Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

12/08/2026

A spirit of innovation is key to our ongoing efforts to improve patient care. Now, specialist physiotherapy sessions are helping patients recovering from acquired brain injuries regain confidence, improve movement and take steps towards greater independence.

The weekly sessions have proved popular among patients in Moseley Hall Hospital's inpatient neurological rehabilitation unit, where they spend 90 minutes once a week being guided through a series of exercises on a ‘plinth’ - an adjustable physiotherapy treatment table - to a relaxing musical soundtrack.

Each patient is supported on a one-to-one basis by a member of the rehab team as specialist neurological physiotherapist Monica Devi guides them through a set of exercises designed to improve posture, balance and movement.

Monica has recently completed the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) clinical matwork certification thanks to a grant from a BCHC fund to support additional clinical learning.

The qualification focuses on key principles, including neuroplasticity, motor learning and postural control, helping patients safely relearn movement and improve core stability.
Monica completed 50 hours of supervised practice, delivering 30 hours of teaching to colleagues and successfully passed a final examination.

Now, other physiotherapists have been inspired to explore the model's potential - for example, to help rehabilitate patients following a stroke - and colleagues acting as patients' helpers during the sessions have benefited from the learning opportunity, including a physiotherapy apprentice student.

Alongside the physical benefits, the sessions have proved a popular, morale-boosting addition to the routine of the ward, as well as an enjoyable opportunity to interact with staff and other patients.

Monica explains the structure of the session: “Each patient has a one-to-one helper and I lead the group as well as going round, supporting and guiding.

“We start seated and end up in a lying down position, with a lovely few minutes at the end where we dim the lights and relax.

“It has great therapeutic benefits for neuro-rehab patients because it’s giving them ‘work’ to do but in a fun, supportive environment.

“Patients often ask me, ‘is there a class today?’ - as well as the therapeutic benefits, it breaks up their day and is a welcome opportunity to have a bit of fun on their rehab journey.”

11/08/2026

Make a 'lotto' difference for BCHC Charity by signing up to our weekly lottery; you'll be in with a chance to win up to £25,000, and 50p from each ticket comes directly to us to help us continue to spread some sparkle in Birmingham! Find out more and sign up today: https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/charity-lottery

04/08/2026

BCHC Charity needs your votes to help us provide emergency food parcels for families accessing the Community Children’s Nurses and Palliative Care Team, and Children’s Rapid Response Team!

We’re through to the voting stage to receive a Tesco Fruit and Veg grant, to create food parcels to support families accessing these services who are struggling with providing the necessities for their children. Find out more about our bid, and which stores you can vote in on our website: https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/charity-news/vote-for-us-for-a-tesco-fruit-and-veg-grant-9511

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

BCHC Charity was able to create 26 pairs of wellbeing bags for people living with dementia and the people who care for them in Edgbaston, thanks to a grant from Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS).

The project aimed to improve the wellbeing of those with dementia and their carers by creating tailored wellbeing bags to make their lives easier, reduce anxiety, and promote self-care. The Charity Team sat down with local carer groups to get suggestions on items that would be helpful to be in the bags, to ensure they are both practical and comforting, and help people feel more confident in going out and remaining engaged with social activity. The bags for people with dementia included items such as a photo album to encourage reminiscence, a sensory toy to soothe anxieties, and a lanyard which indicates to others that support may be needed while out and about, whilst the carer’s bags contained a travel cup to bring hot drinks to appointments or on walks, a radar key to access disabled toilets in public, useful information on local dementia helplines and support groups, and more.

One carer who received a bag said, “I have used most of the items. I enjoy doing puzzles and find this relaxing... The information in the pack was useful and easy to understand. Generally, the pack has taken into consideration of the carer’s role and included items for comfort, relaxation and ease in the role.”

https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/charity-news/bags-of-support-for-people-with-dementia-and-their-carers-9417

29/07/2026

BCHC Charity would like to offer a huge thank you to PHL Group UK for their incredibly kind donation of £500 worth of ice lollies for staff and patients at Moseley Hall and West Heath Hospitals! We are so grateful for your support in keeping patients and staff cool and comfortable during the hot summer days.

28/07/2026

It’s time to celebrate the people who make BCHC extraordinary!🎉

Nominations are now open for this year’s Values in Practice (VIP) Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements and dedication of our colleagues and teams.

With 13 categories covering both clinical and non-clinical roles, there’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who consistently make a difference.

Do you know an individual or team who has gone above and beyond for patients, families, colleagues, or the wider community? Nominate them today and help recognise their contribution.

Our VIP Awards celebrate those who demonstrate our Trust Values: Caring, Open, Respectful, Responsible and Inclusive. Please keep these values at the heart of your nomination.

Submit your nomination by midnight on Friday 4 September.

24/07/2026

Keeping kids active when the school term ends isn't always the easiest – as many parents will know.

That’s where Activate comes in! The animated workout series for children featuring Joe Wicks helps get children and their families moving and have fun while doing so.

Whether it’s push-ups in the living room or squats in the kitchen, the Activator gang will lead you through each 5-minute episode, building strength and healthy habits along the way. 🚀💥

There are plenty of episodes to choose from, from sneaky safari outings through to partying pirates – there’s an Activate episode for every family.

Let’s get our families moving. 💪

23/07/2026

The government has published new, evidence-informed guidance to help parents and carers of children under 5 navigate screen time. With digital screens now a normal part of family life, this guidance offers practical advice to support informed choices to help little brains develop healthy screen habits.

The guidance recommends:

👉 For under 2s - avoid screen time, other than shared activities like video calls with family or looking through photos together. For 2-5s: try to keep it to no more than one hour a day - less if you can.

👉 Choose slow-paced, predictable content with simple stories, fewer scene changes and characters who speak clearly. Avoid fast-paced, social media-style videos - these may affect a child's ability to concentrate.

👉 Children copy everything you do so try to limit your screen use around your child.

👉 Keep bedrooms and mealtimes screen-free. Try to swap screens before bed for a bedtime story and avoid screens for the hour before sleep as they can disrupt rest.

👉 Try not to let young children use screens alone - watching together means you can chat about what you're seeing and spot anything inappropriate.

👉 The key is making sure screens don't replace sleep, physical activity, play or quality time with you.

90% of brain growth happens before the age of 5. The interactions children have in these early years - the chats, the games, the stories, the back-and-forth conversations - lay the foundations for language, problem-solving, emotional understanding and self-control.

Large amounts of screen time has been linked to negative effects on social, emotional and language development, as well as sleep, eyesight and healthy weight. However, the good news is that small, simple swaps can make a big difference.