NeuroActiveUK was established after the lack of specialist support became clear when Jimmy Gustard was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Founder Debra Mitchell discusses how the charity is providing vital services to brain injury survivors, and how its work is being done as an ongoing tribute to its inspiration.
A charity and community service established to help increase provision for people living with brain injuries is pledging to build its presence even further in memory of the inspiration behind its work, who sadly passed away over the summer.
NeuroActiveUK was established by Debra and Gary Mitchell after seeing how much their brother-in-law Jimmy Gustard struggled to find appropriate support after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Bringing together Debra’s work in providing a meals on wheels service with Gary’s experience in training, in 2017, they created a community facility for people, like Jimmy, living with brain injuries and the effects of stroke to access the support and friendship they needed.
And from that base, a highly-esteemed neurorehabiltation service has grown, with NeuroActiveUK offering a host of therapies including neurophysiotherapy, massage, music therapy, Reiki, independent living support and counselling. Support for carers is also offered.
Sadly, Jimmy passed away in June, aged only 56, but leaves behind the legacy of a much-needed and much-loved service to give support to people at times they need it most.
“Jimmy has been our inspiration from the start, and he will continue to be. We will continue to do everything we do, and hopefully offer even more to even more people, all in Jimmy’s memory,” says Debra.
“Everything we do is because of him and this will be his legacy.
“He was so proud of what we have created. He would stand at the door every day, welcoming people, even when he was very poorly at the end. We’ll continue to make him proud.”
Based in the small community of Ouston, County Durham, but attracting attendees from a 50-mile radius – with a team of volunteer drivers from local business Supportive on-hand to assist – sessions operate from the village community centre three days a week.
“There is a definite gap in support where we are, particularly for younger people, which is why people travel to us from so far away. We saw that when Jimmy was first diagnosed, and we still see it now,” says Debra.
“Jimmy and my sister didn’t know where to turn, or who to turn to, when he found out about his brain tumour, but people in their position now can come to us.
“We’re going from strength to strength, and after becoming an official charity last year, we are adding so much more to our offering all the time. It’s probably easier to say what we don’t offer, as we have a really great portfolio of services now.
“We are doing all of this with the support of our amazing team, who we can’t thank enough.”
Having secured support from local agencies, many referrals come through them, although increasingly people are starting to come to groups of their own accord, having discovered NeuroActiveUK through its growing social media profile.
“The hardest thing is to get in touch, to reach out and say you need some support, but our reputation is growing and people are seeing the difference we’re making to people’s lives and confidence, it’s fantastic we are getting so many self-referrals,” says Debra.
The group’s vital services continued during the national COVID-19 lockdown via Zoom, and its crucial role in feeding the community was allowed to step up when its meals on wheels offering secured funding.
“It was great to still be providing what we knew were such badly needed services during lockdown, though we were so pleased to welcome everyone back,” says Debra.
“The social side is so important in what we do. This is where friendships are made, there is so much laughter. No-one should ever be lonely and go through this alone.
“We have people of all ages coming to us, and it’s one big group of friends. When Jimmy was diagnosed, he was still quite young, and there was such an absence of places for him to find support, which is why we are so keen to encourage younger people to come along.
“NeuroActiveUK is a place for everyone.”
Longer term, the charity hopes to continue to grow its offering, to provide much-needed support and services to many more people.
“We’ve been so lucky to get the support from some local businesses like Karbon Homes and the Barbour Foundation, which is hugely important to a small organisation like ours,” adds Debra.
“We have a specialist neuro physio from Tees Neuro Physiotherapy every week, who is supported by our experienced trainers, and we are hoping to secure funding for more days. We would love to offer it every week, that’s the next ambition. We’re looking at ways to fund that, as we know that would make a huge difference.
“We’ve come such a long way in quite a short period of time, and we’ll keep on going and growing – all in memory of Jimmy.”
