Afternoon Tea – 22 June 2026
The theme for our next Afternoon Tea at the Centre on 22 June is “Beside the Seaside” – as ever, fancy dress is optional but encouraged!
Please get in touch to book your place.
Thank you
Bank Holiday Reminder – 4 May 2026
We now collect bras! – April 2026
We now collect unwanted bras to be responsibly recycled and generate income for the Centre!
As a reminder, we also collect milk bottle tops, stamps, ink cartridges, old mobile phones, broken jewellery and old or foreign coins.
Thank you!
New Year, Old Prices! – April 2026
We are very pleased to announce that there will be no price increase to our membership or therapies in the new year in April!
Spring Coffee Morning & Clothing Sale – 28 March 2026
We hope that you can join us for our Spring Coffee Morning & Clothing Sale on Saturday 28 March.
Everyone welcome!
Neuro Physiotherapist Vacancy
Spring Afternoon Tea – 23 March 2026
Coffee Morning & Craft Destash – 14 February 2026
If you love Crafting and/or Cake this event is for you!
Lots of craft supplies available as well as coffee, cake and conversation.
Everyone welcome!
Saturday Morning Oxygen Therapy – February 2026
We are very pleased to offer two sessions of Oxygen Therapy on a Saturday morning during February and March – please get in touch to book your place!
Oxygen Concentrators are available throughout our opening times.
Jane Page
We are very sorry to share the news of the passing of our friend and Volunteer Oxygen Chamber Operator Jane. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Please see link for details of Jane’s funeral on Thursday:
https://rebeccapage.muchloved.com
Rest in peace Jane, thank you for everything you have done for the Centre, we will miss you x
Ruth & Fiona’s Yoganuary Challenge – January 2026
Ruth & Fiona have taken on the challenge of doing yoga every day of January to raise funds for the Centre – you can donate on JustGiving or follow their progress on Facebook.
Thank you!
Craft Club at the Centre – 2026 dates
Craft Club will be the 2nd Monday of every month in 2026 – January’s craft is Decoupage – everyone welcome!
Centre Christmas Opening Times – December 2025
Please note our Christmas opening times and give us a ring if you need to move your regular appointment.
Carols & Cake – 1 December 2025
Please get in touch to book your place!
Christmas Coffee Morning – 22 November 2025
Everyone is welcome to our Christmas Coffee Morning at the Centre!
Saturday Morning Trial – from 1 November 2025
Get in touch if you would like to book in for our new Saturday morning session – this is initially a 6 week trial, so if you would like to see Saturday mornings continue, or extended to include more sessions, then please book in!
Afternoon Tea at the Centre – 6 October 2025
Please pop in or get in touch to book your place for our next Afternoon Tea – dressing up (in pink) is optional, but encouraged!
New Starter Deal – from 1 August 2025
Introducing our New Starter Deal:
Your First 20 Oxygen Therapy Sessions Half Price!*
*Must be taken within 3 months *Booking card must be presented at time of payment
“Walk for Sue” Hilsea Lines Shore Walk – 22 June 2025
Many thanks to everyone who took part in the “Walk for Sue” on Sunday and to everyone who supported us on the day and on the JustGiving page – we’ve raised £267.65 (so far!). If you would like to support us and have not done yet, you can do so here.
The Amazing Jade Completes “Race to the King” Ultra Marathon!
Congratulations Jade, what an amazing achievement!
Many thanks for all of the amazing fundraising you have done for us over the years.
You can sponsor Jade here: Jade Barton is fundraising for Solent MS Therapy Centre
“The Greatest Showman” Afternoon Tea Raises £520!
Many thanks to the fantastic team that made our ‘Greatest Showman’ Afternoon Tea such a success – we raised an amazing £520!
Thank you to everyone who attended – what do you think the theme should be for the next one?
Sue Emery
It is with sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of Sue Emery.
Sue was a great advocate and supporter of the Centre, having been a Member, Volunteer and Trustee here for many years. She will be missed by us all.
For details about our “Walk for Sue” event on Sunday 22 June, please visit our JustGiving page or our Facebook event.
Please click here for details of Sue’s funeral.
‘The Greatest Showman’ Afternoon Tea at the Centre – Monday 9 June 2025
We are looking forward to our next Afternoon Tea which will be ‘The Greatest Showman’ themed – dressing up is optional but encouraged!
Please get in touch to book.
Considering trying Oxygen Therapy?
If you have been considering trying Oxygen Therapy, then now is the time – our Induction Session is FREE for people with MS and reduced from £50 to £25 for people with any other condition.
Please get in touch for more information or to book in!
Lord Mayor of Portsmouth visits MS Centre
The Trustees, Staff and Volunteers were very pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Jason Fazackarley, to the Centre on 13 March. Centre Manager Jo Jennings gave him a tour of the Centre’s facilities and he took the time to speak with the Team and Members. He was very interested to learn more about what the Centre offers, and congratulated everyone on the success of our 40th Anniversary fundraising challenge, then stayed to enjoy tea and cake with the Team.
“Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” Raises £491!
The Centre Team hosted a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ on 10 March for 27 of our members and supporters – thank you to everyone who attended. There were some fantastic costumes and it has been widely dubbed “the best one yet”! We are planning the next one for the summer – so watch this space!
Many thanks to Anne-Marie for making beautifully decorated cupcakes, Jo for making sausage rolls, Kathy for making jam, Linda for baking, making sandwiches, decorations & gifts and to all the staff and volunteers who helped out on the day by preparing, serving and washing up!
Annual Membership 2025/26
A Reminder for our Members that Annual Membership will soon be due! Thank you
World Book Day – Have a Blind Date with a Book!
From Thursday 6 March, we will have pre-wrapped books (labelled by genre) and book marks available in the Centre for only £1 each
Afternoon Tea Party at the Centre – Monday 10 March
Christmas Closure Timetable 2024
Please note our Christmas Opening Times.
Have a great Christmas Everyone!
Carols & Cake – 9 December 2024
We hope you can join us for our Carols & Cake afternoon at the Centre! Spaces are limited so please get in touch to book.
Throwback to 1984 – 20 & 21 November 2024
What were you doing in 1984?
We are looking forward to our 2 day celebration of 40 years of the Centre – expect music, games and outfits from 1984!
If you are happy to be included in our display, then please send a photo of yourself from 1984 to ruth@solentmstc.org.uk or bring it in and we’ll scan it.
Thank you!
Charity Quiz Night – 11 October 2024
Many thanks to Amy for organising a quiz night at her school for her “40 for 40 Challenge” – we are very much looking forward to it!
Book in advance at the Centre, or pay on the night, but please let us know you are coming so that we can give Amy numbers.
Thank you!
Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards – 12 September 2024
In the Centre’s 40th year and his 80th, it is particularly appropriate timing for long-standing Volunteer Oxygen Chamber Operator and Trustee Paul Lee to have been recognised at the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards. He was awarded Runner Up in the Love of Portsmouth Award as “someone who has devoted countless hours to volunteering, making a significant impact on the lives of many, whose dedication and love of Portsmouth shines brightly.”
Many thanks Paul for everything you have done and continue to do for the Centre.
40th Anniversary Gala Evening Raises £1500!
Many thanks to everyone who made our 40th Anniversary Gala Evening such a great success!
Thank you to the sponsors of the event Richmond Motor Group Portsmouth, CryoLabs Poole and Make Hair Magic LTD.
Thank you to the staff of Waterlooville Golf Club for looking after us so well on the night and for donating a ‘Four Ball’ round of golf to our raffle.
Many thanks to the Fabulous Miss G and Andrew for our after-dinner entertainment, Miss G was on great form as ever and certainly made a few people blush (Steve!), and she and we had great fun singing along as they regaled us with songs from the musicals.
Many thanks to George and Adam from VMJ imaging for capturing everyone looking glamourous! All credit for the attached photos goes to them. Anyone who had photobooth pictures taken on the night, please pop in or get in touch to view the images and order prints.
Thank you to fantastic MC and DJ Andrew Fisher who kept the evening running on time and so many of us on the dance floor until the end of the night!
Thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes: Chichester Festival Theatre, The Portsmouth Distillery Co., Debra Covington-Hole, the ‘Copnor Road Collective’, Beside The Seaside Photography, Dog n Bone Photography, Tesco North Harbour, Nails by Lorraine, Willsmith_photography, Philipa Coughlan, Morny Pritchett and Jo Jennings.
Thank you to everyone who made table decorations Blooms and Balloons Portsmouth, The Flower Shop by Alison, Linda Rickman and Morny Pritchett.
And finally thank you to everyone who attended, we raised over £1500!
Notice of Annual General Meeting – 19 July 2024
Please let Centre Manager Jo Jennings know if you are planning to attend.
Thank you
Summer Sizzler – Special Offer for New Starters May – July 2024
If you are considering Oxygen Therapy but have not quite got round to it then now is the time – get in touch now to book in and take advantage of our amazing Summer Sizzler Special Offer!
Special Offer for our Current Members May – July 2024
Current Members – if you have a friend that could benefit from Oxygen Therapy please introduce them to us and get 2 free Oxygen Sessions yourself when they become a Member!
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend 2024
A reminder for our Members that we will be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend, so if you will miss your regular booking, please get in touch to arrange an alternative.
Thank you and have a lovely long weekend!
40 Years of the Solent MS Therapy Centre
Yes that’s right, the Solent MS Therapy Centre is 40 this year! To mark the occasion, we have set the ambitious target of 40 events raising £40,000 in 2024! We are organising all sorts of events, ranging from afternoon tea in the Centre to a formal black tie do, and from a 40-person sponsored walk, to 1984-themed fancy dress in the Centre. We will also be asking for your memories, photos and stories about the Centre from over the years, so please have a think and, for our longer term members, dust off the old photo albums and we will begin to put together a display of the Centre through the years.
The 40 for 40 Challenge
In addition to the events we are organising, we have a challenge for you! We are asking all of our members and supporters to get involved with the 40 for 40 Challenge. The challenge is to do something related to the number 40 to raise funds for the Centre and to raise our profile in the local community. This could be something like cycling, walking or wheeling 40 miles, or a sponsored event lasting 40 minutes, 40 hours or 40 days… or how about passing on 40 of our leaflets to people that could benefit from what we do here, or asking people to donate £40? When you are ready to set up your fundraising page, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/the40for40challenge and click ‘Start Fundraising’. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Inspiring Volunteer Awards – 13 September 2023
Congratulations and many thanks to our amazing team of volunteers who won the Health and Social Care Award at the Inspiring Volunteer Awards at Fratton Park last night.
We are very proud of you, you are all amazing, thank you for everything you do for the Centre (including those of you who were not able to attend the awards ceremony)!
Centre Manager Jo (centre) with Volunteers (left to right) Sue, Fiona, Alison, Bob, John , Linda and Ruth
Physiotherapist Vacancies – August 2023
Are you a Physiotherapist that could work at our friendly MS Therapy Centre in Hewett Road, Portsmouth for one or two half days a week, preferably Wednesday / Thursday mornings?
We arrange your appointments for you with our members and provide a lovely relaxed therapy room in which to work. The room has a couch, sink and all cleaning equipment is provided.
We are a registered charity, but we can pay at a rate of £37.25 per hour and we require two physios to join our team. You will be employed on a self-employed basis.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in helping us, please contact the Centre Manager Jo Jennings for more information on 02392 699116.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
May Bank Holidays 2023
Portsmouth Football Match 22nd April
MS Awareness Week 24th – 30th April
Annual Membership 2023/24
Volunteer Vacancy
Ridgeback Raffle
Christmas Opening Times
We will be closed 24 December – 2 January, reopening Tuesday 3 January.
Volunteer Vacancies – November 2022
We are looking to add to our fantastic team of Volunteers – if you are interested please get in touch – full training will be provided!
Great South Run – 16 October 2022
Many thanks to our fantastic Great South Runners who raised an amazing £2195 for the Centre!
Thanks also to everyone who sponsored and supported them.
Notice of Annual General Meeting – 27 May 2022
Annual General Meeting
Friday 27th May
1:30pm at the Centre
Please let us know if you are planning to attend info@solentmstc.org.uk.
Get Moving for MS / MS Awareness Week – Portsmouth News Article – 29 April 2022
We are very pleased that our Get Moving for MS virtual cycling event for MS Awareness Week was featured in the Portsmouth News!
Get Moving for MS – MS Awareness Week 25 April – 1 May 2022
As part of MS Awareness Week 2022 (25 April – 1 May) Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres have an Activity Challenge of a ‘virtual journey’ from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The national challenge is to travel virtually from Land’s End to John O’Groats visiting each of the Therapy Centres throughout the UK, 1047 kilometres in total! Each Centre has a goal of achieving 100 kilometres.
Members, Staff and Volunteers of the Solent MS Therapy Centre will be completing our 100k in the Centre on our Thera Trainer or bicycle on a turbo trainer, some will be taking part remotely on their bicycles, in the gym on cross trainers, exercise bikes or whatever else they can clock up the kilometres with!
If you would like to take part please visit our JustGiving link below, click the ‘Start Fundraising’ button to set up your page, or get in touch if you’d like a paper sponsorship form. For anyone else, please click ‘Give Now’ and sponsor us in this challenge! Keep an eye out on our JustGiving page and Facebook page for photos that will be added throughout the week!
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GetMovingforMS
Volunteer Vacancies – April 2022
We are currently looking for Volunteers to Operate the Oxygen Chamber on a Monday on a weekly, ongoing basis. This could be two roles (morning and afternoon) or one role (all day).
Please get in touch for more information or an application form.
Thank you!
Physiotherapist Vacancy – March 2022
Are you a Physiotherapist who could work half a day a week at a local charity? If so please get in touch with Centre Manager Jo Jennings on 02392 699 116. Thank you!
Great South Run – 16 October 2022
Calling all runners!
Why not join in an iconic Portsmouth event to fundraise for an independent Portsmouth charity…
We will pay for and organise your entry and provide you with a personalised Centre branded T-shirt, we just ask that you set up a JustGiving page and raise £150 (or more!) for the Centre.
If you are interested, please contact ruth@solentmstc.org.uk.
New Therapists – March 2022
We are very pleased to welcome Debra and Susan to the team of Therapists we have here at the Centre.
We are now taking bookings for March, if you’d like to book in, please call on 02392 699 116.
Regular Giving Campaign
Thank you to all of our supporters who have set up a monthly donation to support our Regular Giving campaign so far – especially to those who have done so anonymously as we can’t thank you in person! If you are interested in finding our more about Regular Giving and how much it helps, please pick up a leaflet in the Centre or ask us to pop one in the post. Please request as many as you would like if you can share with friends, family and colleagues that all helps us spread the word.
If you would like to set up a monthly donation, please visit our Justgiving page justgiving.com/smstc, click on the Donate button, select Monthly, and either select or type in the amount you would like to donate and follow the instructions to set up your Direct Debit. If you are a UK taxpayer, your regular gift is eligible for Gift Aid, which means your donation can be worth 25% more at no additional cost to you.
If you have any questions please get in touch.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.
Volunteer Vacancies – February 2022
We are currently looking for an Oxygen Chamber Operator for 12:30 – 16:00 on Tuesdays, on a weekly, ongoing basis from February. Full training will be provided.
We are also looking for Volunteer Donation Sorters, this could be any hours to suit you during our opening times.
If you are interested please get in touch for further information and an Application Form.
Opening Hours – February 2022
Christmas Cards 2021
Centre Christmas cards are now available in the Centre, packs of 5 for £2.50
If you would like to donate to the Centre rather than send cards next year, please visit our Justgiving Campaign page
Great South Run – 17 October 2021
**Update** Many thanks to all of our runners who raised a fantastic £1320 for the Centre and to everyone who supported them!
We have a Great Team shaping up for this year’s event – thank you to everyone who has already signed up and those who have sponsored them.
If you would like to run this beautiful 10 mile route to raise funds for the Centre then please contact ruth@solentmstc.org.uk.
Long Covid: Solent MS Centre in Portsmouth helps people with Covid-19 after effects – Portsmouth News -18 August 2021
“When the Solent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Portsmouth was finally able to reopen in March this year its team had no idea they would become a beacon of hope for people dealing with the after-effects of Covid-19…”
We are very pleased to be featured in the Portsmouth News today, to read the full article click here.
Lockdown Easing – Email to Members – 19 July 2021
Dear Member
I hope that this e mail finds you well and enjoying this lovely weather.
Well, the 19th of July is here – the ‘ Official ’ easing of Lockdown. BUT ,
As we are all aware, The MS Centre is a Medical environment, where very vulnerable people come for Therapies, and as advised, I just wanted to let you know that here at the centre, we will not currently be relaxing any of the processes that we have put in place that keep us all safe.
We will still be taking temperatures before entry, ask that you use hand sanitiser on entry, and cleaning chairs, tables and Oxygen stations after every use – inside and outside of the Chamber. All Oxygen tubes will continue to be changed and sterilised in the UV Sterilising box after each use.
We ask that you continue to wear face coverings on arrival and when walking around the centre and if you are going into the chamber, that you keep it on until you swap it for your full Oxygen mask.
One change that we have made, is that we have increased the number of chairs/spaces inside the chamber from 3 to 4, so as more Members return to the centre, we will now hopefully, be able to accommodate everyone’s desired session time.
If you have been to the centre lately, I’m sure you’ll agree that thanks to Clare and Ruth, our Courtyard is now a lovely place to sit and wait for your appointment ( while the weather allows) 😊
And a gentle reminder ;
If your temperature is above 38 C, you will not be permitted to come into the centre and your therapy will be rearranged over the telephone from home. I advise that if you do not already, take your temperature before you leave home to save any wasted journeys. I also reiterate, that if you have any of the symptoms of COVID or feel unwell, that you do not attend your booking.
And finally, a note from Gerry Woodhouse, Chair of SMSTC Trustees
On behalf of the Trustees I would like to thank you all for your continued support throughout the pandemic. We all know how difficult this has been and now look forward to a brighter future.
Thanks must also be given to our staff. Jo, Clare and Ruth have worked tirelessly to keep the centre safe for us all. Please continue to support them and the centre and follow our operating procedures.
Thank you, as always for your support and patience. We love seeing you all again.
Jo Jennings
Centre Manager
Volunteer Vacancies – June 2021
Would you like to join our team? We are looking for a Volunteer to operate our Barochamber on a Tuesday morning on an ongoing basis – full training will be provided.
If you would like to get involved with the Centre but cannot commit to the hours involved in being a Chamber Operator we have lots of other jobs that can be done on an ad hoc basis such as sorting donations of books, clothing etc, counting collection pots, folding leaflets etc, that we would be very grateful for help with, so do still get in touch!
Associate Membership – June 2021
We are very please to be able to welcome new non-MS members, including those with Long Covid.
Volunteer Vacancies – May 2021
If you are interested in Volunteering at the Centre, either training as an Oxygen Chamber Operator, or one of our other roles, please get in touch…
COVID 19 Communication – 27 March 2021
Dear Member
Good Afternoon. It has been great welcoming you back to the Centre this month and following on from the e mail of 25th February 2021, I have a further update for you.
Firstly, I’d like to thank those of you who have made very generous donations to the Centre at this difficult time. It is very kind of you and any help has been gratefully received. Also, thanks to those who have donated items, such as the many cleaning products that we use continuously every day. Thank you all.
Following the Easter weekend, with effect from Monday 12th April, We are pleased to inform you that the Centre will open for 4 days a week, from Monday to Thursday and will also include the later sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday . From Tuesday 6th April the Oxygen sessions (in the chamber) will revert to their regular times of 09.15, 11.00, 12.45 and 14.15. Plus 16.00 Tuesdays and 16.30 on Thursdays. Available seating inside the Chamber will remain as 3, but this will be reviewed by the Trustees as an ongoing Agenda item for future meetings.
All Therapists will also be returning to the Centre in April, so, as before, please call to make your bookings.
Also, we have reviewed prices & costs and have made some slight increases to our costs for Therapy sessions (see below – please note Membership is offered at half price to those renewing from 2020/21)
We will continue to have a strict cleaning regime in place between Oxygen Sessions, inside and outside the chamber.
For the time being, social distancing and a one way system should still be strictly adhered to, and we will continue to take your temperature before you are able to enter the Centre (see below). There are also some additional temporary processes that we have put in place for the safety of everyone, such as ;
- Fabric chairs in the waiting area will now be replaced with plastic chairs, for easy wipe-down. Seats inside the chamber will be also sprayed with a Fabric sanitiser.
- You will be required to sign a simple Consent form
Please note : If your temperature is above 38 C, you will not be permitted to come into the centre and your therapy will be rearranged over the telephone from home. I advise that if you do not already, take your temperature before you leave home to save any wasted journeys. I also reiterate, that if you have any of the symptoms of COVID or feel unwell, that you do not attend your booking and follow the government guidelines.
Also, as before, a face covering must be worn at all times, whilst in the centre and inside the Chamber– it is now mandatory.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
We look forward to seeing you all again very soon
on behalf of
Jo Jennings
Centre Manager
Opening Times March 2021
From 9 March and for March only, the Centre will be partially reopened, for Oxygen Therapy.
We will be taking your bookings over the phone from 3 March and look forward to welcoming you back!
COVID 19 Communication – 25 February 2021
Dear Member
Following my communication of Monday 15th February 2021, here, as promised, is an update for you.
Following the Government announcement on Monday 22nd February, outlining the ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’, it has been agreed, that in line with Schools, the Centre will reopen for Oxygen Therapy, on Tuesday 9th March 2021.
It will be a partial reopening , and so for March, we will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays only and this will be for Oxygen Therapy only.
Please note, during March, Oxygen Sessions (inside the chamber) will be at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. The Oxygen Concentrators will also be available to book.
Staff will open the centre at 9am and it will close following the final session at 3.30pm.
Staff will be in the centre on Wednesday and Thursday (3rd and 4th March), to take telephone bookings for the following week when we reopen. For those of you that had previously booked and paid for Oxygen session, we will try to contact you next Tuesday (2nd March) to rearrange your booking, if not, do give us a call.
We will also be here prior to opening, to ensure that the Centre is clean and hygienic ready for your return.
We will begin offering all Therapies, apart from Shiatsu, as soon as the Therapists are able to offer an appointment – This should be around the middle of April, in line with stage 3 of the ‘ Roadmap’. I will confirm the date for you.
We will continue to have a strict cleaning regime in place between Oxygen Sessions, inside and outside the chamber. Social distancing and a one way system should still be strictly adhered to, and we will continue to take your temperature before you are able to enter the Centre (see below). There are also some additional temporary processes that we have put in place for the safety of everyone, such as ;
- Fabric chairs in the waiting area will now be replaced with plastic chairs, for easy wipe-down. Seats inside the chamber will be also sprayed with a Fabric sanitiser.
- You will be required to sign a simple Consent form
Please note : If your temperature is above 38 C, you will not be permitted to come into the centre and your therapy will be rearranged over the telephone from home. I advise that if you do not already, take your temperature before you leave home to save any wasted journeys. I also reiterate, that if you have any of the symptoms of COVID or feel unwell, that you do not attend your booking and follow the government guidelines.
Also, as before, a face covering must be worn at all times, whilst in the centre and inside the Chamber– it is now mandatory.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
We look forward to seeing you all again very soon
Very best wishes
Jo Jennings
Centre Manager
COVID 19 Communication – 15 February 2021
Dear Valued Member,
Well, we’re into Mid-February now and the Centre is sadly still closed due to Lockdown 3. I hope that you and your family have stayed safe and Covid free?
But, I think we are getting there 😊 With the Vaccines being rolled out and on target (over 15 Million as of this morning!), the number of cases of COVID reducing, and the R Rate coming down, I myself, am feeling a lot more positive (as are the Trustees, Clare and Ruth) and confident that we will have some sort of normality soon.
One good thing is that Myself, Clare and Ruth have all had our first Vaccine (due to our place of work) and all of our lovely Volunteers should be soon to. It seems that we all now know of people that have had their first vaccine – and that is such a really good thing!
Anyway – We will reopen the Centre as soon as we can and will do everything we can (as before) to ensure that you feel safe and germ free on your return, and of course, we will keep you up to date with any changes.
Once again, thank you for your patience and understanding during this extremely difficult time. We hope to be seeing you all again very soon. You are very important to us.
In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation to help the Centre during this very difficult time, whether big or small, it would be very gratefully received.
Remember, we still have our ongoing costs, even though we are closed, such as the rental of the Oxygen Tanks, Utility costs, Checks on Fire Extinguishers etc and Insurance – which alone is about a £3000 a year cost!
Donations can be sent to paypal@solentmstc.org.uk, by cheque made payable to Solent MS Therapies Ltd, by BACS to Lloyds sort code 30 96 11, account number 03413763, or via our JustGiving page https://justgiving.com/campaign/SMSTC
Many, many, big, big thankyous to those of you that have been making donations during this time. It means a lot and makes a difference.
Thank you all very much.
Jo Jennings
Centre Manager
COVID 19 ‘Tier 4’ Announcement – 21 December 2020
Dear Members,
Firstly, I hope that this finds you well and still staying safe.
It has been really great having the Centre back open again for these last few weeks, and it’s been lovely seeing you all and welcoming new Members too.
Following Saturday’s announcement from the Government, Portsmouth moving into Tier 4, and to keep everyone safe – Members, Carers, Staff, Therapists and Volunteers, the MS Centre will close with immediate effect and will remain closed until there are significant improvements / changes.
We will of course, keep you informed of any changes to these arrangements because as soon as we can do, we will be here again for you.
Payments that you have already made for appointments during this week and the following weeks, will be honoured and carried forward for you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this extremely difficult time. We hope to be seeing you all again very soon.
In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation to help the Centre during this very difficult time, whether big or small, it would be very gratefully received. Donations can be sent to paypal@solentmstc.org.uk, by cheque made payable to Solent MS Therapies Ltd, by BACS to Lloyds sort code 30 96 11, account number 03413763, or via our JustGiving page justgiving.com/campaign/SMSTC.
Thank you all very much
Take care, stay safe and we send all our very best wishes to you and your families for a happy, but very different Christmas.
Kind Regards
Jo Jennings (Centre Manager), Clare and Ruth
For Chairman and Trustees
“Christmas in the Courtyard” – 7 December 2020
COVID 19 Update – 3 December 2020
COVID 19 – Coronavirus (Lockdown 2) – 4 November 2020
Dear Members,
It has been really great having the Centre back open again for these last few months and it’s been lovely seeing you all. However, I’m afraid it has been decided that for the safety of Staff, Therapists and Members, the Centre will be closed for the period Thursday 5th November to Sunday 6th December 2020.
We will of course, keep you informed of any changes to these arrangements.
Staff will be back in the Centre from Thursday 3rd December to take bookings for appointments.
Bookings must be made by telephoning the centre and payment for therapies will be required at the time of booking.
Payments that you have already made for appointments during this period, will be honoured and carried forward for you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We hope to be seeing you all again soon.
In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation to help the Centre during this very difficult time, whether big or small, it would be very gratefully received. Donations can be sent to paypal@solentmstc.org.uk, by cheque made payable to Solent MS Therapies Ltd, by BACS to Lloyds sort code 30 96 11, account number 03413763, or via our JustGiving page justgiving.com/campaign/SMSTC.
Thank you all very much
Take care and stay safe
Kind Regards
Jo Jennings (Centre Manager)
For Chairman and Trustees
Star & Crescent Article – 29 October 2020
‘There’s a Community Feel to the Place’: The MS Solent Therapy Centre and Covid-19
An Update from the Centre Manager – 27 August 2020
Hi Everyone
September News Flash!
.. As we roll into September (Soon be Christmas 😊)
- We will be reopening on a Friday morning for Oxygen Therapy and Physiotherapy
- We welcome back all of our Therapists, so we can now offer Physio, reflexology, Massage and Chiropody
- We can now offer 3 spaces in each of our Hyperbaric Oxygen Sessions where we can, making sure of course, firstly that our clients are happy and comfortable and ensuring that there is suitable distance between the seating to remain safe
- In line with the return to schools, we are reintroducing our Tuesday session for Children. These take place on a Tuesday at 4.00 pm, commencing on the 8th September – So let the fun begin 😊
- We are now once again, able to welcome new clients (MS or not) to use the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (Hooray) and can offer our Induction Sessions that include a ‘Test’ session in our HOC. These sessions take place on a Thursday afternoon at 3.00 pm. Please call or e mail the centre for a chat and to book your Induction. We always look forward to meeting new clients.
- ………… So, from Thursday 10th September, our 4.00pm Oxygen Session reverts back to it 4.30pm slot.
- …………And finally, we are restarting our Bonus Ball Lottery competition – Clare will have all the details. So let us know if you would like to join in, if you haven’t done already !
Enjoy the Bank Holiday Weekend
From The Solent MS Therapy Centre Team
Behind the Scenes : Post-Lockdown at SMSTC – 26 August 2020
We had a visit from a local gentleman who was making a film about North End and wanted to feature the Centre in it, he was so interested in what we did he decided to make another video just about us, here is the result.
Phased Re-opening of the Centre – Update 15 July 2020
We are very pleased to be able to welcome back all of our Members from 20 July, both Full (those with MS) and Associate (any other condition).
Please note that we are still in Phase 1 (6 July – 7 August) so nothing else has changed yet – it is still Oxygen Therapy only and availability in the Barochamber is limited to 2 people per session, however we also have the Oxygen Concentrators available throughout our opening times.
We are taking bookings by telephone only and taking payment at the time of booking.
It is all quite different here, so if you’ve not been in since March please read the details!
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Phased Re-opening of the Centre – 24 June 2020
We are very pleased to announce the phased reopening of the Centre.
During Phase 1 (6 July – 7 August) we will be open to Full Members for Oxygen Therapy, by appointment only.
We will be taking bookings by telephone only from 29 June and taking payment at the time of booking.
Things will be quite different, so please read the details!
We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Temporary Centre Closure – 17 March 2020
***PLEASE NOTE***
Due to increased concern around the Corona Virus in Hampshire, the Trustees have taken the decision to temporarily close the Centre and continue to monitor the situation. This is a preventative measure, we have not been directly affected and the staff will still be at the Centre to address concerns and enquiries via telephone and email.
Coronavirus Guidelines – 3 March 2020
We hope that you are keeping well! However, if you do have flu-like symptoms, or have had direct contact with anyone who either has Coronavirus or who has been to a high risk area, please stay away from the Centre for 14 days and follow the self-isolation protocol.
New 16.5′ (1.5 atmospheres) Oxygen Session
Please note, from 1 February the 11:00 Oxygen Session on a Saturday will be 16.5′ (1.5 atmospheres).
This is available to children (accompanied by a parent) or adults who require a less deep session.
Please get in touch to book.
Christmas & New Year Opening Times 2019/20
Grand Christmas Raffle
Here is the complete list of fabulous prizes very kindly donated to the Centre for our big Christmas fundraiser – £1 a number available in the Centre until midday Wednesday 18 December.
Christmas Sale 2 – 23 December
We have lots of lovely gifts available to buy in the Centre why not pop down for a look?
Great South Run – 20 October 2019
Many thanks to all of our amazing runners and to everyone who sponsored them and came down to cheer them on on the day – they raised over £1500 for the Centre!
Fundraising Walk & Summer Social Picnic – 24 August 2019
We hope that lots of our Members and Supporters and their friends and family will be able to join us for a picnic in Bransbury Park on Saturday. There will be a fundraising walk from the Centre through North End, Fratton and Milton to the park if you would like to join us – fancy dress optional but preferable! We will take photo evidence of the staff and volunteers in their tutus for anyone unable to attend!
World MS Day – 30 May 2019
The theme of World MS Day was raising awareness of the invisible symptoms of MS and its unseen impact on quality of life.
We had a visit from local TV channel That’s TV Solent, Click Here to watch their piece on the Centre.
Pictured: Centre Manager Jo Jennings being interviewed by That’s TV reporter Dan Dove.
New Forest Bike Ride – 19 May 2019
Many thanks and congratulations to Scott and Fin for cycling 63.5 miles in 5 hours 2 minutes on single speed bikes (no gears!) through the New Forest on Sunday!
They have raised a fantastic £368 for the Centre!
Spring Sale at the Centre 8-18 April 2019
We will be having a Spring Sale at the Centre from 8- 18 April with lots of Spring and Easter themed goodies and a multi-hamper raffle! We hope you can make it down.
Donations for the event also gratefully received!
Neuro-Physiotherapist Vacancy
If you are interested in joining the team as a neuro-physiotherapist, please do get in touch!