mags4dorset Charity of the year – The Osborne Centre
Dear Readers,
Hi, it’s me again, Alan from the Osborne Centre and our branch at West Parley.
Last month I explained just what MS is, how it can affect your body and the huge part that our physiotherapy suite plays in providing exercise for people whose lives are affected by MS. It is important to maintain a degree of fitness for as long as possible in order to help deal with the condition.
In 2011, due to a wonderful legacy, our branch was able to transform an old, draughty, cold and leaking extension into a modern, well-lit, warm and spacious craft room. Arts and crafts are popular activities at the Osborne Centre, with sessions run by our enthusiastic volunteers. As many as twenty wheelchair users can try their hand at painting, card making, etching, or indeed anything that can help maintain the dexterity in hands and arms. It can be quite satisfying to complete a project knowing it was your own skills that helped craft a ‘masterpiece’.
For members who like a challenge we have a Nintendo Wii machine on which they can either test their own skills against the machine or other players. This activity not only helps dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination, it also promotes cardio-vascular exercise.
Another form of stimulation, thought by many to be the biggest reference library in the world, is the computer, of which we have several. Members can access the Internet for information, send emails to family and friends or just use them for fun.
This equipment does come at a cost and we are very lucky to have generous and hardworking benefactors who have helped fund it. The committee has also invested in a ‘state of the art’ security system in order to protect the Centre.
Next month: fundraising.
Bye for now,
Alan Lindsay
President
Bournemouth and District Branch
MS Society
Tel: 01202 570300
www.ms-bournemouth.co.uk
