The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (NW) has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. This small independent charity based in Eccles, Greater Manchester relies on community support for its day to day running. Most of their volunteers either have MS themselves or care for someone with the disease.
Dave Quigley a member whose wife has MS said “The centre gives a lifeline for people like my wife and me, it’s a real family feel, everyone helps and supports each other and the therapies available are genuinely life changing”.
The centre is an amazing place with a true community spirit, run and operated by people whose lives have been impacted by MS for people impacted by MS. The Centre is membership run and their voices are at the centre of everything that happens. Being run this way has led to a huge buy in from centre users, creating a little oasis of support in the community.
One volunteer Andrea Booth said about the centre “It’s amazing to be recognised for the work we do. It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of this small charity and help in delivering the therapies we deliver here”
Whilst the centre is based in Greater Manchester, members travel from all over the North West to access the therapies they offer, from Oxygen Therapy, Physiotherapy, Yoga and Tai Chi classes and lots more. It really is a vital hub for all its members. The volunteers are the beating heart ensuring the centres’ oxygen chambers run, classes have instructors and the space is clean and safe. They also raise vital funds essential to keeping the lights on and doors open.
Chair of Trustees Andi Gilbody wanted to thank all the centres volunteers “I’m so proud of all our volunteers, they really are the beating heart of what our charity is about. To see the journey of The MS Therapy Centre (NW) over the last almost 20 years has been humbling to witness. I’m so grateful for the work that all our volunteers do and witness daily the difference they make to so many peoples lives”.
The MS Therapy Centre (NW) are currently raising funds to complete a move from Trafford to a purpose fitted out centre in Eccles. Being awarded the Queens award is an incredible boost to the morale of everyone at the centre after what have been an extremely tough few years. If you’d like to find out more follow them on Twitter @MSTherapyNW
If you would like to see for yourself how the centre could help or how you could help the centre by fundraising or volunteering please call 0161 8729444.