THIS week, Monday April 28 to Sunday May 4, is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
With the UK’s biggest MS charities encouraging people to talk about the condition, Wokingham.Today visited Reading charity, Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.
After a warm welcome from reception (on this day provided by volunteer Sue) the first thing you notice is how attractive and light the open plan centre is.
Its spacious cafe is surrounded by private treatment rooms, a large well-equipped gym, and an oxygen chamber that looks intriguingly like a deep sea diving bell.
People come from Reading, Wokingham, Windsor, and right across Berkshire to access a wide range of in-person and online support for people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.
“There aren’t many centres like this, so people come from quite far away,” said staff member Claire Frew.
Core therapies of physiotherapy, counselling, oxygen therapy, and footcare, are provided free, by donation.
Complimentary therapies; including yoga, acupuncture, massage, reiki and spinal reflexology are also available at reduced rates.
But this is more than a therapy centre – it’s a community and a safe space where people find peace, friendship and understanding.
“Whether they have been recently diagnosed and are still processing the news, or have lived with MS for years and are managing their symptoms, everyone is welcome,” said Claire.
“MS isn’t curable, but there are lots of ways to help symptoms, and it’s so important to be able to chat with others on a similar journey.”
There are various types of the condition, and people can experience it very differently.
“Some won’t appear to have MS at all, while others may be more obviously affected – but everyone belongs here, and a lot of people find comfort,” she said.
“And it’s fun here – there’s lots of laughter.
“People often stay for hours after therapy to catch up with friends.”
Wheelchair accessible throughout, the centre has wide passages, accessible toilets, a lift to the upper floor, and wider than usual doors.
One leads to the oxygen chamber, a circular iron ‘room’ that allows three or four people inside at a time to breathe increased oxygen via a mask.
Air is pumped into the closed chamber, creating pressure (similar to underwater depths) which helps the body absorb more oxygen.
“We take them ‘down’ to 16, 24, or 32 feet for the more experienced,” explained volunteer pump operator Mike.
“It’s a bit like going up in a plane when you feel pressure in your ears.
“It really helps, because MS can make you feel very tired, and lots of people find this therapy improves their energy levels.”
In the centre’s well-equipped gym, Claire introduced Bev and Gregg, who were exercising.
“This is an amazing place,” said Bev.
“It’s kept me walking and well for 15 years, and I’ve made lots of friends – this is a family.”
Gregg agreed: “I’ve been coming for 23 years, often twice a week.
“The therapies and the social aspects are so helpful – I even became a trustee because this place is so amazing.”
In the cafe a group of friends talked about what the centre means to them.
“The staff here are wonderful,” said James.
“They really get to know you, and there’s nothing they won’t do to help.
“The oxygen therapy here gives me energy and clears my head – I feel different as soon as I come out of the chamber.
“And I also love the hot stone therapy.”
“But massage isn’t just a luxury,” said Sam.
“It’s a necessity for people with MS, working our muscles and keeping them maintained.
“I do Pilates as well as physiotherapy, and I find the stretches really help because MS can make you quite stiff.”
Jo is reassured that MS is clearly understood at the centre.
“We know that each therapy has been specifically designed for us, and that it will be helpful, not painful or damaging for us,” she said.
“The centre is helping us to maintain our bodies and access more of life.”
Amanda loves the singing group, and said it gets her up on a Monday, while Chloe explained that other sessions, such seated yoga, are recorded online for members to participate at home if needed.
“You can access as much or as little as you want, and everyone’s so supportive,” she said.
In 2024, the centre carried out 14,920 treatments, and supported 366 people with MS.
“We need more than £650,000 each year to keep the centre running,” explained Claire.
“And we rely on fundraising for every single penny.
“We’re a charity, but we don’t get any government or NHS funding, despite the NHS referring a lot of people to us.
“Instead, we hold tea parties and an annual ball, or people run marathons for us and set up sponsored events and book sales.
“We’re very lucky that people choose to support us, and when people come here for therapy they’ll often make a donation too.
“At the end of the day, we never want to turn anyone away who can’t afford to receive our core therapies, and that’s where fundraising is vital to enable us to provide these services for them.”
Sam sums up the centre’s importance for members and their families.
“Talking with each other can really help us to cope with MS,” she said.
“But sometimes it can take two years from someone being diagnosed with MS to realising the therapy centre is here.
“They miss out on all that support, at a time when it’s really crucial.
“This place helps with all aspects of everything, and it’s so family friendly too.
“We’ve all got MS – we’re all in the same boat – but what’s lovely is that we’ve all made some really strong friendships, and we can talk about all sorts of things.”
Berkshire MS Therapy Centre is located in August End, Reading.
Any adult with an MS diagnosis is welcomed as a member.
For information, to join, or to support the centre, visit: bmstc.org or call: 0118 901 6000.
