Fledgling charity The Neurokinetics Club is enhancing the lives of people living with neurological conditions.
Launched in May 2023, The Neurokinetics Club offers tailored exercise and a supportive community for people living with a diagnosis such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke.
Specially qualified trainers lead regular exercise groups at Manchester Maccabi, helped by volunteers who support participants.
While members exercise, a coffee and peer support group takes place for their care partners, with social activities also part and parcel of the charity’s offering.
Self-confessed ‘couch-potato’ Mark Samberg, 70, had never shown any interest in exercise, but since joining the club rarely misses the twice-weekly group. Diagnosed with MS, he struggles with his mobility.
He spoke about the social and physical benefits of the club at a fundraising and awareness coffee morning in early May, which netted over £2,000. CEO Andrew Saipe said: “The money will cover the cost of over 20 sessions that consist of people doing exercises to improve their ability to carry out everyday tasks like climbing stairs or holding a cup of tea.
“We work on balance, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity through a range of activities such as boxing, catching and throwing drills, or kicking balls, plus word and number games to help support cognitive function.”
Mark’s wife, Val, benefits from meeting other members’ partners at the carers’ group: “We go upstairs for a coffee and can scream, shout, or laugh. We’re all in the same boat and it’s amazing.”
Also in May, club members made their voices heard at a focus group as part of an NHS engagement project which aims to improve people’s experiences of healthcare services. They shared their observations on accessing information about their conditions, arranging medical appointments, and the quality of follow-up.
At the beginning of June, Andrew gave a presentation to the Bury branch of Parkinson’s UK, emphasising the benefits of consistent regular group exercise. He also noted that while there are many places people can go to exercise, a group specifically tailored to the needs of people with neurological conditions that focuses on the right exercises to help them with their needs is invaluable.
As well as encouraging new members, the club is actively seeking volunteers to support people during the sessions.
Contact Andrew on 07917 778 370 or email info@neurokineticsclub.org.uk
