The Month in Review

UPDATES FEB - APRIL COMING SHORTLY!

January into February 2008 - Welcome to Nicky, Susan and Dras. We have had many ARNI Instructors coming for one to one training this month. We aim to cut down on the journeys made by Instructors-in-training, as we aim to make life easier for busy Instructors to complete the course. For the next course, one to one learning will be enhanced with DVD and online learning.

December 2007 into January 2008 - Well done Darren for setting up his class in Romsey. See article opposite. Becky is setting up in Teddington. On an organisational front, ARNI has been preparing for Trustees meeting in March and extending the ARNI Certification for full recognition by other PT bodies. We will keep new Instructors informed about developments on this front.

November into December 2007 - Classes are being started up in 3 areas around the country. Nick Tsavalos (a 4th Dan hapkido teacher from East London) has been granted Senior Instructor status - well done Nick! This ARNI Instructor is full of energy, and will help the charity to progress as we go into the New Year. Happy Xmas to all clients, past and present from all at ARNI. Happy Xmas also to the Instructors who make the time and effort to train stroke surivors.

October into November 2007 - 5 PT Instructors: Darren, Becky, Stuart, Nick and Tori have received the ARNI Trust Certificate at the ARNI certification part 3 seminar, having completed the required courses and required learning. They are now in the process of starting up ARNI classes. Well done to these Instructors! We will post their details on this site, and stroke survivors can either contact them personally, or through us. 8 others are due to certify at the next course in April 2008. Many thanks to Mrs. M. Montague for a donation to ARNI.

October into November 2007 - 5 PT Instructors: Nick, Darren, Becky, Stuart and Tori have received the ARNI Trust Certificate at the ARNI certification part 3 seminar, having completed the required courses and required learning. They are now in the process of starting up ARNI classes. Well done to these Instructors! We will post their details on this site, and stroke survivors can either contact them personally, or through us. 8 others are due to certify at the next course in February 2008. Many thanks to Mrs. M. Montague for a donation to ARNI.

September into October 2007 - The ARNI Trust thanks the Energise Gym in Acton very much for allowing training on their premesis for the past year.

August into September 2007 - The ARNI Trust has been given a very substantial donation from Mrs. J. Cadbury. We are very grateful for this contribution, and it will help us to concentrate on the education of PT Instructors around the country regarding reali-life stroke rehabilitation. This month has mainly been about PT Instructor training. We have had a really positive response from other physical Instructors around the country who are not on the course yet. For other PT Instructors reading this website, please get in touch - this is a vital role that you can contribute to, which will take no more than an hour and a bit per week.

July into August 2007 - Each week, PT Instructors having been coming for one to one (or more usually one to three training) at the ARNI Centre. This is to allow them to feel more comfortable working with stroke survivors and to maximise their time working with stroke survivors before certification.

June into July 2007 - ARNI certification part 2 - a big event for volunteers and Introductory Seminar for PT Instructors at Acton Centre. 20 Instructors from around the UK travelled to the Centre and took part in a very successful day, which incorporated teaching sessions from Tom and GrandMaster Lee. Instructors feedback shows that the most useful aspect was that 4 stroke survivors were there to show how they had improved with ARNI training. Thanks to those people plus those who helped on the day. Feedback was very positive - all who came enjoyed it, and are nearly all are going to incorporate the role of charitable ARNI Instructors into their own PT businesses. Thank you for coming everyone and for making it such a good event.

May into June 2007 - ARNI certification part 1 for volunteers brought Instructors from all parts of the UK to Lingfield for a formative meeting. Many thanks to all who travelled long distances, and have since returned their Instructor Application Forms. Romain Denis (PhD student from Brunel University raised a donation to the Trust by running in the London Marathon... thanks Romain! We wish you all the best in your studies (concerned with the physiology of movement around the hip and ankle in children)

April into May 2007 - The ARNI Trust was nominated for National Stroke Association Awards and received a certificate. Website update - thank you for bearing with us: the site has had to be re-coded. We hope to put a security encoded Instructor's page, but for the public we hope it is now much more accessible. Andy Fox (Tonbridge) has taken on a number of new clients, and Christian Slater (Lingfield) is getting a group of runners at his club together to run a local marathon.

March into April 2007 - The ARNI Trust has been given a substantial donation from the Worshipful Company of Skinners. We are very grateful for this contribution, and will be using it to puchase a machine to help clients work their 'pinch-grip' - starting with eccentric (negative) training in collaboration with other stroke recovery-specific strategies to improve the grip

February into March 2007 - We are particularly proud of Leon and Michael (Newcastle) see kettlebellUK.com who are running the ARNI Initiative up North for us. Links have been created with the Young Survivor part of the National Stoke Association.

January into February 2007 - Tom (Director) has moved training premises to Energise Fitness Centre in Acton. The ARNI Trust welcomes Instuctors from Newcastle, Manchester, Derby, Sussex and Surrey. Details of them and their training locations will be posted shortly.

December in January 2007 - We are now pleased offer a comprehensive tripartate Instuctors Award package for people with relevant experience who wish to volunteer. Our next Volunteer Instructors Award Course will start in March 2007 (Please apply to ARNI for full specifications package).

November into December 2006 - The ARNI Trust has created the 'BRIDGING THE GAP INITIATIVE'. This is designed to train personal trainers around the UK in unique ARNI rehabvmethods, in order to reach stroke survivors who cannot travel to our existing centres. Generous funding has come from the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers.

October into November 2006 - The ARNI Trust has been given a very substantial donation from the Martin Isherwood Memorial Trust. We are very grateful for this contribution. We have also received a donation from the Worshipful Company of Apothecaries. Many thanks to Professor Alan Roberts, OBE, DSc, DL for the donation of this authoratative medical dictionary Dorlands Medical Dictionary (2,190 pages) to ARNI. Professor Roberts is one of the world's most respected medical innovators. and we are proud that he has been a strong supporter of ARNI since we started, providing us with advice and connections in the field of Integrated Medicine.

September into October 2006 - on the 12th September ARNI was granted full charitable status. The registered charity will now be known as THE ARNI TRUST.

August into September 2006 - Website taken down for maintenance - We have had a 'grip-slide' donated to us from Stan Pike of Intensefitness.co.uk. Stan is a Highland Games competitor and a well-known blacksmith. Not only this, he is a grip strength fanatic - just the kind of person we like at ARNI. He produces equipment for strength training and is a strong supporter of ARNI. Thanks for this equipment Stan, and good luck in the next competition.

July into August 2006 - ARNI members have completed evaluations of what they like about the classes, and don't like. How we are performing is of concern to us, as we strive to show people how to train to rehabilitate from the effects of stroke. Results are very positive, and most clients are rapidly benefitting from the differentiated approach we are taking in group classes. A bbq was run by Tom in Lingfield, which featured a strongman event. We had 8 competitors and many old ARNI members attended.

June into July 2006 - Training has been stepped up in Tonbridge, and we have welcomed some new members. We have had some good newspaper coverage this month concerning the Tonbridge training sessions. Ian Bates has decided to take a back seat until charitable status has been granted, and we hope he will be back to add his expertise soon.

May into June 2006 - ARNI has been working on the moving towards charitable trust status. Some extremely prominent figures in the educational and medical worlds have agreed to become Trustees. Elsewhere, we have had interest from potential teachers who would like to become ARNI instructors.

April into May 2006 - A very formative month for ARNI. ARNI visited the Wellington Humama Hospital in St.John's Wood, London and Tom did presentation to all the Rehab Unit physios/OTs etc. The Wellington Rehabilitation Unit forms a major division of the Wellington Hospital, Britain’s largest private hospital which is located just a few minutes away from the Harley Street area of central London. The Wellington are very interested in the ARNI concept, and understand the need for out-patient help of the sort ARNI can offer. They would like to use it as a bolt-on for their service. Hopefully within a month or so, ARNI techniques will be used within the unit. ARNI instructor Sensei Andy Fox in Tonbridge has now opened up a group class for interested stroke survivors. The class is interactive and free, so get down there if you can make it!

March into April 2006 - We have had a large number of applicants for the free classes, and have had to start a waiting list! Everyone enjoys it, and some have made a small donation, for which we are very thankful for... this will help the next person through the door, and helps with admin/equipment etc. Talking about equipment, we have invested with this money in a calf-raise step-block (essential for stretching the calves - we find that in affected legs, this muscle and achilles tendon often very tight) and a number of different strength specialised grip tools.

February into March 2006 - Dave Waters has chosen to take more of a back seat this year as he is spending a lot of time on family holidays. Have fun Dave - you'll be missed at ARNI and the people you have helped will always be grateful. We are applying to convert ARNI into a charity, and the application process is now in place. Fingers crossed!

January into February 2006 - ARNI is heading towards voluntary work; we recognise that stroke survivors a a group who can rarely afford the long term treatment and training advice we offer. We have concentrated on gathering publicity for this in local newspapers. Contact ARNI for more details.

December into January 2006 - ARNI has a number of priorities for the new year, the major one being to offer more free training. Tom has switched training to a facility down the road - 146 London Rd, Isleworth, TW7 5BJ, which is more suitable for stroke survivors because there are no steps to the entrance. It is literally a walk-in training area. This is courtesy of Grand Master Tae Yong Lee (for more info on his expertise and classes see Sungjiart.com

November into December 2005 saw a number of excellent successes - most notably at the Borough Green training area (well done Andy!!) We were donated a whole rack of free-weights by Anne at the Leisure Club - and we don't mean just the small chrome ones! These ones run from 8kg to massive 35kg bells. Grateful thanks to you. We have also established a new training format at Isleworth, which starts after Xmas. Stroke survivors who wish to see Tom at Isleworth may enroll for a free group class on Fridays - the only expense will be required insurance (see FAQ's). We look forward to your participation!

October into November 2005 saw training going strong, as usual, with all ARNI clients. A successful training seminar was held on the 25th and 26th October, showing that there are people from all over the UK who understand that rebuilding from stroke is hard work that can reap dividends according to input effort. It is a period of change for our organisation, as we start to embrace the views of physiotherapists round the UK on our unique approach. This is being done to see if there are more ways in which we can help stroke survivors. For instance, we hope to create practical links with the Wellington Hospital off Harley Street, London.

September into October 2005 has seen a few new clients join - one at Lingfield, and another at Isleworth. Tom was nominated for the Stroke Association Life after Stroke Awards 2005 and received the Richard Thomas Community Award Commendation certificate for the work that ARNI has done so far. We have made contact with the Pembury hospital Occupational Therapy unit and hope to develop further training links with them.

August into September 2005 has been a month of serious training for those who have not been off for summer holidays. ARNI will be reviewing some hand/grip rehabilitation tools for an innovative company from the U.S. (Michigan) called FunctionalHandStrength.com It is owned by the son (Jim Wood) of one of the best functional grip trainers and real strength training advisers in the world (Kim Wood - long time NFL strength coach) Jim himself is one of the few well-known and respected grip-men in the States. He personally supports ARNI's work by donating items free that he thinks will help our clients, and we hope to be working further with this international connection. Thanks to Jim and staff.

July into August 2005 has brought a number of new clients, and ARNI has waiting lists in two of its centres. But we need more activity in the Dartford area, so stroke survivors, if you are reading this, we have an excellent instructor there. ARNI ran a very successful training seminar at the end of August, and were able to perform a number of 'quick fixes' and highlight areas where long-term progress can be made by following a training programme designed for each individual.

June into July 2005 has seen a development for the good at ARNI. Requests have been coming in for years by stroke suvivors all over the world, from as far as Dubai and Minnesota for practical working training conferences. So ARNI instructors have met to tackle the issue, and we have developed plans for 2/3 and 4 day conferences using local school students doing their Duke of Edinburgh's Award...and modern technology such as PDA's to assess and then produce records while training which can be sent to individuals who attend.

May into June 2005 - ARNI has developed its centres around the South East and run a training course for new and prospective instructors. The Lingfield Centre continues to be oversubscribed. Links have been made with Kew Integrated Neurological Services and Prof David Peters (Professor of Integrated Healthcare) of the School of Integrated Healthcare at the University of Westminster

April into May 2005 has seen a lot of changes at ARNI Central. The website has been overhauled, Tom has been awarded his doctorate, and Dave has restructured the assessment procedures for clients. Brian has been constructing a medical information package for future instructors.

Events

July 20th 2008 - ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 2 Seminar @ Acton Community Centre, West London. 8 PLACES LEFT. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Acton for the second ARNI Tripartite course.We also welcome Guest: Course Leader MSc Strength and Conditioning from Middlesex University.

June 27th 2008 - ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 2 Seminar @ Helions Bumpstead, Cambridge, PLACES LEFT - APPLY NOW. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Cambridge for the second ARNI Tripartite course. Training area courtesy of Instructor Liz Fowler. Call for details.

April 20th 2008 - ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 1 Seminar @ Acton Community Centre, West London. 8 PLACES LEFT. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Acton for the second ARNI Tripartite course. Guest Speaker: MSc Neurorehabilitation Course Leader from Brunel University, Prof Alex Nowicky

April 6th 2008 - ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 1 Seminar @ Acton Community Centre, West London. NO PLACES LEFT. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Acton for the second ARNI Tripartite course. If you went to the October course, but not the previous one, you need to attend this. Guest Speaker: GrandMaster Lee 8th Dan, Head of Sungji Action School.

October 28th 2007 – ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 3 Seminar @ Acton Community Centre, West London. We again welcome Instructors from around the country to Acton for what promises to be an excellent course. This seminar focuses on strength training for stroke survivors.

June 24th 2007 – ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 2 Seminar (including welcome introduction about ARNI to PT experts from around the UK) @ Acton Community Centre, West London. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Acton for what promises to be an excellent course.

March 11th 2007 – ARNI TRUST Instructor Certificate Part 1 Seminar @Lingfield Leisure Club. We welcome Instructors from around the country to Lingfield for what promises to be an excellent course.



September 19th 2006 - ARNI becomes a Registered Charity. ARNI is now applying for funds and welcoming donations from funding bodies.



17th March 2006- More Press Interest in ARNI 2006 initiative. A waiting list is being drawn up for Isleworth free class. Please contact Andy Fox for details of forthcoming Tonbridge class.



12th February 2006 - More Press Interest in ARNI 2006 initiative. 6 stroke survivors in the local area, aged from 30 to 65 have already signed up and are benefitting each week from the Isleworth training. Others have been in touch from further afield. We have one former client who has returned. We would like younger stroke survivors to be in touch. The other ARNI Group clubs are considering this initiative, and we will bring you news of other offers as they come



6th January 2006 - Free Group class register at LA Fitness, Isleworth.

Another voluntary effort - and combining with the skills of Master Lee - who is an expert at acupuncture. Both ARNI and Master Lee will perform their services for free. ARNI training will take elements of the one to one classes and aim to differentiate them for those in the group as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you, but bear in mind that this training does not guarantee the same results as the one to one long-term consistent training that ARNI does so successfully.

5th November 2005 - ARNI instructors meeting @ Lingfield Leisure Club

ARNI Instructors to review training principles/guidelines sheets/training programmes etc. Please contact Tom or Dave if you haven't received agenda.

26th-27th October - Two-day ARNI Training Seminar @ the Lingfield Centre

This is the second of a series of two-day seminars. We will again be helped by current clients to demonstrate the efficiency of training techniques. We hope to evaluate new innovative grip tools from America. It is open only to a maximum of 5 stroke survivors, in order to ensure everyone gets personal attention. It will be an intense 2 days, and will cost £200 in all. We will arrange lodging for those travelling from afar. 2 spots are already taken, so hurry. Contact ARNI for details of this and further training seminars.

24th-25th August - Two-day ARNI Training Seminar @ the Lingfield Centre

Tom starts off the first of a series of two-day seminars. We will be helped by current clients to demonstrate the efficiency of training techniques by current clients (on the 24th by Russ from our Isleworth class, and on the 25th by Melissa from the Lingfield class). Open only to a maximum of 5 stroke survivors, this is an excellent opportunity to grab ARNI training knowlege. It will be an intense 2 days, and will cost £230 in all. We will arrange lodging for those travelling from afar. We particularly welcome Aileen, travelling from Scotland to be there. Contact ARNI for details of this and further training seminars.

15th July 2005 - ARNI develops new inclusive training conferences

ARNI Instructors are to pilot 2 day conferences when possible to meet demand from individuals unable to attend weekly classes

29th June 2005 - ARNI meets staff @ Kew Integrated Neurological Services

Links being made in order to train stroke survivors at the INS in Kew. We fully support the exemplary ethos of the volunteers at registered charity which supports people with multiple sclerosis, parkinson's disease and the effects of stroke.

12th June 2005 - ARNI Instructors meet @ Lingfield Centre

Debate and activity for the day will concen new strategies for movement and strength. We will welcome Mr Darren Norris (stroke survivor and 2nd dan former 2 times British Kickboxing champion, former member of the British Boxing team).

24th May 2005 - ARNI Instructors meeting @ Lingfield Centre Please contact Tom or Dave if you haven't already received emails

4th March 2005 - 3 new instructors join the ARNI Group

Brian, Andy and Ian set up ARNI clubs around the South East

18th February 2005 - New London ARNI centre

Tom starts training sessions at new ARNI Centre at LA Fitness, Isleworth,Middlesex

24th January - Digital Video Camera Donation
A.R.N.I. would like to thank the Lingfield Running Club for their generous donation of an expensive digital video camera to allow us to record client progress and feedback improvements at the Lingfield ARNI Centre. Also thanks to Ron Granger for the donation of a professional tripod.