Here to Help
What we do:
We provide accessible and affordable therapies to those affected by MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and we make our services available to those with other life-long neurological conditions including Stroke. The Centre is a member of the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres (MSNTC) – a charity which represents individual Therapy Centres. These centres, like ours, provide different treatments, therapies and support to some 15,000 people living with MS and other neurological and physical conditions every week and help them to live as normal a life as possible. Each MS Therapy Centre is an individual charity with dedicated staff and volunteers. Our clients can choose from our therapies to manage their own condition and symptoms in a way which works for them.
What we offer:
Oxygen Therapy
Breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber allows elevated levels of oxygen to be absorbed by the body into the bloodstream and tissues. This can help to relieve symptoms associated with a range of health conditions, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. The technology is well established and safe and it is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment. Each session costs £12.
Physical Therapy
We provide individual, tailored physio sessions using specialist equipment and expert guidance. Each session lasts about 40 minutes and costs £12. Members having oxygen and physio treatments on the same day pay £20 for both sessions (a saving of £4).
Friendship, support and advice to those living with a long-term condition. Our Centre is a place to come to meet up with friends as well as having therapy.
Social activities and opportunities for volunteering.
From small beginnings in 1986 HOPE has grown into a substantial, fully accessible Centre where our Members can relax, have a chat and enjoy some refreshment as well as receiving Oxygen Therapy and Physical Therapy treatments.
HOPE is run by Trustees (who are also Directors) because HOPE is both a registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee.
People joining our Centre are asked to pay an annual Membership Fee which entitles them, as Members, to contribute ideas to the running of the Charity alongside the Directors. The Membership Fee is currently £25 pa.
There are two paid staff and two Physical Therapists under contract to the Centre. We ask our Members to pay £12 towards the cost of each treatment. Non Members can also receive treatments but these are charged for separately.
History
The Centre was started with a small group of people with MS discussing the possible benefits of a then little known treatment using Oxygen Therapy. This was followed soon after with the formation of HOPE as a locally registered Charity. After some two years spent raising the necessary funds, the Centre started operations on the 6th January, 1986, and Oxygen Therapy was at last available to people with MS in Pembrokeshire.
In 2000 the decision was taken to expand the provision to include Physical Therapy as well and we currently offer around 3000 treatments a year.
Over the years we have enjoyed very generous funding from people in all walks of life, from major companies, businesses, retail groups, other charities, the public, children and a real “lifeline” of monies from collection boxes. Without this continued revenue stream we would cease to exist as we are today and we thank all the very generous people of Pembrokeshire and our Friends of HOPE worldwide.