Supporting people through accessible therapies, support and community
Swanley Therapy Centre (formerly known as SUMS or Swanley Unit for Multiple Sclerosis) is a registered charity providing subsidised therapeutic services to people living with multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses.
Our aim is to make therapies accessible and affordable to those who may benefit from them, while providing a welcoming and supportive environment where our members can meet others, share experiences and feel part of a community.
The Centre is based in Swanley and welcomes people from Swanley and the surrounding areas.
Our mission
Our charity exists to provide therapeutic services at a quality and cost that encourages the maximum uptake from people who may benefit.
While Oxygen Therapy is our principal therapy, the Centre provides a range of other therapies including Bowen Therapy, Reiki, Pilates and Beauty Treatments.
We recognise that living with a long-term health condition can affect much more than physical health. Our Centre therefore aims to provide not only access to therapies, but also friendship, social opportunities and a sense of belonging.
Who we support
Our members attend the Centre with a variety of conditions and health needs.
We have traditionally supported people living with multiple sclerosis, but over the years our membership has grown to include people with a range of chronic illnesses and other conditions.
People visit us for a variety of reasons, including MS, Long Covid, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and injuries.
Our approach is centred on providing a welcoming environment where people can access the therapies available to them and spend time with others who understand the challenges of living with a health condition.
Our therapies and services
Our principal therapy is Oxygen Therapy, which is provided in our purpose-built chamber by trained volunteers.
We also provide a range of complementary therapies and services, including:
- Bowen Therapy
- Reiki
- Pilates
- Beauty Treatments
- Social and community activities
The availability of therapies and services may vary, so please contact the Centre if you would like further information.
Why our therapies are subsidised
As a charity, we work to keep our therapy costs as affordable as possible for our members.
The fees paid by members do not cover the full cost of providing their treatment, let alone the wider costs involved in running the Centre. Fundraising, donations and the contribution of time from our volunteers are therefore essential to keeping the Centre operating and helping us continue to provide subsidised therapies.
Every donation and fundraising effort helps us maintain our facilities, equipment and services and continue supporting the people who rely on the Centre.
The importance of our volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of Swanley Therapy Centre.
Our trained chamber operator volunteers help us provide Oxygen Therapy sessions for our members, and many also support the Centre’s fundraising activities and events, including our Summer Fete.
Without our chamber operator volunteers, we would not be able to provide the Oxygen Therapy sessions that our members rely on.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, find out more on our Volunteer with Swanley Therapy Centre page.
Our community
The Centre is about more than therapies.
We hold coffee mornings, fundraising events and social activities that give members, families, volunteers and the wider community opportunities to meet and spend time together.
We want Swanley Therapy Centre to be a place where people feel welcome, listened to and able to get involved as much or as little as they choose.
Supporting Swanley Therapy Centre
As a charity, we rely on membership fees, donations, fundraising and our dedicated volunteers to continue our work.
There are many ways you can support the Centre, whether by volunteering your time, taking part in fundraising, making a donation or simply helping us spread the word about the work we do.
Together, we can help keep accessible therapies and a welcoming community available to the people who need them.
Our charity
Swanley Therapy Centre (SUMS) is a registered charity in England and Wales.
Charity No. 801112.
For more information about our therapies, membership, volunteering or fundraising, please explore the website or contact the Centre.