The Oxygen Works

🌧Foggy Friday Roundup🌧

What a minging day! We hope you are all keeping cosy!🤗

As usual lots has been happening at the centre this week with all services running at full pelt!😁
On Wednesday night Jenni attended a lovely event run by Highland Business Women at the Newton Hotel in Nairn. This was a fab joint networking night with Moray Business Women and a great opportunity to chat about The Oxygen Works.
The speaker for the night was Fiona Macintosh from More Than Motivation. She had us running around the room filling our "stress bucket" then enjoying a very welcome relaxation session to finish the night. A huge thanks to everyone on the night for being so welcoming🥰
Earlier today, Jenni and Leigh-Ann went out see Steven at Ord Industrial & Commercial Supplies. They have some cracking cabin style offices for sale which we were keen to have a look at in the hope we can expand our space here at the centre. As you all know we are running so many services here we are fast running out of room! To get a second hand unit that could be used as a multifunctional space would allow us to grow without the costs involved in a new build or permanent structure. Hopefully we will be able to find something that suits the needs of our charity here on Burnett Road.

We hope you are all having a good week and have something nice planned for the weekend. Let's hope the weather cheers up! 😁

A wee reminder that next week sees our Men's Group meet on Tuesday and the Ladies on Wednesday. It will be great to welcome you all! 😍

Also, please do keep in mind that we are taking donations for the Christmas Raffle and you can also book in now for the Christmas Lunch!! Last year was SUCH good fun and we have another fab event lined up this year! ⭐️

Have a fab weekend folks!! 💛💙💛

As we plan for the coming year, we are acutely aware of additional financial pressures that will significantly impact our sector and in particular ourselves at The Oxygen Works.

We are proud Real Living Wage employers who believe that fair wages for our incredible staff are vital, however yesterday's budget amplifies the “triple squeeze” that we face: increased running costs, reduced funding sources, and rising demand for services. A 5% rise in the Real Living Wage and an increase in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) will have a significant impact for us and for many smaller charities, could mean diverting already limited resources from essential services.

At The Oxygen Works, we’re taking proactive steps to safeguard our future. After careful consideration, we expect to introduce a small increase in Suggested Minimum Contributions for services from January 2025 to help ensure that our support remains accessible and sustainable. We recognise that the cost of living continues to impact many of our clients, so we will work to keep the increase as minimal as possible. Importantly, we are committed to supporting those in financial hardship through additional subsidies or by providing services free of charge. We welcome anyone with concerns over these changes to speak to a member of our team and we will do everything possible to help.

Currently, we subsidise over 50% of service costs, and with rising delivery expenses and the need to expand our team capacity to meet growing demand, these costs have reached unsustainable levels.

However there are ways that you can help to make a difference today! If you’re able, contributing just a few extra pounds extra per session could make a meaningful difference in allowing us to continue our essential work.

🌟 Every small donation strengthens our ability to support our community. Thank you for helping us continue to make a difference...see more below 🥰

🎁CHRISTMAS RAFFLE!🎁

We are welcoming donations for the Christmas raffle! We always have a cracking raffle at Christmas and we would be hoping to get the tickets on sale at the end of November...not long now EEEK! If you do have anything you would like to donate or if you know any local businesses who would like to get involved do please let the team know!😊

A stroke can change a life in an instant, but recovery is possible with the right support. At The Oxygen Works, we’re dedicated to helping stroke survivors rebuild their strength, resilience, and hope 🥰

Through our specialised therapies, including oxygen therapy and tailored physiotherapy, we support stroke survivors on their journey to recovery. Every step forward is progress, and we’re here to help make those steps a little easier. This World Stroke Day, let’s raise awareness and support those on the path to recovery 💪

😍😀LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE😍😀

🥰 FRIDAY ROUNDUP 🥰

Another Friday has come around, and what a week it’s been! 🍂 The seasons may be changing, but it’s still full steam ahead here at the centre!

We were thrilled to welcome Nichola and Twiggy back from their fabulous trip to Culross on the East Coast. It sounds like they had a wonderful time, and it’s great to have them back in action! 🥰

This week, we also extended a very warm welcome to Kasia, who’s been dearly missed over the past few weeks. It’s been lovely seeing her reconnect with so many clients who’ve eagerly awaited her return. Today, Kasia is off for a special trip with the Move4ward team – wishing them all a fantastic time! 😄

Jenni has been enjoying some well-deserved family time in Deal, visiting her sister by the seaside. We’re looking forward to having her back next week to hear all about her adventures and seaside stories. 🌊

It's been a bustling week here at TOW, with John and the Out There Bus on site on Tuesday. From Theraplate to oxygen therapy, all our services have been in high demand, and our incredible therapists have been keeping super busy too. Just a reminder, if you’re looking for appointments, be sure to book early! 📅

An exciting week for Leigh-Ann, who’s started on a new Government Pilot Programme, “Leading with Compassion,” developed by Stanford University's Centre for Compassion, Altruism, and Education. She also had the pleasure of attending a roundtable dinner at the Drumossie Hotel, hosted by Highland News & Media. With delicious food from hotel manager Stephane Portes team and fantastic company, it was a wonderful opportunity to share the importance of our work here at TOW. Extra note of thanks to Darrel-John Paterson who remembered to capture photos of the incredible food while Leigh-Ann shamelessly tucked in to dinner! 👏

A huge thank you to Orbis, who came to our rescue not once but twice this week to sort out our boiler issues! It’s roasty toasty in the centre again today, thanks to their quick and efficient service. 😊

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! And remember, at TOW, we’re all about the treats, not the tricks! 🎃 Have a fabulous weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next week!

🥰FRIDAY ROUNDUP🥰

Another Friday rolls round and Autumn is well underway!🍂
We have had another jam packed week at the centre, even with limited physio service running it has been non stop!

We had a wee helper in this week. Centre mascot Evie D was in to help chop up all the lovely fresh veg that was donated by Tesco. We also want to wish her a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY for her 13th which she celebrated at the weekend with her besties! Evie is always a big help in the centre and we hope she had a great time! 🥳

We would like to shine a wee spotlight today on the wonderful Maggie Wynton who, for YEARS, has supported The Oxygen Works in various ways including making her beautiful jams and chutneys. These have raised hundreds of pounds over the years and we are so very grateful! Each one is hand made and totally delicious! If you haven't tried them yet do come in and buy some. Maggie would also love any donations of jars if anyone has any. Please just drop them in to the centre😃

Its also good to have the "wee man" Fingal back in the centre this week after his adventures in Orkney! Turns out he loves a ferry ride! Who knew!? 😅

🍓Lastly, a HUGE thanks to Ash Kemp from Treats on The Street for an amazing cheesecake this week! As you can see by the empty plate....it was delicious! It was a lovely treat for the team! 🥰

As always we wish you all a lovely weekend and a very happy holiday to Nichola who is over East once more with Twiggy and her Mum!🥰

🥳WINNERS🥳

We are delighted to have been named
🤩Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Centre 2024
and awarded the
😍Excellence Award for Transformative Neurological Support 2024 in the SME Scottish Enterprise Awards.

These awards are determined, not by popularity of votes, but by the organisations contribution to their industry.

We are very lucky here that, awards aside, we get to see on a daily basis how much the services here benefit our clients and community. We enjoy sharing their triumphs as well as supporting them through the harder times. We are blessed with a wonderful team, including all the therapists who work here . All with the same goal, to provide life changing, transformational support to our community.
💛💙💛

🎄Christmas Lunch🎄

Have you booked in for our Christmas Lunch yet? Tickets are selling well and we cannot wait to share another special afternoon with you all! 🥰🥰
A delicious meal awaits at the beautiful Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness who provide a relaxing festive afternoon. If you were there last year you will remember how much fun we all had😁 Let's do it all again this year! 🥳

To book just give us a call on 01463 240365 or pop in to the centre to secure your spot 🥰

🥳Friday Birthday! 🥳

Today, we are celebrating the captain of our ship Leigh-Ann Little as it is her birthday! 🥰She is on a very well deserved holiday this week which she has been really looking forward to.

As you all know the centre has been extremely busy and I guess, what a lot of people don't see is, alongside the amazing work the team does front of house, is what goes on in the background. Let's just say it is a LOT. Planning, accounting, marketing, managing, fundraising...the list goes on. Not only does Leigh-Ann give her all in work hours, this can stretch into her evenings and weekends on a very regular basis.
Her love of all things TOW is immense and she puts ALL her energy in to nurturing, growing and protecting our wonderful charity and the people in it. So a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us!🤩🥳🤩😍

🎅In other news we would like to announce our Christmas Raffle! If you would like to donate anything for our annual raffle we would be delighted!🎊 We will let you know when the tickets will go on sale in due course😍

📍We have a few appointments available for Theraplate with Nichola on Monday! Give us a call if you would like to book in! Its a great therapy using Vortex Wave Technology. Great for circulation, reduction in swelling and much more. Fancy giving it a try?? Then Monday is your lucky day as its usually fully booked! The first session is only £10!!

As always we wish you a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing you all next week! 💙💛💙

We will be welcoming the lovely Jon from Out There to the centre on Tuesday 22nd October to run a few Deep Space and mobile sensory sessions. Jon's bus is kitted out with a huge range of sensory equipment, it is incredible.
If you would like to book your space to see him follow the link on his post 😍

Out There Mobile Sensory Room - Tue 22nd October, Oxygen Works, Inverness Book a session of 30 mins for a child up to the age of 18 who has a disability in the Mobile Sensory Room at £10.

This is happening this weekend! Do pop down to Eden Court Theatre and. There is a great art exhibition on upstairs and some short films being shown on Sunday.

Sunday 13th October from 3pm – 5.30pm
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema

Join us for an afternoon of short films including ones by HUG (Action for Mental Health), Mikeysline, Creativity In Care, The Oxygen Works and Highland Board Brain (UHI Inverness, Highland Skate Parks Association & Inverness Inverness Wheeled Sports Club).
The films will explore various interpretations of the theme In/Visible with Q&A session afterwards with the groups involved.
Age guidance 15+
Tickets (£5) are available to buy from Eden Court box office.
Some free tickets will be available for the organisations involved – please contact Graeme Watson on [email protected]

💚World Mental Health Day💚

Neurological conditions and mental health issues are closely linked, as the brain and nervous system regulate mood, cognition, and behaviour. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke can directly impact brain function, leading to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes. Additionally, the emotional strain of living with a chronic condition can contribute to mental health challenges.

At The Oxygen Works, we offer a holistic approach to care, recognising the importance of both physical and mental well-being. Our range of therapies, including oxygen therapy and specialised physiotherapy, not only support physical health but also promote mental resilience. By addressing both aspects, we help individuals manage their conditions more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

This World Mental Health Day is focussing on Mental Health in the Workplace. Why not check in on your colleagues today to see how they're doing💚

🤩T H A N K Y O U🤩

As we mentioned on our Friday roundup we had the crack team here from B&Q who demolished and replaced our dilapidated old shed. The old shed's roof had collapsed and the contents and floor were all rotten. A small family of mice had made it their home but have now scurried off to pastures new!

We are beyond grateful to the boys from the "Build a Life" project. They went above and beyond to do some extra bits like covering the compressor to help preserve it and installing some large hooks in the physio room to provide some more, very much needed, storage.

It was a pleasure to have all the lads in for a hearty lunch of soup and bacon rolls and to say thank you for all their hard work.

A big thanks to James Bell Landscaping, Steven Gardner from SJ Gardner-Garden Maintenance and Ark Estates for the trailer and subsequent disposal of the old shed and its contents. Another wonderful example of how local businesses can support local charities💙💛💙

What amazing reviews for Dave Shirley Sports Therapy! We are so lucky that Dave has chosen to work out of the centre on a Wednesday and Thursday and we agree with all the comments! He certainly knows his stuff and almost all of our team have benefitted from his vast knowledge and understanding of all things muscular!

This week's words!.... (please Like and share!)

Client feedback

Feedback from clients following their appointment is a vital component of ensuring the treatments I provide remain relevant and effective. Here's a selection of comments from my clients in the Aviemore, and Inverness clinics;

"The last couple of months I've been working with Dave Shirley on Myofascial Release. WOW!
Dave has years of experience in bodywork, and it shows in the results. I had knee replacements surgery 4 years ago. I've had regular massage therapy and physical therapy since then. However, after a few treatments from Dave, my knee feels like it hasn't in 10 years; my whole body feels great!..."
RW, Inverness.

"Hi Dave!..you relieved so much of the chronic pain I've been having for over 20 years, and those physical corrections have remained with me for months...
Please believe me when I tell you that you have been the absolute most helpful and healing provider I have had the honor to work with in my life! I haven't enjoyed this much freedom from pain in decades..."
KS, Aviemore.

"Hi Dave!
I just wanted to say thank you for today, and I can't get over how good my knee feels. I'm honestly stunned with how good it feels. I can't thank you enough!"
DM, Inverness.

"Dave Shirley Sports Therapy was life-changing for me. I'd tried everything. He really listens. I can't recommend him enough!"
SD, Aviemore.

"The miracle worker! I've seen many therapists with an injury that no one could really pinpoint the reason for. 2 sessions with Dave and I'm back in the gym, sleeping through the night, and feeling much less pain. can't recommend (him) enough!
SG, Inverness.

🎃Friday Roundup🎃

Welcome to October! Can you believe it? This year is just flying in!

We have had another busy week with the chamber running at almost full capacity with next week looking the same! Its great to see so many people benefitting from their sessions in the chamber and with all our therapists. IF you are keen to try a new therapy or are looking in to chamber sessions get booked in ASAP as there are no signs of us slowing down before Christmas!🎄( Yes I did just mention the C word!🤶 )

Last night Leigh-Ann and Jenni were invited to the new offices of Omniscot Limited on Seafield Road, for their open evening to celebrate the move! It was a lovely night and a great opportunity to see all the services that Omniscot offer! Steve and his team have been running a fundraiser for us through the month of September and we were overjoyed last night when, in lieu of a cash donation, Steve suggested that it may be more beneficial if they were to cover the cost of our broadband for the next two years! WOW! What a wonderful idea and what a great way for a local business to support a local charity! We cannot say enough how great Steve and the team are, we have used them for all our IT needs for over 7 years.
Steve has also offered to do some free group or one to one information sessions on technology and internet safety. If anyone feels they would be interested in this do get in touch!

Today we have the fab people from B&Q here who are volunteering their time and services to demolish and replace the old shed between the office and the garage and replacing it with a shiny new one! A huge thank you to Jacky Brett who has also given a very generous contribution to this in memory of her husband Mike along with support towards buying ingredients for our soups.

We welcomed our Men's and Women's Groups this week, it was great to see so many smiley faces in the centre and everyone enjoyed their soup and rolls!

Lastly we just want to extend our thoughts to our wonderful Kasia on the very sad passing of her Mum . We know you will all be understanding of her absence and join us in sending your best wishes at this difficult time

Wishing you all a lovely weekend and we shall see you all next week! 💛💙💛

🎊🎊🎊UPDATE 🎊🎊🎊

The updated total for funds raised at the Loch Ness Marathon are now £3591! How amazing! We cannot thank you all enough! 😍

💪REMARKABLE RUNNERS!!💪

What can we say!? A massive WELL DONE to all who took part in the Loch Ness Marathon yesterday! Such a huge achievement for everyone, not least our TEAM TOW supporters..
😍TEAM STEWART - Michelle, Mia, Ava,
😍TEAM DUNCAN - Helen, Davy, Dave, Adele, Naomi, Gareth and Corey.
Superstars the lot of them and really, we can't put into words how grateful we are for their efforts!
Michelle has sent in some great pictures and videos and on the day completed the 10k in 53 minutes 30 secs which was her Personal Best! Incredible! 😍 And how cute are the girls in their wee pink Tshirts!🩷🩷

An emotional trip to the finish line for some of Team TOW and Move4ward as we witnessed first hand the legends that are Helen and Davy crossing the finish line with their support runner Jess.
With the team waiting on the riverside we saw Davy's wheels spin into view as he and Helen approached the Glen Mhor Hotel on the other side. Immediately the cheering and whistling started to spur them on for their last kilometre or two.
The smiles on their faces when they crossed the line, in a brilliant time of under 6 hours, was a joyous sight to behold! Davy said what a great time he had on the route while Helen looked like she hadn't even broken a sweat!
We are so inspired and in awe of the incredible amount of effort that they both put in, not only during but before the race itself. The training, including races all over the country, not to mention the numerous emails flying around to ensure entrance in to the various events and all the health and safety issues that go along with it! We are so happy that Loch Ness Marathon allowed them to take part in this monumental challenge!

So far we are delighted to tell you that Michelle's Just Giving Page is sitting at £1670 with Davy and Helen's at £1681 so they have collectively raised over £3300!!!! THese pages are still open so if you feel inspired by these wonderful folks do jump on and drop them a pound or two. This money literally keeps our doors open!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/michelle-stewart-1713529315408
https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-smith-1704998923662

💙💛💙AMAZING! 💙💛💙

🍁Friday Roundup🍁

A very short roundup today I'm afraid! It has been yet another busy wee week here at TOW with various team members being out of the centre.

We would like to remind you of some dates that are coming up!

Men's Wellbeing Group - Tuesday 1st October 11am
Women's Wellbeing Group - Wednesday 2nd October 12pm

Also, next Friday we are having some work done to remove the old shed in between the main building and the garage so please note there may be slight disruption in the car park and maybe some noise! We are very lucky that a team from B&Q are doing this on a voluntary basis!

We are wishing all the runners at Loch Ness Marathon event this weekend the best of luck! We are so lucky to have these people doing some amazing fund raising on our behalf from the Wee Nessie right up to the full marathon!
If you see Michelle, Mia and Ava or Davy and Helen give them a big YEEEHAAA!!! Davy will be pushed round the route and will be the first wheelchair user to take part! HOW INCREDIBLE! 💪 You can support them on the links below

https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-smith-1704998923662
https://www.justgiving.com/page/michelle-stewart-1713529315408

💛💙💛

What better excuse to escape the rain than to get booked in for a last minute chill on the Theraplate or have a lovely relaxing massage! It's not often these appointments are available these days so give us a call and get booked in! 💛💙💛