Month: July 2025

A local award-winning Therapy and Fitness Centre is celebrating the appointment of its newest therapist who, they guarantee, offers a very safe pair of hands!

Former para-commando Jay Moore, of Midland Physiotherapy, is now combining his 15 years in the military with his experience as a rehabilitation instructor and physiotherapist, to benefit patients at the pain management and injury clinic in Leamington.

Jay has just received the Physiotherapy Prize Award for exceptional performance in clinical practice and consistent high standards of academic work, from the University of Wolverhampton. And, as he joins the 10-strong Therapy and Fitness Centre team, vows to bring his all-round level of care which extends to the mind as well as the body.

He said: “It’s all about being able to find a way of keeping people doing what they want to do with a few modifications. I think there are some physios who develop a less than favourable reputation because they take people off what they enjoy doing. And then you’re suddenly dealing with more of a psychological issue than a physiological one.

“Of course there are times where you need to completely de-load a patient for a period of time, such as if they’ve had a fracture, because otherwise the bone or the tissue won’t heal. However, it’s not very often and I think this mindset approach goes a long way with patients because they see you always trying to keep them on the field or in the gym or walking their dog or lifting their grandchildren, not stopping them from doing it.

Jay, a HCPC and CSP-registered and qualified personal trainer and teacher, provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment for acute and chronic conditions, sporting and non-sporting, recreational and occupational-related injuries, helping patients to achieve their goal of returning to peak function and ‘living life on their terms.’

And he says his time in the forces – including five tours of duty in Afghanistan – influences his approach to treatment today – as well as his own ongoing journey of recovery.

“I wanted to complete paratrooper training and the commando course because it’s the toughest of the tough. I joined with 58 people and just 16 of us finished,” he said.

I lost six friends in Afghanistan, and I’ve lost another five who have since left the forces. It doesn’t stop the day you walk out those gates, it carries on, but I just worked really hard and wasn’t willing to accept that there wasn’t a way to deal with it and make it work for me.”

The 37-year-old added: “I think my military background is definitely one of the things that helps set myself apart from other physiotherapists. There’s a unique set of skills and experience I bring to the profession – including personal organisation, people skills, problem solving, remaining calm under pressure, and communication.

“I can bring a lot when it comes to helping manage patients’ injuries. It might be something chronic, an injury or just a niggle that they haven’t been able to shake off for a while. It might be that lower back pain that flares up every now and then. I’ve worked with people of all ages, from as young as 12 right the way through to my oldest patient at 97.

“The one common denominator with them all is that they want to be able to do the things they want to do, when they want to do them, whether that’s jumping on the bus to go to the local supermarket or being able to take part in a dance or gymnastics competition – and everything in between.”

The award-winning Therapy and Fitness Centre, headed up by Lisa Devine, since 2011, offers access to a range of therapies, from Reflexology, Acupuncture and Manual Lymphatic Drainage through to Massage, Podiatry and Aesthetics as well as Yoga, Pilates and Fitness classes.

Lisa said: “Having Jay join us helps us to provide a more comprehensive approach to the injuries we see in the clinic. Physiotherapists can assess and diagnose musculoskeletal issues, design rehabilitation programs, and guide clients through exercises, strengthening routines, and other therapies to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This will give us more medical focus on what we can offer.

“In turn physiotherapy complements the soft tissue work of our sports massage therapists, creating a synergy for faster recovery and injury prevention. This in turn will help us to increase client trust and confidence, giving us access to private healthcare companies.”

For further information visit HERE.

Hundreds of people turned out to support a special production which marked a theatrical first for a Solihull performing arts school.

Children with additional needs were among the 50 youngsters sharing the stage spotlight in Over The Rainbow at Land Rover Sports and Social Club on Sunday.

The show, starring youngsters aged between three and 18, was the culmination of months of rehearsals for what marks a first musical production of its kind by Born2Sing, an academy which also welcomes those with complex learning needs.

Led by Gemma Mills, a trained specialist in Sounds of Intent, Born2Sing goes beyond traditional performing arts education by offering tailored support, private vocal coaching, audition preparation, GCSE support, and career guidance.

It’s the challenges she herself has faced as a mother of children with autism and ADHD that have inspired Gemma to provide opportunities for those with special educational needs (SEN) to thrive. Through Born2Sing, she has pioneered an inclusive performing arts space where young people, regardless of ability, can find their voice, gain confidence, and succeed in ways they never thought possible.

Gemma said: “We have done many performances before. Open mic nights and showcases are a regular part of Born2Sing, however, we had never done a musical theatre production. With children of mixed ages and abilities, it is fair to say there have been challenging moments but we have made adjustments to be able to create the vision and with an amazing team of teachers working hard together.

“Many of our students have lots of experience performing on stage and do it regularly however, we have many children within Born2Sing who would struggle to perform on stage because of the demand, anxiety and potentially lack of preparation and support. We felt it was time to give all of our students the opportunity to support each other and create something special.

“Also teaching them patience, commitment and empathy as well as learning valuable life skills. They developed friendships, built confidence they didn’t realise they had and have had fun along the journey.”

Since its launch in 2021, the multi-award-winning academy’s impact also extends beyond the classroom through both funded and non-funded programs, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to the arts. Students are given numerous opportunities to shine, from termly Open Nights and showcases to fundraisers and theatre performances.

Gemma continually supports her local community by offering workshops, private coaching, and music sessions within dance schools, SEN provisions, care homes, and facilities. And all while living with the daily pain of her own chronic health conditions, fibromyalgia and endometriosis.

She said: “Having health conditions makes running a business incredibly challenging. From day to day I do not know how I will feel or if I will be in a flare up that will impact my work. But Born2Sing is supported by an amazing team of staff and volunteers who hold everything together, especially when I feel unwell or am unable to attend at times. I am incredibly grateful for them and for all they do.”

Last month Born2Sing was officially recognised when Gemma was presented with a Special Recognition Award at Ladies First Inspirational Women Awards, held at Dallas Burston Polo Club IXL Centre in Southam.

She said: “Born2Sing allows students of all abilities to feel welcome in an environment where they can find their voice in their own time and at their own pace.

“I was inspired by my sons, now aged 15 and 12, who have Autism and ADHD to provide a space for others to be able to feel nurtured through music as there is so much evidence to prove how music supports those with special educational needs. I am also inspired by our staff and volunteers, many of whom have lived experience of children with special needs or work with children with additional needs.”

Students who needed it were offered extended rehearsal time in familiar space, ahead of the two sold-out shows, each performed for audiences of 170 people on Sunday (July 6^th). Lead roles were played by Iona McMurchie (Dorothy); Kelsey Morris (Scarecrow); Kayla Davison (Tin Girl); Liliana Skarzynska (Lion); Carey Mills (Oz); Aimee Firkins (Glinda); Bethany Webb (Wicked Witch) and Georgia Davey (Captain).

A proud Gemma added: “Over the Rainbow was so magical. It was a show that truly celebrated diversity and that with Born2Sing we embrace every voice and story and proves that the power of music and the arts breaks down all barriers, we are so proud of all the children!”

Zoe Morris, proud mum of Kelsey, said after the show: “I never thought as a SEN parent my child would ever be able to take part in something like this. They go above and beyond to meet all children’s needs and bring out their full potential.”

To find out more about Born2Sing visit HERE.