best to arrange a time which is most convenient for the majority of those interested.
We hope to carry out as many initial assessments as possible by the end of April to enable us to start the classes at the beginning of May 2006.
How much will it cost?
We envisage that each class will cost around £3 to attend. A one off payment of £25 will be asked for the initial assessment to cover the cost of the physiotherapy input. It is our hope that as the exercise group becomes more established, donations from local businesses and local fundraising events will help cover future expenses.
How to contact us?
If you feel you would benefit from the class we would love to hear from you. Please contact us by phone, post or email with any questions, ideas or suggestions.
Contact Details
Penny Lilley or Anna Molle
Therapeutics Southampton Ltd
Trojans Club, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh
Hampshire, SO50 9HT
Tel: 02380 653 707
Website: www.therapeutics-southampton.co.uk
www.differentstrokes.co.uk
|
