Rochdale charity reopens its rebound therapy

For the first time since Covid, a charity in Rochdale has reopened its therapeutic trampoline to offer rebound therapy to service users and the wider public.

Rochdale Gateway Leisure Ltd staff were retrained to deliver the therapy and service users were really excited to be able to get back on the trampoline where they enjoy freedom of movement in a safe and secure environment at the centre’s base on Kenion Street, Rochdale.

Activities coordinator Louis Tweedale explained: “There are not many places offering this service now and there is a gap in this local area which has been left after Covid.

“Rebound therapy has always been seen as a bit fringe, but it can make such a difference to people’s lives.”

It aids physical as well as emotional wellbeing and the rhythmic nature of the exercise has been shown to help body awareness and improve motor skills.

As well as improving mental and physical wellbeing, it also boosts confidence.

Louis said: “More and more people are seeing really big benefits. For people with limited mobility and sometimes no control, it can strengthen a person’s muscles by a therapist moving them while they are on the trampoline.”

He said it was also useful for people who had respiratory problems and can help with clearing the chest and other ailments.

Louis, whose dad Andy works in the office, did his work experience with Gateway seven years ago and always knew he wanted to go into the caring profession; his mum is also a carer.

He joined the workforce during Covid and Gateway put him through his NVQ.

Louis said: “There is a great team here and Gateway work with the staff and develop staff brilliantly.

“A dozen of us have been trained to deliver rebound therapy and we offer sessions for service users and, on a Wednesday, we hold public sessions.

“I love Gateway and love being an activities coordinator. We help to develop and upskill service users: music brings a sense of community; art helps with hand and eye coordination; rebound improves physical health and promotes community.

“The activity side of care is great fun and I get to do something different every day.”

To celebrate the relaunch, Gateway is offering a special price for the therapy - £8 for 15 minutes and £15 for 30 minutes.

A full health check is carried out before using the trampolines and all sessions are supervised by fully qualified and trained staff.

To book a session call 01706 515803 or email: admin@gatewayleisure.co.uk