Celebrations as Wolverhampton & District MS Therapy Centre reopens
Members and patients of the Wolverhampton & District MS Therapy Centre have been enjoying Welcome Back celebrations after 42 weeks of the doors being closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The centre, based in Newbridge, has more than 200 people on the books and as well as the three members of staff currently has 25 volunteer helpers.
Paula Anderson, the 59-year-old centre manager, said: "We are celebrating re-opening of the centre by holding a Welcome Back Week.
"This has included the serving of cream teas, lots of fun and games such as Hook-a-Duck and a photography competition for a calendar we hope to bring out next year.
"We decided we needed to mark the occasion and other things included in the activities have included a Name the Teddy competition and the counting of sweets in a jar.
"Home-made cakes have also been on sale and we have enjoyed a really good week.
"The centre officially opened in 1986 and provides oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, reflexology and support for people.
"We are also celebrating the fact that our chairman, Peter Williams, who helped found the centre in 1984, has been awarded an MBE for services to sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis.
"We are hoping that everyone, including our volunteers, have enjoyed the activities.
"There are 25 volunteers at the moment and we could not run the centre without their help.
"They help with the therapies, making teas and coffee and help with supermarket collections as well as fundraising.
"Despite the closure we have managed to maintain our membership levels and are hoping to get even more people to join.
"We have a waiting list of patients because of the pandemic and offer a service for people suffering from Long Covid.
"Currently we have about six of these patients for whom we offer oxygen therapy."
Although closed for 42 weeks because of the pandemic staff managed to offer a support line and Zoom meetings for members and patients.
