A charity helping people with neurological conditions has settled into its new premises in Lancaster after a long hunt for a home of its own.
Neuro Drop In is now located at 20 Hornbeam Road on the Marsh, after a five-year search for a permanent building.
The centre, located in the Old Prison Workshop, is open to anyone affected by a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease, ME, MG, MSA and acquired brain injury.
The Neuro Drop In community cafe is also open to everyone.
Prior to signing the lease at Hornbeam Road, Neuro Drop In moved around from different bases, including at Lancaster Farms, Torrisholme Methodist Church, Vale of Lune and White Cross.
"This is a home of our own and it's wonderful to be here," said Sharon Jackson, who founded Neuro Drop In, in 2011, after being diagnosed with MS 25 years ago.
LISTEN to Sharon Jackson, and Emma and Tony talking about Neuro Drop In
The team at Neuro Drop In
"Its a vital charity because it allows people to say what they really feel when they are first diagnosed.
"If you've had a stroke, for example, you might find you have a physical disability. That's really tough to come to terms with.
"Just by being around other people who may have struggled a bit more than you have, or the same, they can tell you, it does improve. Bit by bit, one day at a time, people can improve."
A full programme of classes and activities is available at the Neuro Drop In centre, including seated volleyball, seated Afro Brazilian dance, seated Tai Chi, seated Yoga, group physio sessions, quizzes and more.
Leon, Emma, David, Tony and Margaret at the Neuro Drop In centre
Emma said: "I'm a carer for my friend who has MS. She wasn't getting out much and here, she gets to meet different people and gets to do lots of seated exercises.
"It's a fantastic place for her to socialise. It keeps her active. It's been a life-changer for her."
Tony said: "The classes are very good for keeping you supple, which I need to since my stroke.
"The staff are great, very very nice people.
"It makes you feel a lot, lot better. It's been a bit of a revelation, coming here. You're not on your own."
The Neuro Drop In centre is based in the Old Prison Workshop at 20 Hornbeam Road on the Marsh
Sharon also said that as a small charity it's becoming increasingly difficult to attract the funds it needs.
"The opportunity to apply for funding is very limited and we've been turned down for things," said Sharon.
"It scares me a little bit. As trustees we feel frustrated as there is a limit to what we can do.
"But we are always grateful when anyone gives us a donation.
"I really hope things will change with fundraising but we're not perhaps as visible as we'd like to be.
"We've been doing this for 15 years and we're doing the best we can."
The cafe at the new Neuro Drop In centre is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-2pm and is open to everyone.
If you need help or advice please call Neuro Drop In on 01524 840762 or email hello@neurodropin.org.uk.
More info on the charity can be found HERE.
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