News | The Movement Center

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL: TARGETED TRAINING FOR CHILDREN WITH CP

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their physical challenges, can stand tall, take a step, and embrace the joy of movement. For children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), this vision is becoming a reality through Targeted Training therapy. This specialised approach to physiotherapy empowers children with CP to overcome physical limitations and reach new milestones in mobility and independence. In this blog, we’ll explore how Targeted Training therapy works, its incredible benefits, and why it’s a game-changer for children. We make sure children are thriving with Cerebral Palsy.

THRIVING WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral Palsy affects thousands of children, approximately 1 in 400 live births in UK every year. Cerebral palsy brings unique challenges to each individual child. Take a moment to imagine the daily struggle of a child with CP—simple actions like sitting up, reaching out for a toy, or taking a step require tremendous effort. Muscle tightness, lack of coordination, and limited range of motion can make even the smallest movements a challenge. These physical difficulties often come with emotional struggles too, as children face barriers in playing with friends or participating in activities they love. The types of CP can include:

Spasticity: Muscle stiffness that restricts movement.
Dyskinesia: Involuntary movements or difficulty controlling muscles.
Ataxia: Problems with balance and coordination.

But there’s a critical window of time during early development when Targeted Training therapy can make a life-changing difference. This is where Targeted Training comes into play, offering a path to greater mobility and independence—a beacon of hope for parents and children alike.

What is Targeted Training and Why Does it Work?

So, what makes Targeted Training so special? Unlike conventional physiotherapy, Targeted Training is a physiotherapy for children with movement difficulties to help children gain control of their movement. Through a course children can gain new skills and independence, which can have a huge impact on their lives.

Through a course of Targeted Training therapy children can gain head control, so they can interact with their family; it can help children develop the skills to sit unaided, so that they can play with their friends. For some children it can enable them to walk, which means they can be far more independent!

“Stabilizing the orientation of the head is a priority task for the nervous system for the movement performance to be accurate”

Targeted Training replicates normal development of the upright posture. It focuses on the fact that control develops down the head.

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Rimsha Abdullah

Three-year-old superhero smashes charity bike challenge for Oswestry charity

A huge thank you to Lola!

A three-year-old with cerebral palsy has shown that superheroes come in all sizes after taking on a month-long cycling challenge to raise money for a charity that is helping her get stronger.

Little Lola James showed her true grit by undertaking a distance of 14.5 miles on her trike over the course of a month to raise money for The Movement Centre charity.

The centre, in Oswestry, has benefited Lola with a year-long programme of targeted physio training and the loan of a special standing frame that allows parents Bethony and Greg to help the little girl gain much-needed strength and stability through improving her core muscles.

Lola’s cerebral palsy means she is unable to stand or sit independently, but she has shown great determination in intensive physio sessions that are most beneficial before she reaches the age of five.

The goal of her training with The Movement Centre is to help Lola one day be able to stand on her own.

Lola’s parents Greg and Bethony have been able to access help from The Movement Centre free of charge so have been giving back through Lola’s charity challenge.

Her father Greg’s employers – Derbyshire-based science company Lubrizol, where he works as a photographer and videographer – were so impressed by the little girl’s efforts that they boosted her total too.

Lola undertook her cycling challenge by using her trike to cycle round the block every day with her parents.

In taking on the huge effort Lola was part of the Superhero Series Race, a mass participation event dedicated to the 14.4million people in the UK living with disabilities.

Mum Bethony said: “Lola’s progress thanks to help from The Movement Centre and other physio over the last year has really given us hope for the future. I think anything is possible for her. She has been absolutely determined. She has worked so hard and as her parents we couldn’t be prouder of her. We would like to thank everyone who has supported Lola in her journey including Lubrizol, The Movement Centre and all those who have raised money. The support means the world to us.”

Lola has also benefited recently from more fundraising after three students at Lubrizol raised more than £3,500 by taking on a half marathon to raise money for her physio treatment.

Movement Centre fundraising lead Curtis Langley said: “We are delighted that we have been able to support Lola and her family, and great to see her taking on such an amazing challenge for The Movement Centre.

“Our aim at the centre is to give children like Lola the chance of reaching their full potential, and with support like this we can help more children to do so. It is so impactful when there is a collaborative effort when it comes to fundraising.

“Lola’s family have done an amazing job, and it is great that they have been supported by Lubrizol. A huge thank you to Lola, her family and everyone that supported her fundraising efforts.”

Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which donated to Lola’s cycle challenge, said: “Lola faces big challenges in life but she seems to tackle them with such determination and positivity. We were delighted to support her challenge for The Movement Centre and hope that the money can help other young children who will really benefit from its support.”
The fundraising link is still open for anyone who would like to support Lola’s challenge: www.justgiving.com/page/superhero-lola

Louise Minchin Joins The Movement Centre as Newest Patron

In a heartwarming development, former BBC Breakfast TV presenter Louise Minchin has embraced a new role as the patron of The Movement Centre, a charitable organization dedicated to providing life-changing therapy for children with movement difficulties. The centre, situated in Oswestry, Shropshire, is elated to welcome Minchin on board, recognizing her as a prominent figure in the media industry and a passionate advocate for charitable causes.

The Movement Centre specializes in Targeted Training, an innovative approach aimed at helping children with movement difficulties achieve greater independence and mobility. Louise Minchin’s commitment to making a positive difference aligns seamlessly with the charity’s mission to improve the lives of children facing movement challenges.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the partnership, Minchin stated, “I am honored and excited to become a patron of The Movement Centre. Witnessing the incredible work they do to transform the lives of children facing movement challenges is truly inspiring. I am eager to contribute to their mission and help raise awareness for the invaluable services they provide.”

Minchin’s involvement comes at a pivotal moment for The Movement Centre as it expands its reach and impact. Her support is expected to significantly amplify the charity’s message, encouraging further backing from the public to support the cause.

Kate Halewood, Chair of Trustees at The Movement Centre, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Having Louise Minchin as our patron is a tremendous privilege. Her passion for philanthropy and commitment to making a positive impact align perfectly with our mission. We believe that with her support, we can reach new heights in our efforts to empower children with movement disorders and help them lead fulfilling lives.”

The Movement Centre extends an invitation to the public to join them in welcoming Louise Minchin as their patron. They encourage everyone to support ongoing initiatives and fundraising activities to provide essential therapy for children in need. With Minchin’s support, The Movement Centre aims to create a stronger impact and reach even more children, offering them the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future.

Persimmon Homes gives £5,000 cash boost to The Movement Centre

A children’s physiotherapy centre has secured a donation to fund vital equipment, enabling it to continue its services around Oswestry, thanks to a national housebuilder.

The Movement Centre received the £5,000 funding boost from Persimmon Homes West Midlands as part of its Community Champions initiative. The charity provides life changing children’s physiotherapy, working with those who have movement difficulties to achieve new skills through increased strength and control of their movement. The team also work closely with families and the course of therapy is tailored to each child’s specific needs.

As a charity, The Movement Centre relies on the kind support of its donors, such as Persimmon. The funding from the West Midlands team will enable the centre to purchase additional standing frames, which each child is provided with at the beginning of their therapy. Access to more frames will allow each child who spends time at The Movement Centre to take part in their recommended 30 minutes of therapy per day.

The cheque presentation was attended by David Greengrass, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes and Cllr Mark Jones, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration at Shropshire Council.

Curtis Langley, Fundraising and Marketing Officer at The Movement Centre said: “We are thrilled to have the support from Persimmon Homes in 2024 as we continue our mission to help children with movement difficulties. This donation is amazingly impactful and will make a huge difference. We can’t thank them enough for their support. We aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of children that attend The Movement Centre and with support like this we can.”

David Greengrass, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “What we do is about much more than just building homes, it’s about leaving a lasting positive legacy in the communities that we build in. We’re always delighted to lend a hand to local organisations to boost their ongoing initiatives or contribute to causes that mean a lot to them.

“It’s an honour to be able to offer this support to The Movement Centre, helping them to continue their vital work in and around Oswestry.”

The Movement Centre and NetPMD Design and Integration join forces in a new fundraising partnership for 2024

The Movement Centre, a Shropshire based children’s charity, dedicated to empowering children with movement disorders, is thrilled to announce a strategic fundraising partnership with NetPMD Design and Integration, a pioneering design and integration business committed to Designing and Integrating latest generation fibre based networks worldwide.

This collaboration between both organisations started with sponsorship of new running tops in 2023, with members of staff running Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, and in 2024 the partnership will grow, as NetPMD pledge their support. The business based in Oswestry, UK, will aim to raise funds and awareness for The Movement Centre’s crucial mission of providing specialised movement therapy courses for children with physical disabilities.

NetPMD Design and Integration has played a pivotal role already in supporting The Movement Centre’s Snowdon Mountain Sunrise Challenge in 2024.

Curtis Langley, Fundraising and Marketing Officer at The Movement Centre said

“We are thrilled to partner with NetPMD Design and Integration in 2024 as we continue our mission to help children with movement disorders. This collaboration is really exciting, and we are looking forward to working with the team. We can’t thank them enough for their support with our new running tops and sponsorship of our Snowdon Sunrise Challenge. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those children that attend The Movement Centre.”

Charlotte Griffiths Marketing Executive from NetPMD added

“NetPMD are delighted to offer our support to such a worthwhile cause and are extremely proud to be aligned with the valuable work undertaken by The Movement Centre. Our whole team are looking forward to participating in the various fundraising events of 2024, fostering camaraderie and raising crucial funds for this amazing charity”

The Movement Centre is a UK charity and specialist treatment centre. We are dedicated to supporting children and their families living with movement difficulties. We provide a specialist children’s physiotherapy called Targeted Training Therapy to help children gain movement control.

NetPMD Design and Integration design, install, and integrate fibre networks that enable smart cities to operate optimally in the modern world. They partner with Service Providers and Construction companies to bring faster networks and greater technology integration to whole cities, exploiting Fiber technologies.

As the name suggests, they offer independent project management and design expertise to help you close the digital divide in your region.

We are excited for this strategic fundraising partnership in 2024, and look forward to the events and activities planned.

Charity Golf Day a huge success

A local Charity golf day a huge success as they welcome 14 fourballs.

A local charity recently held their annual charity golf day at Oswestry Golf club, raising vital funds towards their work. The golf day was a huge success and raised £2,688.

The Movement Centre do not receive any statutory funding, and all therapy is funded through fundraising efforts from their small team, and kind supporters. The funds raised will help the charity continue to provide free specialist therapy, called Targeted Training, to children who face problems with their movement control. By attending The Movement Centre, children can gain head control, so they can interact with their family; it can help children develop the skills to sit unaided, so that they can play with their friends. For some children it can enable them to walk, which means they can be far more independent.

Curtis Langley, Fundraising Officer at The Movement Centre said “Our events would not happen with the kind support we receive. We had 14 teams of four on the day and received some great feedback. A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors for the day, Pave Aways, Throgmorton, Sol Distribution, Lanyon Bowdler, Henstone and Rybrook”.

Everyone enjoyed the golf, and some great food put on by the golf club. Prizes up for grabs included products gifted by Henstone Distillery, golf accessories sponsored by Pave Aways. There was even a chance for somebody to win a BMW for a weekend on one of the oncourse competitions.

Pave Aways Managing Director Steven Owen added: “We’re delighted to support a charity which provides such life-changing physiotherapy to children in Shropshire.

“The Movement Centre’s annual golf day is always a great day out while raising funds to ensure that even more children can access treatment. We’re proud to play a small part in helping that to happen – no matter what the result on the 18th!”

Curtis continued to say “The day was filled with excitement, as somebody would win a BMW to take away for a weekend, kindly donated by Rybrook Shrewsbury. The winners on the day all took away some amazing prizes, and I can’t thank our sponsors enough, as the day wouldn’t happen without them. We will look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

With fundraising being so important for the charity, it is days like this that really make a difference. For them to continue to offer their therapy for free they will rely on the kind support they receive in the future.

GHP Magazine Announces the Winners of the 2023 Social Care Awards

The Movement Centre are proud to announce we have won Best Children’s Physiotherapy provider – West Midlands at GHP Awards.

The charity was identified by Global Health & Pharma as a nominee in the 7th annual Social Care Awards, and we were shortlisted.

The Social Care industry is a mighty entity which enables individuals to live their lives to the full by giving them freedom and independence. It encourages each of them to thrive regardless of any challenges they may be facing on a daily basis. Not only does this industry aid those who are most vulnerable, but it ensures their loved ones get the support they need throughout such tough and trying times.

This awards programme celebrates the bold achievements of business and individuals on a global scale, making them notable forces within the world of physical, emotional, and social support.

Our Awards Coordinator, Holly Blackwood, commented on the success of this year’s awards programme: “It has been fantastic to host the Social Care Awards 2023, and I want to wish all of our winners a huge congratulations. Without them, none of us would be where we are today.”

GHP Magazine, as always, strives to acknowledge those that are making the world a better place, or indeed, the businesses that are taking significant steps forward, no matter how modest and small they might seem on the greater landscape. These little steps, to large leaps, each contribute to a better future for all of us, and we couldn’t be happier to present them to our global audience.

To find out more about the trailblazers in this realm, and discover what has led them to becoming who they are today, please visit https://www.ghp-news.com/awards/social-care-awards/ to access our newest winner’s booklet.

Are you a Paediatric Physiotherapist?

If you are a Paediatric Physiotherapist, we would love to hear from you. It would be great to connect, and share ideas and concerns.

At The Movement Centre we provide physiotherapy for children and specialise in Targeted Training, an evidence based, life changing therapy, for children who have Cerebral Palsy and other movement disabilities.

Targeted Training has been developed to help children with movement disabilities gain control of their movement. Through a course children can gain new skills and independence, which can have a huge impact on their lives.

Many of the children who come to The Movement Centre have Cerebral Palsy or Global Developmental Delay, but Targeted Training therapy can also be suitable for children who have an acquired brain injury, Down Syndrome and other Genetic Disorders. We work closely with families and the course of therapy is tailored to each child’s specific needs.

Support is given directly beneath where control is an issue. As each child makes progress the level of support is lowered so that they can continue to develop movement control. This mimics the way in which movement control is naturally developed in a young infant, from the head downwards.

Every child has an initial assessment to determine if Targeted Training is suitable. If so, a specialist standing frame will be supplied. Targeted Training is specific and accurate, and you will be given guidance and support to practice the therapy at home. Continuity is important and we ask families to commit to 30 minutes a day.

We use various outcome measures to monitor changes and progress in the child’s journey with us at The Movement Centre. Our main outcome measure is the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo). A Paediatric Physiotherapist working in the NHS may use SATCo, or it will be known to them. Trunk or ‘core’ control is recognised as a vital component of overall control of posture, and is the reason we use this measure during our assessments. The SATCo measure tests the child’s trunk control and evaluates progressive changes segmentally from the head down. The SATCo is a validated test that is internationally recognised. Our results clearly show an improvement in trunk control across all ability levels and this provides a basis for progress in functional activities. These results support the improvements recorded with other outcome measures in use at The Movement Centre.

Both at the start and during the child’s course of therapy goals are also set and the period to achieve the goal is recorded. The goals are based on selections from the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), an assessment system familiar to therapists, and which provides clear descriptors of each activity. Each skill heading includes between four and 11 separate goals and a child may gain all or some of these goals during their course of therapy. Last year, which was our 25^th anniversary, eighty percent of the goals set were achieved by children attending our centre.

Targeted Training has been developed to help children with movement disabilities gain control of their movement. Many of the children we see have a diagnosis, such as Cerebral Palsy, or Global Developmental Delay but we welcome any family with a child, or medical professional working with a child who finds it difficult to control their movement to get in touch with us.

So, if you are a Paediatric Physiotherapist, we would love to hear from you. You can refer a patient to us by using the link below or if you would like to chat to us first then call 01691 404248.

Refer to The Movement Centre

Sarah Bew, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist

sarah@themovememtcentre.co.uk

The Movement Centre launches fully funded treatment for children for the first time

A pioneering Shropshire charity committed to helping children with movement difficulties has launched a fully funded treatment programme for the first time meaning families will no longer have to pay anything.

It means families with children attending The Movement Centre in Oswestry will no longer have to find the partial funding of £2,000 necessary to fund the unique and life-changing therapy – thanks to the ongoing tireless efforts of fundraisers, sponsors and supporters of the charity.

The Movement Centre is giving children the chance to gain more control of their movement and reach their full potential through Targeted Training therapy, the only therapy of its kind in the world.

Treatment has been helping to transform the range of movement of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities affecting their mobility for more than 25 years. It helps children with movement such as gaining head control so that they can interact with those around them, sit unaided and can lead to gaining the ability to walk.

David Vickery, chair of trustees at The Movement Centre, said: “This is a huge milestone and a massive change for the centre and for those benefiting from the amazing work carried out here by our staff.

“Thanks to the commitment of existing fundraisers and supporters we are delighted to be able to make the therapy for every child fully funded for the first time in the history of the charity.

“Previously families have had to pay £2,000 for Targeted Training Therapy, which was the biggest obstacle to them accessing this vital treatment. The therapy to improve movement makes a life-changing difference to a child and their family and can even see children taking their first steps.

“For others it is the difference between being able to sit at the table with their families, playing games on the floor with siblings and friends or using their arms and hands for tasks that the rest of us so often take for granted.

“It is a special moment for the trustees and a stage we have always wanted to reach. It’s also a pivotal moment for families as not having to pay a penny for the treatment means a huge financial burden has been lifted for them.”

Mr Vickery said physios at The Movement Centre are now looking to work with paediatric consultants, GPs and healthcare professionals across the UK to ensure they all know about the important work the centre does and that parents can access fully funded treatment once a consultation has taken place and the child is approved.

Mr Vickery added: “It has been a long road getting to this point but it’s important to stress that The Movement Centre does not receive any Government or NHS funding, so in order for us to continue delivering this fully funded treatment we still need the financial support that people have always been so generous to provide.

“Countless people support the charity every year and without their fundraising efforts and donations we simply would not be able to continue, so our message is please carry on arranging fundraising events and making those donations and, if you are a business, please consider making us your charity of the year in 2023 – we need your help now more than ever!”

We will be talking at the next Brain injury forum

Specialist therapy for children will be the subject of a talk at a brain injury networking event in Shrewsbury in October.

The forum is the latest in a series of events hosted by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors offering the opportunity for professionals working in the field of brain injury and other interested parties to come together, exchange views and share their expertise.

It will be held at Headway Shropshire, Holsworth Park, Oxon Business Park, on Thursday, October 13th between 9.30 and 11.30am and anyone interested in attending is being encouraged to book now as places are limited.

The main guest speaker will be Sarah Brew, a clinical specialist physiotherapist at The Movement Centre in Oswestry, who will be giving a presentation about Targeted Training Therapy and the important work the charity does to help children from all over the country.

The Movement Centre is giving children the chance to gain more control of their movement and reach their full potential through Targeted Training therapy, the only therapy of its kind in the world.

The treatment has been helping to transform the range of movement of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities affecting their mobility for more than 25 years.

A second guest speaker, from Headway Shropshire, will give a short presentation which will include some case studies and a talk on the work they are currently doing. There will also be an opportunity for those attending the forum to tour the Headway facilities.

Dawn Humphries, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s personal injury team, said: “These events are always well attended and provide an interesting forum for discussion about the issues facing those who have suffered a brain injury.

“We hold these networking events regularly at various venues and invite a variety of specialists along to give short presentations as guest speakers. The work of The Movement Centre at Oswestry is unique, so it will be interesting to hear Sarah’s talk about Targeted Training Therapy which has changed the lives of so many children and their families.

“I would like to thank Headway Shropshire for hosting the forum – another local organisation which is doing so much to improve life after brain injury.

“The forum is free to attend and light refreshments will be available but anyone wanting to come along must please book by Friday, October 7 – places are limited so it’s important to book early to avoid disappointment.

“Brain injury is a particularly traumatic area of personal injury or medical negligence cases. The effects of this type of injury often result in the most profound changes to the lives of victims, family and friends.”

To book, visit https://bit.ly/BINFOctober2022 and for more information, call Lanyon Bowdler on 01743 280280 or email info@lblaw.co.uk

For more information about The Movement Centre, visit www.the-movement-centre.co.uk and for more about Headway Shropshire, visit https://www.headway.org.uk/