Exercise Advice, Support and Opportunities for people with Neurological Conditions

There is a well-established and growing evidence base that suggests that physical activity can be beneficial for both our physical and psychological wellbeing. For people living with neurological conditions being active, even in small amounts regularly, can help to manage chronic symptoms such as pain and fatigue, as well as being an empowering tool to improve and support everyday life.

But motivation and knowing the right place to turn can be a problem.

We have the solution…

The Neuro Therapy Centre and Brio Leisure have teamed up to develop an Access to Exercise programme which offers people:

• One-to-one telephone exercise advice
• Opportunities to exercise with guidance from instructors who understand neurological conditions (online options available too)
• Exercise films to carry out at home
• Telephone advice and support with sign-posting service

Not everyone’s needs and requirements are the same. Our advice and support is tailored to the individual – keeping them in control of managing their condition. The programme is suitable for people whether they are newly diagnosed or on their symptom journey.

This project is led by the Neuro Therapy Centre, with Brio Leisure and The Walton Centre, funded by Sport England. Part of the project forms research on improving access to exercise for people with neurological conditions carried out by Sheffield Hallam University.

At the Neuro Therapy Centre, you’ll be able to access a whole host of specialised advice, support, exercise options and physiotherapy. At Brio Leisure you'll have access to aquatherapy, boxercise, seated exercise, fitness and more.

We’ll be monitoring your health and wellbeing over the course of your activity journey. The learnings we gather from this study will go on to inform and influence a new qualification for fitness and health professionals, to advance their knowledge and skills around supporting those affected by neurological conditions.

To access the services of the Neuro Therapy Centre you will need to become a member for an annual fee, services are then free of charge, but as a charity donations are welcomed. The costs of activities offered by Brio Leisure vary according to activity you access. Registered Carers can accompany you free of charge. 

We chose to work with Brio because of their expertise, excellent and easy-to-reach leisure facilities, together with their commitment to improving wellbeing within our community. You can find out more about Brio by visiting their website www.brioleisure.org

To find out what exercise and physio support is available for you in your area or for more information please contact us on 01244 678619 or [email protected]

Feedback about the project:

“The Centre has provided me with two zoom seated classes that I participate in on a Monday and Wednesday. It has improved my overall fitness as previously I only did some walking in my flat. The Centre has been excellent providing good and consistent weekly zoom classes.” 

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“The value of the Centre is huge. It provided a routine, social aspect and also physical and mental benefits. I have attended the Centre weekly for pilates and also the gym. It maintained my functional ability to carry out day-to-day tasks and also my fitness and strength. I was so grateful for the Centre remaining open and allowing me to access the services”.

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 “The Virtual Centre classes have provided structure and routine to my week. It has provided me with interaction with other members as I have been quite isolated at home. Overall it has benefited my physical and mental wellbeing. The Centre has been a lifeline being open during the Covid pandemic and I am very grateful for the virtual classes”.

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 “The Virtual Centre classes have provided me with weekly pilates and seated classes that I attend. It has given me motivation to continue with my exercise within a group class as I would have struggled to do this alone. I also feel I can discuss any issues with the Therapy Team after the class. Overall it has maintained my fitness and condition as without the virtual classes, my condition may have deteriorated. It has also benefited me by working on my core strength which has been my weakness. I have been very grateful for the Centre providing a service during this Covid pandemic. I am impressed at their ability to adapt with the changes and being responsive.”

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“I was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS 25 years ago resulting in my mobility being severely reduced; I am now confined to a wheelchair. However, over the past few years, aspects of my condition have improved considerably and I attribute this in no small measure to my access to exercise. 

Every week I attend two sessions in the gym at the Neuro Therapy Centre where I benefit from both the considerable expertise of a personal trainer and a wide and well adapted range of equipment. Since starting my programme the strength in all my limbs and core has improved considerably as has my mobility. My work in the gym (which includes boxing!) is providing a unique opportunity to develop my cardio-vascular fitness. It's wonderful to be able to get out of breath again! 

I also attend the weekly Aqua-Therapy Class at the Brio Leisure Centre for a session comprising fitness/mobility exercise and swimming coaching. With the help and encouragement of instructors, I have learned to swim again and I am swimming 500 metres each session. Through swimming and a water-based exercise routine, I have gained a great deal more strength and movement in my legs, have improved levels of fitness and equally importantly, it has helped restore my confidence and enabled me to again enjoy my favourite sport, swimming. 

I cannot speak too highly of all that “Access to Exercise” has done for me."

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Referral Forms

To access these activities just fill in the form below or ask your Nurse or GP to refer you directly.

Click here to download the Self - Referral Form

Click here to download the Referral Form for INNS/GPs AHPs

Who are Brio Leisure?

Brio Leisure manage health, leisure and wellbeing centres across Cheshire West and Chester, including Northgate Arena in Chester, Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Northwich Memorial Court, and Winsford Lifestyle centre, alongside many more leisure centres and entertainment venues.

Our partners

This project is a partnership with Brio Leisure and the Walton Centre, with funding from Sport England and support from the MS Society, Parkinsons UK and Sheffield Hallam University.