Aberdeen Independent Multiple Sclerosis (AIMS) was established in 2021 to offer help and support to those affected by MS and other neurological conditions in the North-east.
Run by a small team of dedicated volunteers, the charity offers a series of chair-based exercise and yoga classes, both online and face-to-face, as well as classes in mindfulness, arts, crafts, and a regular social group.
MS is a degenerative condition which requires regular medical appointments to make sure patients are receiving the correct care, as everybody’s MS affects them differently. Keeping people as active as possible can provide improvements to their general health and their balance, which can reduce their risk of injuries and falls, and their need for non-essential health appointments and hospital visits.
Chair-based exercise has done so much to help me improve my strength and stamina, which helps me retain some independence at home.
Susan, Class Participant
AIMS chair-based exercise classes are led by experienced, professional physiotherapists and are modified to suit each individual’s needs. Class attendees range from being aged in their 30s to their 80s, and every exercise has varying degrees of challenge to help individuals build on their strength and mobility.
During class, they are led through exercises which replicate key day-to-day movements like squatting to mimic getting down onto a toilet and back up, and lifting arms overhead to replicate getting items down from a shelf or putting shopping away. Similarly, the chair-based yoga classes take participants through modified poses which make the practice accessible to people who cannot stand, or who lack the mobility to move easily from standing to seated positions. Some class attendees are able-bodied, some use mobility aids, and some are wheelchair bound. Regardless of their mobility levels, every attendee is made to feel included and receives a good workout.
MS is a journey with so many twists and turns. Exercise has helped to keep me living independently.
Lesley, Class Participant
The charity also recognises the importance of positive mental health and delivers activities which reduce social isolation and allow participants to meet others with similar conditions who may be going through similar experiences. From mindfulness classes to help participants focus on being in the moment, to art classes where they can express themselves creatively, and crafts classes where they can learn a new skill, attendees can join in and meet others in a social setting, whilst also receiving the physical benefit of working their hands and fingers to keep joints nimble. AIMS also holds regular social gatherings both face-to-face and over Zoom to allow individuals to get together in a laidback setting.
AIMS received £5,280 from NHS Grampian Charity through its Community Grants Programme. Since the launch of the Community Grants Programme in 2020, more than £500,000 has been distributed to support over 70 community-led projects across Grampian. This grant was used towards the delivery of three virtual and one face-to-face chair-based exercise class per week, one seated yoga class per week and one mindfulness class per week during the 2022/23 year. Click here to find out more about our Community Grants Programme.
AIMS Chairman Ian Gourlay says: “It is pleasing to be able to report these successes. I am of the view our exercise classes have achieved more for the service users than the management team originally envisaged when setting up the classes as the results seen are beyond what we expected. Being able to provide exercise sessions to people with a neurological condition and seeing the benefits our participants are achieving makes running the charity worthwhile.