The Oxygen Works
Established in 1992, the MS Therapy Centre has been providing practical, emotional and social support to people living with long term health concerns throughout the Scottish Highlands. Initially focused on supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) the Centre has diversified over the years to accommodate a broad spectrum of clientele. Support is delivered through a portfolio of services and therapies all aimed at helping individuals to manage the symptoms of their conditions and promoting independent living.
The therapies they offer include Oxygen therapy, massage therapy and physiotherapy. They are proud to run one of the only 64 hyperbaric chambers in the UK. The chamber can be used for a variety of conditions and ailments including MS, Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME), Cancer, Diabetes, Heart conditions and even sports injuries.
The centre treats 150-175 people every week and their members are of all ages, with the youngest three years old.
They employ 7 members of staff who as well as supporting with the therapies, deliver a range of services such as a lunch club, where they serve home-cooked food to 15-30 people, a specialised hairdressing facilities and a minibus service collecting individuals from through Inverness, Nairn, Forres, Invergordon and beyond.
2017 is an important year for the organisation as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, as well as reflecting on the 25 year heritage it raised questions about the strategy for safeguarding the services for the next 25 years. The Board recognised that to ensure the business was sustainable there was key issues around visibility and accessibility that needed to be addressed. The name of the centre suggested a facility that was exclusive to those living with MS, when in reality there were people of all ages living with a broad variety of health concerns who were benefitting from the work of the centre.
The decision was made to rebrand the organisation as ‘The Oxygen Works’ and relaunch the centre to realign with their marketplace to reflect their diverse and growing ambition. SIS have lent £20,000 to The Oxygen Works to cover working with a local PR company, System 2, to re-launch and rebrand, develop a marketing strategy which will include the new name, new logos/signage, new website, business stationery and hosting of a variety of campaigns and events to relaunch the Centre.
The rebrand focusses on the results attained for many who attend the Burnett Road centre. The idea of ‘works’ as a place of activity, organisation and multiple services and skills reflects the services we offer for so many to benefit from. The idea of ‘works’ as an end result for so many people and having the ‘works’ reflecting the diverse range of practical, social and emotional support on offer.
“We treat people as individuals and recognise that they are not their condition. The new branding prevents people being labelled and pigeon holed and instead reflects the diverse, inclusive and community feel that the centre has always had. We are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with SIS to get this project off the ground for us.”
Leigh-Ann Little, Centre Manager
The centre was launched under The Oxygen Works banner on Thursday 7th September with an event in Inverness. Press, local business people, counsellors, and funders along with many of the people directly linked with The Oxygen Works; including clients, staff and the Board of Directors attended the event which showcased two short films about the evolving role of the centre within the community. Following the event The Oxygen Works has seen a phenomenal uplift in enquiries and new clients benefitting from the therapies on offer. The charity has featured on STV news as well as being selected as the charity of choice for several high profile events hosted in Scotland.
Eileen Gardiner, Investment Manager – Highlands & Islands, Social Investment Scotland
“We were delighted to be able to support The Oxygen Works with their rebrand and help them widen the reach of their impact. They have a great team in place who are truly passionate about making the centre supportive and accessible to all.”