Introduction The Samson Centre is the home of the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Group (Guildford), or MSTG(G), which is a self-help group for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. MSTG(G) History The MSTG(G) was formed in 1992 following the demise of the charity "Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis" (ARMS). When ARMS closed, its branches up and down the country became self-financing organisations, affiliated to the MS National Therapy Centres, each one holding fast to the original ARMS aim of providing an opportunity for M.S. sufferers and their carers to meet informally for mutual support and self-help. Up until September 2005 the Group met for all its activities at Shalford Village Hall, near Guildford. Whilst this venue had served the Group well for some time, it placed a number of constraints on the Group’s members: it offered limited facilities to physios and other therapists, there was a shortage of storage space, parking could be a problem, and the building was cold in winter. As a result, although the group fulfilled its aim of providing moral support and social interaction to its members, the treatments offered were mainly restricted to floor-based physiotherapy. Samson Centre History For some time it was recognised that the Group was in great need of a permanent home for its existing members, and of a place to which those who are newly diagnosed, who can so often feel lost and isolated, could head. The Group realised that the best way to meet this need, and thereby significantly improve the quality of life for people with MS, was to build a dedicated resource and therapy centre in West Surrey, where information, emotional support and practical help in the form of traditional and natural therapies would all be available. The lack of such a permanent centre in the area (the nearest being in Reading and Coulsdon) discouraged many from joining the Group, and it was felt that its development would therefore allow the Group to increase its membership. The name The Samson Centre was chosen for the new centre, and in July 2003 a steering group was created to consider ways in which the dream could be realised. A number of options were examined, and for each a high-level cost/benefit analysis was undertaken. The rejected options included: leasing new premises and adapting them to suit the Group’s needs; purchasing a suitable new or existing self-contained building and again adapting it as necessary; purchasing land and building the centre from scratch. The option that was eventually chosen was to enter into a joint venture with The Waterside Centre in Guildford, a registered charity which incorporates the Wey Kayak Club and the Guildford branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club, under which their existing centre would be demolished and replaced with a new building designed to suit the needs of all its users. An intensive period of fundraising followed this decision, allowing building to start in late 2004. In December 2005, Phase I of the project was completed and the Samson Centre was opened by Bill Bellerby MBE, Freeman of Guildford, founder of the original Waterside Centre, and a staunch supporter of the project from its inception. And that was just the start! Fundraising for Phase II, which would add a fully-equipped gym for the use of members of all the groups using the new Waterside Centre, commenced immediately. Thanks to the unflagging enthusiasm of all concerned, the momentum was maintained and the gym was completed in November 2006. Needless to say, plans are in hand for Phase III and IV, which will involve further extensions to the hall and the replacement of the more decrepit of the Wey Kayak Club’s canoe storage sheds. As far as the MTSG(G) is concerned, installation of a Hyperbaric Oxgyen (HBO) chamber at the Centre commenced in late 2008. The committee recognises the need for more space dedicated to the group, but it may take some time before everything is in place. There is no doubt that the Samson Centre represents a huge achievement by a small group of determined people, and stands as a fantastic testament to all involved in both the original vision and its realisation. Summary of facilities At the time of writing (December 2008), the Samson Centre is open from 9:30am to 2:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 10am to 1pm on Thursday, during which time the following treatments and equipment are available to members: • Physiotherapy (one-to-one, or group) • Exercise classes • Foot massage • Standing frame • Motomed™ cycles • Gym equipment   Click here for more details. In the gym Apart from the therapies on offer, the Centre offers members the chance to meet one another and to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit. The Centre boasts a fully equipped kitchen which can turn out anything from light snacks to full meals, and there is also a licensed bar. The group is very active socially, and organises a full calendar of events, both at the Samson Centre and elsewhere. Click here for a full list of current & planned events.   Busy Wednesday at the Centre Fundraising Sadly, the Samson Centre receives no public funding, and fundraising is a constant necessity, if only to meet the day-to-day costs of running the centre. However, even this activity can be fun, as the Latest news and Events pages on this website will bear witness. From the mundane (e.g. street collections), through the entertaining (quiz nights), to the exotic (sponsored parachute jumps), members and supporters alike are hard at it throughout the year, helping to keep the centre going.