Business Hour
Initially set up as a charity, M2M has branched out into an organisation that is helping hundreds of people live better, more fulfilled lives
Back in 2018 Charlotte Kershaw founded M2M (Mind2Muscle) which features her own unique, specialist programme that helps those affected by neurological conditions.
A licensed practitioner and sports science lecturer, Director and CEO Charlotte has a background studying neurology, social and health care, physiotherapy and psychology.
After caring for her mum who lived with Parkinson’s Disease for more than two decades, and a daughter who had epilepsy, Charlotte set up M2M pledging to help others with similar conditions: “I was told my daughter would never talk or walk,” she says. “But she went to a mainstream school and she is now a qualified practitioner with M2M.”
Charlotte’s ability to blend her professional skills together with her deep understanding of the debilitating and restrictive nature of certain conditions, has enabled her to construct specific physical activity programmes aimed at alleviating the many day-to-day symptoms and restrictions associated with such conditions.
Since launching M2M, she set about training others in her practices and she now has an accredited programme of pathway courses under the M2M Academy, which is based in Blackburn and treats patients from throughout the region including the Ribble Valley.
“The qualifications are unique to the academy which is the first centre of its kind in the UK,” explains Charlotte.
Patients at M2M are often referred by the NHS, GPs and other organisations and once they arrive at the academy, they undergo a medical and physical assessment: “Conditions vary a great deal – they range from Parkinson’s Disease to Multiple Sclerosis – it’s a very wide remit. Then we look at a rehabilitation programme which may involve identifying physical realignments, muscle imbalances, motor skills that may help prevent falls. This is the work done by the academy – when patients have gone through assessment and rehabilitation, they are then put under the wing of the M2M charity for a programme that is ongoing where they can use the gym and all the equipment we have here.”
Passionate about what she does, Charlotte is keen to point out that the academy’s training programme not only works for the patients, but for the team as a whole, as they undergo ongoing training: “I am helping to train and educate people – they come here, get accredited qualifications and do case studies. It helps everyone,” explains Charlotte, who is affiliated with the University of East London and has successfully run and completed her own clinical trials on her concepts, which focus not only on the physical aspect of rehabilitation but the mindset of patients too.
At the academy and gym there is a social interaction room and café that is used by patients, one of whom has been attending for many years: “It is the social side that also has many advantages,” he says. “It’s very easy to stay indoors when you are affected by certain conditions – and then it’s a downward spiral.
“When I came here I made new friends so it has helped my mental wellbeing as well as benefitting from the physical activity. We are all in the same boat here and it’s great that there is so much support.”
Charlotte adds: “When patients come to M2M they have often lost their purpose in life. They think nothing can be done to help. But when they undergo rehabilitation they can get back into society, which is what people need.
“We have the skills so we can formulate a plan for patients – it may involve cognitive therapy, physical activity, exercises to help with functional skills that improve everyday life – simple things like picking up a washing basket that they may struggle with or fall prevention classes.
“Our practitioners are qualified to spot the symptoms and when they may arise. Patient programmes have to be sustainable,” adds Charlotte, who is hoping to roll out her M2M training model across Lancashire.
Winning numerous awards, M2M has been named as a Blackburn Rovers Health Champion and Global Health & Pharma Best Neurological & Mental Health Condition Practice 2022 in North West England.
Making a huge impact to many people’s lives, Charlotte and M2M have given children and adults from all walks of life a new start by improving wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.