THE HISTORY OF TiMS (in 5 minutes!)

Happy 8 th Birthday ! 2003 – initiated at MS Trust Conference, Harrogate, by Jenny Thain & Michelle Ennis To put Specialist Therapy Services for People with MS “on the map” “Core group” to undertake projects

2005, 4 Project groups to specifically address the Aims of TiMS, namely Communication Publication (completed 2006) Education Research Audit (commenced 2007) Meet 3 times per year

l Revisit Aims 1. Proactive Voice Document “Therapists in MS – delivering the Long-Term Solutions”, launched March 2006

Revisit Aims 2. Support UK MS Therapists TiMS Core Group Contact Directory TiMS Website (discussion forum, references) Study days Audit tool Conference presentations

Revisit Aims 3. Increase Awareness of Role Publication (and forthcoming update) Articles in professional publications Presentations and posters at conferences Contribution to Competencies for MS Services

Revisit Aims 4. Raise the Profile Publications Core group Website Audit tool

Revisit Aims 5. Develop Educational Initiatives Study days Booklets MS Therapists Education Fund

Revisit Aims 6. Encourage Research in MS 1 st research project completed and published in 2010 – “Core Stability”

Revisit Aims 7. Forge Links locally and internationally Good relationship with UKMSSNA Education fund is a joint initiative with MS Society and drug companies Website RIMS attendance

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 180 therapists on contact directory Additional 40 HPC registered practitioners with viewing rights Members spread from Shetland to Cornwall, Wales and Northern Ireland to Kent.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 1 x PhD; 3 or 4 Masters’ Couple of weddings 4 babies Numerous job changes Enduring friendships Lots of fun and lots of learning !!

…and finally Despite government changes, increasing restrictions on budgets, study leave and time away from work, the TiMS group remains an enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate group. As always, grateful thanks to the MS Trust, Nicola and Brenda for their ongoing support.