11 April 2026
Meeting report by Mike and Jane
Such an afternoon! The day started dull, with the afternoon bringing sunshine and brightness, which very much reflected the Milford meeting. Sadly, circumstance such as ill-health, no dog sitter and enjoying holidays prevented people joining us.
With the Carers deciding not to have time together, the first part of the afternoon was given to chat and socialising, especially as we had a new member and someone who had not been able to join us since her husband died. As happens, some do rely on family and friends to bring them, or car share to the meetings. To those, we send a big thank you.
We were fortunate to have a ‘double bill’. Our speaker was Adam Poulter, a Neuro-Physio from Foundation Physio, (foundationsphysio.co.uk). He offered to come early to meet the group and watch the demonstration of the Razier II, which Gill, Gary and Jay had brought with them. The Raizer II, as the name suggests, can raise someone from the floor to a seated position, as long as there is another able-bodied person present to help them. Jay offered to be the patient, with Gary explaining how the machine works. There are times when someone on the floor can only be raised by ambulance crews, which is expensive and can be time consuming and uncomfortable, but having this machine, both time and money can be saved. The machine is expensive to buy, but with support from physios, is available on the NHS.
Adam described the work he does and opened discussions to movement and exercises that benefit those with limited mobility. One exercise Adam promoted was going upstairs, if possible, to strengthen the hip muscles, but the eye-opener for some was to go downstairs backwards, which is safer, easier, good for the muscles and less stressful. Adam encouraged, when possible, to join groups for any activities as we all benefit from social interaction, conversation and not being alone to do exercises. A number agreed that having had the benefit of seeing a physio for a given time, the incentive and lack of follow up after, dissuades from continuing any routines.
The afternoon finished with more chat, laughter and afternoon tea.
In the process of finding a speaker, Laura Douglas of Neuro Heroes contacted me. Neuro Heroes provide physiotherapy-led online exercise classes for people living with neurological conditions. They already have a number of members with HSP and understand how important it is to get exercise right – with the appropriate level of expertise, guidance and progression. Here is the link for their Online Assessment form.
We look forward to seeing people again on Sunday October 18th from 2pm until 5pm. We will still be in British Summer Time then, so hopefully you won’t have to travel home in the dark.
Have a good Summer.
Best wishes, Mike and Jane