Via http://www.cornishman.co.uk/new-MS-outreach-service-opened-Hayle/story-2...

A new outreach service for MS sufferers has been opened in Hayle

Sam Williams leads an exercise taster class at the launch of the new outreach service

A NEW outreach centre for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been launched in Hayle

The Merlin MS Centre, which is a based between St Austell and Grampound, opened its new service in Hayle last Wednesday, which will provide access to specialist physiotherapy and exercise sessions for those living with MS in West Cornwall

Sarah Snell, PR and Fundraising Manager for Merlin MS Centre, said: "We are delighted with how many people have taken up the sessions today. Some people have come before and some have never been

"We cannot bring every therapy down from the St Austell centre but we are bringing quite a lot down here for people that need it. We can adapt to people's needs and wants for the sessions"

Cornwall has one of the highest rates of MS in the country with more than 1000 people diagnosed with the incurable condition, which is normally diagnosed in young adults typically aged 20 to 40

The team at the charity will provide one-to-one sessions with a specialist neuro-physiotherapist once a month, and weekly group exercise classes, both seated and standing, designed to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce isolation

The new site, which is located just off the A30 at Marsh Lane Industrial Estate, will make the services more accessible for those living in the surrounding area

Alethea Wigzell, who has secondary progressive MS and lives near Helston was pleased with the taster sessions on the opening day

She said: "It has been really great, I have never been to the MS centre in St Austell as it is too far and too exhausting to drive home after exercise sessions. I am really pleased they are doing the sessions here"

Melissa King, a neuro physiotherapist, who heads up the therapy team at the charity, said: "This will provide a much-needed and valuable service for people living in this part of Cornwall, who would otherwise struggle to get to the centre due to difficulties with transport, mobility or travel costs

"We are delighted to be based at this venue taking some of the services offered here at the Merlin MS Centre out into the community"

So far more than £13,000 has been awarded to the pilot project through grants and trusts, which will fund new equipment, a mobility vehicle, hire of the venue and travel costs

If successful, the charity will look to offer outreach services in other parts of Cornwall