Client stories

To be 18 once again! by Karen O’Brien

When I look back over the time when I was 18, I remember the joys of that time – when mostly my thoughts were going forward, guessing, wondering and making false assumptions, plus the frustrations and the fears. Now, with the experience of all the time afterwards – so easy to say-I’d treasure much more the joys, the excitement, the adventure, and make much more positive use of the fears and frustrations (with a healthy speed limit on those false assumptions!)

It’s so long now since I’ve felt that rising joy of life course through my nerve endings, and I’d foster and develop those feelings far more if I could – I’d love to have those now. The confidence I have then was so different from now – so untempered by experience – not a dais strong enough to support me; just one of which to fall!

Everything was heightened then and while that feeling could not be sustained for ever, I should perhaps have held it more closely to my life for long and use Its fuel to aid and strengthen and give colour to the coming years.

But, even as I write that last paragraph, I realise that, in fact, I did do that and my 18-year old self was, in fact, my good parent for the remainder of my life to come. We cannot, and maybe, should not wish to change what has been – while so much is yet to follow. In a sense, I am always on the edge of being 18…

Living with MS

I am 49 years old and have been living with Progressive-relapsing Multiple sclerosis (MS) for around 10 years.

I have received a lot of help from INS and now I, in turn, devote a lot of my time to them. I’m a member of their INSight group (a service users’ forum) and I help them with their medical student training (by talking to the students and also by helping set up seating).

INS has helped me with physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and I have also used their counselling service on a number of occasions. The rehabilitation assistants have worked with me in the gym at INS, and basically give me a good reason to keep on living, even if it is with an incurable illness like MS.

All at INS understand the difficulties involved. They do not belittle you in any way and they are all very friendly.

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INS face-to-face services suspended

Following recent developments in efforts to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a decision has been made to stop INS face-to-face services until further notice.
News article

Hugely positive response to INS online sessions during lockdown... INS face-to-face services remain suspended until further notice. However, we continue to support our clients through both video and phone contact.... Over 150 people, including then Twickenham MP Sir Vince Cable, and the Mayors of the London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Hounslow, joined service users, staff and volunteers at York House for INS 25th Anniversary event on 17 October 2019....
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Find out why INS exists, how we respond to people's needs, and the hugely positive impact that we have.

What is a neurological condition?

A neurological condition is a disease, illness or trauma that affects the central or peripheral nervous system. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, tremor, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.
Where we work

Integrated Neurological Services (INS) provides support primarily to people who live in the London boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow. However, we may still be able to offer support to people living just outside this area (eg. in Kingston, Wandsworth, Ealing) who are within reach of our base in Twickenham.
What difference we make

INS can be the difference between living and just existing.
Donate

Your donation can make a difference to the lives of people with a neurological condition. Donate, hold an event, take part in a challenge - whatever you can do will make a difference.
Working for INS

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History of INS

INS is the only organisation in the London area offering long term, professional rehabilitation and support for people with neurological conditions, through its experienced team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers.
I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS
Partnering with us

Partnerships - INS cannot do its work alone. The best possible outcomes for our clients can be most effectively achieved from a joined-up approach that utilises the resources from a wide range of providers, both statutory and voluntary.
Volunteering

INS welcomes anybody who is willing to offer their skills and some of their time to assist us in all areas of our work. Almost anyone can be a volunteer. We already have a team of invaluable volunteers who help us in many ways but we are always looking for more support.
Become a Friend of INS

Becoming a Friend of INS is one of the most positive things you can do to show your concern for people who are affected by these conditions and for their families. Helping people maintain their independence and dignity can take away their fears and be rewarding for you.