Community Groups
The facilities and services available within Whickham Villa Health Club are used in a variety of ways by residents, staff, families, health club members as well as by a range of voluntary sector groups.
The North East Motor Neurone Disease Trust host a regular drop in session every Thursday from 12-2. The group is informal and presents members with a chance to socialise, network and share information in an accessible environment.
"Early in 2008 the North East Motor Neurone Disease Trust was contacted by the management of Whickham Villa with an offer of help.
A visit of the Trustees was quickly arranged and in April of the same year we moved our drop in centre sessions into the health club.
The facilities offered to us were perfect and for almost a year now we have experienced the warm and friendly atmosphere, welcoming staff and excellent health club facilities.
The staff also arranged weekly meditation sessions which are proving very popular.
In the past year we have become a small part of the Whickham Villa Family and we also enjoy the weekly experience of the 5 star quality of care in our dealings with everyone there"
Pauline Radestock, Chairperson, North East Motor Neurone Disease Trust
The Newcastle and Gateshead branch of the MS Society used the Health Club for drop in sessions over the Summer and the local branch of Arthritis Care use the facilities in the Health Club every Wednesday.
In the past the Tynedale branch of Headway and CBIT (the Childrens Brain Injury Trust) have had pamper days in the health club, trying a range of alternative and beauty therapies.
The Durham Children's Network, British Blind Sport - North East (Young People) have been for taster sessions and pamper days at the Health Club. Gateshead and South Tyneside Headway hosted their Summer party at the Health Club on the 2nd of June 2009.
The groups that use the facilities benefit from visits both in terms of general wellbeing as a result of using the pool, the float, the gym or one of the various treatments on offer , as well as the social aspect of having a coffee and a chat in the cafe. Groups are also able to share information and help people to self manage their condition.
For further information or should you like to come to any of the events for the group relating to your condition or disability, please contact Alistair Mcdonald (Service Development Manager) on:-
0191 488 7351 / alistairmcdonald@whickhamvilla.co.uk
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