MS OUTPATIENT SUPPORT

Askham supports MS outpatients in new partnership

Specialist Cambridgeshire rehab provider continues to expand the delivery of its life-changing care for residents – with the latest being a partnership with the MS Society to deliver dedicated therapy sessions

Having opened its cutting-edge rehabilitation facilities to outpatients for the first time earlier this year, Askham Village Community has now established a partnership to offer to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The specialist care and rehab provider is working with its local branch of the MS Society to ensure people living in the community can benefit from weekly sessions, as well as access to its array of sector-leading equipment, robotic therapy devices and hydrotherapy pool. And Askham’s specialism in supporting those with neurological conditions - which sees it become home to inpatients from across the country, delivering life-changing results through its commitment to person-centred rehabilitation - could see the provider forming partnerships with other groups or charities, for the benefit of those who need its resources. “We’ve had wonderful feedback through opening up our facilities to outpatients, lots of smiles and happiness, and really importantly, lots of opportunities for social interaction both for our residents and our outpatients,” says Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, director of Askham Village Community. “One of our core values here at Askham is that of community, and to be able to widen our community by supporting others is very important to us.” The partnership with the Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket MS Society Group came after lengthy discussions - pre-dating the pandemic - between the group and Askham, based in Doddington, to ensure they could jointly create something that would be effective for its 300 members. The outcome has been to devise weekly therapy sessions for people living with MS, which focus on encouraging motor functionality, with the MS Society Group also looking to fund private physio and hydrotherapy at Askham. “The group and its ethos really spoke to us, they were very cohesive and clearly had such fun together, and that was great to see. We could really see how us working together would be a good fit,” says Aliyyah. “We met Bob Bragger (a volunteer with the MS Society group, who has spearheaded the partnership) and there was a real connection there. I think while us working together is still in the early stages, it is going to work very well. It had been in the pipeline for a very long time and

I’m really pleased we could create something like we have. “As well as the weekly classes, our doors are always open for people to come into our cafe, enjoy our grounds, and experience those social opportunities. It’s fantastic to see people having fun together and interacting. “I can’t stress enough how important that is, particularly after the pandemic forced us to restrict access for so long to keep our residents safe. Social interaction is absolutely vital in this.” Having opened up its outpatient facilities earlier this year to people living with neurological conditions in the local community - enabling them to kick-start their rehabilitation after the pandemic saw so many regress in their ongoing recovery through a lack of access to provision - Aliyyah believes the social opportunities have an important role to play, in addition to their physical progress. “As well as the formal and structured work we do with outpatients, so many of whom are now resuming their rehabilitation after a difficult two years, the informal opportunities we can offer at Askham are a vital part of our community,” says Aliyyah. “We’re getting that buzz back at Askham we had before the pandemic, which is so important for our residents, and now for our outpatients too. “People can come into Askham knowing that all of our staff are trained in things like mental capacity and behavioural support, whether that is someone working in care or in our cafe. Everyone here understands what people who live with neurological conditions experience, whereas the understanding in the wider public forum can be variable, so I think that makes people feel a lot more comfortable about coming here. It’s a safe environment for them. “Our cafe is a wonderful resource, and now we can open it up again to members of the public. We encourage our residents to visit too. Pre-pandemic, we would see many of the same residents in there every day, interacting with people and enjoying themselves. “And also, importantly, to get there, they can enjoy a walk through the courtyard and the landscaped gardens to see the outdoors and get some fresh air. This gives an added purpose to them going there, which is fabulous and of great benefit. “I’m so pleased we can now welcome outpatients, and offer the dedicated sessions for people with MS, this adds greatly to our community.” Going forward, Askham is keen to explore the potential of working with other groups who support people with neurological conditions in and around Cambridgeshire. “We don’t want to go too far too fast, as we are just opening up again after the pandemic and the focus remains on keeping our residents safe, but we could definitely look at working with other organisations,” says Aliyyah. “Supporting people with neurological conditions is our specialism and we’d be really open to working with people from organisations which align with that. Two of our homes at Askham are dedicated to dementia and elderly care, so there is also the potential there, too. “Our relationship with the Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket MS Society Group is going very well and it’s wonderful to work with such a dedicated and committed group of people. “I think that shows what can be done, and the ways that Askham can support people living in the community with their physical and mental health needs and rehabilitation.” Bob Bragger added: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Askham Village Community to offer specialist treatment to people with MS in the region. “MS is relentless, painful and disabling, yet hundreds of people living with the chronic condition aren’t able to get the vital rehabilitation they need. “When we heard of Askham’s forward thinking facilities – that are on our doorstep – it was a no-brainer for us to get in touch! “By opening their doors, Askham will help us provide tailored rehabilitation – including stateof-the-art robotics, specialist physio with adapted fitness machines and hydrotherapy – to dozens of people living with MS. “We’re incredibly grateful to the fabulous staff at Askham, and look forward to working together to support the MS community.”

Askham is always welcoming new residents and staff into its growing community. For further information, please contact 01354 740269 or visit askhamvillagecommunity.com