Services and therapies

Services and therapies

Client services at Integrated Neurological Service (INS) are delivered by an inter-disciplinary team of allied health professionals (AHPs) supported by therapy assistants, admin staff and a wonderful team of volunteers. 

All INS clinicians are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Within INS they are supported by senior staff and all undertake continuing professional development in order to keep current with best professional practice.

Groups and activities

INS offers a variety of long term and short term groups. Some of these groups are for people with a specific neurological condition, while others are open to all neurological conditions. Our groups focus on different areas; some are exercise based, others focus on managing symptoms, while others provide you with an opportunity to try out different activities. Please click here for more information about our current groups and activities.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapy uses mechanical force and movements (bio-mechanics or kinesiology), manual therapy, exercise therapy, education and advice, and electrotherapy. It remediates impairments and promotes mobility and function. Physical therapy is used to improve a patient's quality of life through examination, diagnosis, prognosis and physical intervention.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation (activities). The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the activities they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation (activity) or the environment to better support their ability to engage in valued activities. This support increases people's independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life.

Speech and language therapy

Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) provide a service for adults with acquired communication, voice and / or swallowing difficulties. 

We have recently recruited a Speech and Language Therapist who joins INS to carry-out assessment and diagnosis of communication, voice and swallowing difficulties, and offer the following support:

• Provision of individual and / or group therapy
• Individually tailored treatment plans / goals
• Advice, education and support for clients, relatives and other treating professionals
• Assessment and advice regarding alternative and augmentative communication options (where applicable) e.g. amplifiers, electronic communication devices, gestural systems
• Liaison with various organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector to ensure appropriate management of both communication and swallowing difficulties

For accessible information about aphasia, communication strategies, or ideas for activities, please go to www.tactustherapy.com 

Social work

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.  Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. It is a process that occurs when a client and counsellor set aside time in order to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client. It is the act of helping the client to see things more clearly, possibly from a different view-point. This can enable the client to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour, with a goal to facilitating positive change.

Counselling is not, giving advice or attempting to sort out the problems of the client.

Exercise based groups: for people of different physical abilities, aiming to maintain or improve your fitness.

Living well groups: focus on living well with your condition.

Symptom management groups: These short term groups help you manage issues related to your neurological condition. They are open to people with any neurological condition.

Communication groups: long term and short term groups for people with a range of communication difficulties, arising from a neurological condition.

Expanding Horizons groups: The Expanding Horizons programme motivates, challenges, and increases the confidence and social connectivity for our clients of all abilities, including many confined to wheelchairs, to provide them with the opportunity to take part in a range of activities which they might not usually have a chance to participate in, or had to stop due to their diagnosis. The programme also includes activities for carers to take part alone or along with their cared for. 

Activities range from visits in the community, such as the Poppy Factory and Kew Gardens, to group visits to Questors Theatre, Ealing and the Brentford Football Club. There will also be a range of Arts & Crafts activities, including crochet and mosaics, reading and gardening. The programme runs throughout the year with a monthly timetable published on the website. Please click here for more information.