Conductive Education
This conductive education (CE) pilot project was a collaboration between the MS Society and Neurosupport (who run the Neurosupport centre in Liverpool), in response to the MS Society's 2006 North West service needs analysis. In this, people with MS made it clear they needed better access to maintenance physiotherapy and structured exercise in order to aid mobility and maintain flexibility.
Maureen Kelly, Manager of Neurosupport, had observed some sessions of CE (a whole-person therapy generally associated with children with cerebral palsy) and had been made aware of the possiblity of benefits for adults with long-term neurological conditions. CE is a movement and exercise regime that addresses mobility, flexibility, control and confidence.
How did this project come about?
The MS Society was approached and the need and therapy were brought together in the pilot. The project was promoted by the MS Society and Neurosupport and people interested in getting involved attended an information event to hear more about the therapy and to sign up to the project. Following an initial assessment by Lazslo Szogeczki, the conductor (as the therapist is known), the six participants received 12 sessions of CE over 6 weeks.
The project was developed and facilitated by two MS Society regional service development volunteers and the MS Society's North West service development officer. It took place at Neurosupport.
Evaluation...
Four months after the end of the sessions the participants took part in an informal evaluation to record their thought on all aspects of the project - from its organisation to the benefits of the therapy itself. Based on those very positive evaluations, we are now hoping to provide more sessions of CE to a greater number of people and hopefully gain the support of mainstream health and social services.
Personal experiences of the event
What is the MS Society's position on developing local services?
It is government policy to provide patient centred services that will enable people with long term neurological condtions to maintain their independence and well being and lead as fulfilling lives as possible. The MS Society fully endorses this approach and a key aim for us is to involve people affected by MS to get involved in the planning and development of their local services. Often the result is to bring about real improvements and lasting change.What can you do?
This booklet is one of a series showing how much can be achieved when enthusiastic people come together to work on a local project. We hope you will enjoy finding out about the project and watching the video.If this inspires you to support this project or find out more about our work, please get in touch.
For further information, details of personal experiences and practical feedback from those individuals involved in this project please download the booklet found here in PDF format.
