INS was founded by Ellie Kinnear (Founder President) in Kew in October 1993. Ellie was an experienced physiotherapist and when she retired she identified the gap in long term support and education for people with neurological conditions and their carers. The NHS can provide excellent acute care but when people are diagnosed with a long term condition they describe it as falling off a cliff. Usually a limited numbers of therapy sessions are the most on offer and then the case is closed.

INS was established in recognition of a need for regular, ongoing therapy and support for people with chronic or deteriorating neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) debilitating stroke or head injury; to develop their self-reliance, enable them to live as independently as possible and thus enhance their quality of life.

Through a number of pilot groups in the Kew Baptist church, Ellie demonstrated that a holistic approach helped people improve in confidence and wellbeing, with some improvements in physical and functional abilities. A number of other therapists joined Ellie including occupational therapist Liz Grove (Founder Vice President) in 1995.

From the start INS has been unique providing a clinically led multi-disciplinary approach with integrated therapy and social work input. At the beginning clients were asked for a contribution towards the cost of running the groups. After INS became a charity in March 1999, the groups became free to attend until some contributions were reintroduced in 2016.

In 2006 INS began working in Hounslow also and in the past 10 years we have built on our specialist expertise by winning contracts in Hounslow and Richmond to provide support for a wider range of people with long term conditions.

In 2009, INS moved to our present building at 82 Hampton Road, TW2 5QS which includes purpose built therapy space.