Our Mission
Is to build an inclusive community and offer specialist services, led by oxygen therapy and physiotherapy, to empower you to manage your neurological condition and support you whenever you need it.Our Vision
Our vision is that everyone with a neurological condition in The Lothians has the support to live their best life.
Our History
The charity was created by and for people with Multiple Sclerosis to provide them with specialist physiotherapy and oxygen therapy, allowing them to improve their quality of life. Over time, the charity has developed into a community that offers more than just therapies. This same supportive spirit still exists today.
Our Centre is part of a network offering oxygen therapy, pioneered in Scotland, drawing on the ground-breaking research of Professor Philip James. The network grew in the 1980s from the first Centre in Dundee in 1982 to over 60 centres throughout the UK.
These centres were initially called ARMS (Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis), later changing their name to MS Therapy Centres.
Initially, many people from Edinburgh came to Dundee for treatment, so our own independent Centre was opened in Edinburgh in 1984. Treatments in Edinburgh doubled in the first year alone.
Some of the MS Therapy Centres, including Compass, have expanded to offer other therapeutic services and welcome those with other neurological conditions.
Our Values
SINCERITY
We communicate with clarity and honesty, building a community of trust.
We support and empathise with each other – and we encourage others to do the same.
RESPECT
We listen, honouring each other’s views, experiences, and expertise.
We value diversity and treat everyone with fairness and respect.
EMPOWERMENT
We help people identify, explore, and develop strategies and resources.
We support people's individual choices to take the direction they want.
QUALITY
We aim for best practice: to provide the highest quality services and advice.
We are always building on our unique knowledge and skills.
COMMUNITY
We ensure everyone can be an active part of our collaborative community if they choose.
We build connections, goodwill and share best practice internally and externally.