The Samson Centre is the home of The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Group (Guildford) [MSTG(G)], a self-help group which aims to give people with MS and their carers in West Surrey both practical and emotional support. This page describes the facilities on offer to its members. Treatments and therapies • Physiotherapy Each member joining the Group is assessed by one of the fully-qualified neuro-physiotherapists employed at the Centre, who decides whether one-to-one or group physiotherapy is the most appropriate treatment for the individual. One-to-one physio takes place in the treatment room specifically designed for the purpose, which is fitted with a physio table and H-track ceiling hoist. Group physio sessions, led by one of the physiotherapists, are held in the main hall of the Centre for the more mobile of the Group’s members, and take place each day the Centre is open. Membership subscription rates depend on the type of physiotherapy given – see the prices paragraph on the "How to join" page) for more details. The physiotherapy sessions are very well attended, as preventing the degeneration of little-used muscles is a constant problem – especially as the fatigue which is very common in MS sufferers often prevents them from exercising them sufficiently. Individual physio Group physio Foot massage   • Foot massage Once a week, on a Monday morning, those members who so wish can pamper themselves with a foot massage, given by one of the Samson Centre’s volunteers, a former nurse.   • Other therapies From time to time, other therapies may be offered at, or through, the Samson Centre on an ad-hoc basis. Examples of these are cranial sacro therapy, reflexology and Indian head massage. Equipment The Centre boasts a number of physio aids, all of which can be used by MSTG(G) members under the supervision of the Group’s physiotherapists and gym staff: • Motomed™ cycles There are two Motomed™ exercise cycles, which are used to tone up leg muscles; one of them also allows arm muscles to be exercised. Motomed™ cycle The standing frame Gym equipment   • Standing frame In 2006, the MSTG(G) acquired an electrically-powered standing frame. Before the opening of the Samson Centre, the Group would not have had the resources to buy such a specialised piece of equipment, nor the space in which to store it. The frame gives wheelchair-bound members the chance to stand upright. Some members have not stood for over a decade, so this provides an enormous emotional boost to them, quite apart from the physical benefits of toning muscles that are not involved in other physiotherapy exercises.   • Gym Phase II of the Samson Centre Project added a fully-equipped gym to the Centre, which opened in mid 2007. As might be expected of a facility which is shared by the Wey Kayak Club, which includes would-be Olympians among its members, it boasts an impressive array of weights machines, rowing machines, treadmills and exercise cycles – not to mention the usual panoply of barbells and exercise balls. To help take members’ minds off the strain through which they are putting their bodies, the gym is even equipped with the obligatory large TV set. Social In addition to the therapies, the Centre provides a strong element of sociability, which in itself gives invaluable support to people with MS and their carers. • Kitchen There is a fully-equipped kitchen, staffed by volunteers during the morning sessions, from which hot and cold drinks and a seemingly endless supply of biscuits can be obtained. It is also often used to provide hot meals during the various social functions that take place at the Centre (see below). The kitchen   • Bar The Centre also boasts a licensed bar, which is open during social functions organised by the group (see below).   • Functions The Group’s members hold regular meetings throughout most of the year, at which they often invite experts to speak on such topics as current research activities & progress, nutrition, allowances to which members may be entitled, practical aids such as shower seats & grab rails, etc. Regular coffee mornings are held at the Centre, when members and visitors alike can get together and enjoy a hot drink, nibbles and a chat. The MSTG(G) and the Guildford branch of the MS Society also get together to host a joint annual Christmas lunch at the Samson Centre. Despite its name, this is usually held in January! The Group also manages to combine fundraising with fun by arranging events such as quiz nights, race meetings and choral concerts, both at the Samson Centre and at other venues such as the Day centre at Milford, At the Christmas lunch Quiz night   Visit the Events page for details of forthcoming events. Staff Helping members get the most out of the Centre is a dedicated staff consisting of 4 fully qualified neuro-physiotherapists, who offer members one-to-one and group physio sessions on 4 mornings a week, two personal fitness trainers who will tailor an exercise program to each member’s specific needs, and a small team who look after the day-to-day administration To find out who they are, and read a potted biography of each, visit Our People.