Chapel-en-le-Frith physiotherapy charity expands during pandemic

The charity - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year - relies on charity donations for a third of its revenue.

However during Covid-19 the service is increasingly in demand - with its sole physiotherapist phoning isolated, elderly people in the community to make sure they have everything they need.

Physio Maureen Pargeter has been with the service for 15 years, providing a lifeline to those in rural areas in need of therapy for whom travel is difficult.

She provides everything - from therapeutic exercises to assessing homes for adaptations and sourcing mobility aids.

Kath Sizeland, the charity’s chairperson, told how it was set up in 1970 for people with no access to facilities in larger towns or cities.

However she added: “Now because we have such an ageing population it relieves pressure on physio departments at Cavendish Hospital and places like that.

“We’re talking about some very frail people and through this service we help the NHS by keeping people mobile - it’s all about trying to keep people in their own homes now.

“But Maureen also refers people to GPs and finds befrienders for those who are lonely and need of some social contact.”

Maureen has increased her hours at the service - from three days a week to four.

The service - including Maureen’s salary, car and therapeutic equipment – costs £30,000 a year.

This year its charity income has been drastically reduced so Kath is appealing for charity donations to help it keep going.

If you can help click HERE.

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