On this page, we have included information that should answer many questions that you should by now have about ARNI. Your next move should be to contact us directly at the ARNI Trust Central either by phone or email.

What do I have to do to join?

ARNI welcomes enquiries and referrals from Consultants, G.P.s, Nurses, other Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Family Liaison Workers, Psychologists, Case Managers and Solicitors. ARNI accepts self-referrals and offers a free initial telephone consultation to find you the best solution to your individual requirements. Just call ARNI Central and we will match you with an Instructor around the country. Or, we encourage you to call our Instructors directly. If you do not see an Instructor near you on the map, don't worry, for we have Instructors completing our Certification all the time (it normally takes at least half a year to complete). We will put you on our database and inform you immediately that an Instructor is in your area. There is no charge to you for this service.

Can I just start training at any time?

Yes. We do require a doctor's letter certifying that you are able to attend an exercise class. Your Doctor may use this site to fid out about ARNI if he or she wishes, or call us for any help regarding training for you. Close liaison with health and social care professionals; such as medical staff, orthotists, care staff and other therapists is essential for effective rehabilitation. ARNI communicates with other professionals as required to ensure excellent service delivery.You will also need to fill out our Application Form. All records are held by us in strict confidence.

How much time do I need to commit?

The usual ARNI mode of training is one (or sometimes two) individual classes per week, in your home, Instructor's studio or gym area. This will normally last for over an hour. This is preferred over group situations for those who have suffered their stroke recently, for the residual limitations that ARNI Instructors will seek to facilitate you to tackle are different for everyone. Your ARNI trainer may also be running group classes. These are beneficial in other ways... please call ARNI Central for guidance. Instructors will give you exercises plans and suggestons for improving between sessions.

How long does the training run for?

Once an ARNI Instructor agrees to train you, subject to positive health screen, you can do as many sessions as you like. Obviously we expect commitment, as we ourselves are working hard for you. For individuals, we would advise a course of 30 sessions. Of course, there is no legal binding to this and if necessary, you can leave at any time. We know that an individuals' circumstances can change. Discuss options with your Instructor.

Can I join straight away?

Yes, in most cases. Due to high demand, we operate a waiting list in some of our training centres.

How much does it cost?

We are aligning ourselves with physical training experts around the country, all of whom own their own physical training businesses. They have agreed to train stroke survivors at their rock-bottom fees for us. Training fees vary depending on the Instructor. In Central London, fees can be up to £45 a session, but elsewhere can be £25 or £30. Depending on their mode of operation, you may be able to join a group class instead, as well as training individually.

Am I fully insured?

Yes. All our Instructors have their own comprehensive insurance covers, have professional indemnity cover and are comprehensively CRB checked. Check with individual Instructors and make sure you know what the cover they can offer you is. Furthermore, the ARNI Trust as a Charity is affiliated to Attend - the UK's largest membership organisation formed to support the work of volunteers in the health and social care services.

How qualified are ARNI Instructors?

ARNI Instructors are mostly rehab experts, personal trainers and therapists who own their own fitness businesses. Many are involved in the field of stroke, specialists in the use of FES or functional training. All come with their own skills as you might expect, but in common they have REPS Level 3, the standard by which they can call themselves 'personal trainers, as well as many related qualifications showing proficiency in physical training. They will have completed the comprehensive ARNI Instructors Trust Tripartite Course which teaches them how to safely train stroke survivors. Please ask specific trainers for details.

Will my medication affect the training?

This is a question for your doctor but we do take into account what medication you are on. You are expected to highlight any problems to your Instructor at the START of any training session you come to. Remember, if in doubt, safety is the number one priority. Consult your doctor and come back to training when possible.

How long after stroke can I expect results?

This will depend on how hard you work. Typically we see improvements in balance, movement and coping abilities almost immediately. Improvements in isolated movement are incremental and dependant on each individuals' starting points.

Are there any limiting factors?

Age is the average enquirer's first concern. ARNI was initially conceived for younger people, for whom there is less in the way of adequate rehab, Younger people want all the movement they used to have, whereas we have found that older people tend to accept a level of non-movement is going to be retained for the rest of their natural lives. Of course, this is a generalisation, but our experience has shown some truth in it. We accept stroke survivors therefore from ages 10 to 70. There are some exceptions: in 2004 we successfully trained a former RAF Pilot of 76 years, who could still do 30 press-ups! In 2008 we trained a boy of 6. When places become very limited, preference is always given to the younger stroke survivor. ARNI is strictly non-racist and non-homophobic.

Will I be required to work at home?

Yes. We do like to give you personalised exercises to support your short and long term goals. We have clients who still retain their physiotherapists - this is to be encouraged, and ARNI Instructors are happy to collaborate with physiotherapists, as required, to provide as full a recovery strategy for you as possible.

I'd like to give the ARNI Trust more recompense for helping me.

We do welcome recipricol generosity! All at the ARNI Trust are volunteers and work hard to ensure this training and matching service works for YOU. Do feel free to donate back to the ARNI Trust if you feel we have significantly helped you and your family.