The Brain Charity

We’re incredibly proud to share that The Brain Charity has been shortlisted for the 2025 Charity Awards — the longest-running and most prestigious awards in the UK charity sector. 

Our nomination is in the Disability category for our pioneering Neuro Gym, the only free rehabilitation-focused gym in Merseyside, created specifically for people living with neurological conditions. 

About the Neuro Gym 

Opened in 2023 at our Liverpool city centre HQ, the Neuro Gym was launched to address a huge gap in accessible fitness and rehab services for people with neurological conditions. For many of our clients, standard gyms are simply not an option — they’re too expensive, inaccessible, or intimidating. 

The team consists of four regular PTs and a physiotherapist with gym manager Scott Black running day to day operations:

The Neuro Gym changes that. It’s: 

• Fully wheelchair-accessible 

• Free to use for anyone affected by a neurological condition 

• Home to specialist physio, personalised one-to-one support, and inclusive group activities like dance, yoga and boccia 

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and a generous private donor, who personally experienced the challenges of brain surgery recovery, we’re proud to offer this service completely free. 

The impact so far 

Since welcoming its first members in January 2024, the Neuro Gym has supported more than 220 people. After just three months: 

• 78% reported improved physical health 

• 73% reported better mental health 

• 68% said they felt more confident 

• 74% were more motivated to exercise 

The gym also provides significant savings, helping reduce strain on the NHS by delivering free physiotherapy sessions — saving an estimated £15,818 — and saving users over £145,000 a year in gym and therapy costs. 

What our team says 

Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, said: 

“We’re so proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. The Neuro Gym represents everything The Brain Charity stands for — empowerment, inclusion and practical, person-centred support. Often, people with neurological conditions have been excluded from fitness and rehabilitation spaces. The Neuro Gym is changing that, and this recognition shows how vital and replicable this service is.” 

Pippa, added: 

“What makes the Neuro Gym truly special is the people who use it. We work closely with each member to understand their condition and goals, and we’ve seen life-changing progress, from physical improvements to huge boosts in confidence. Being shortlisted is a tribute to every individual who’s walked through our doors, and we hope this inspires more communities to create spaces like ours.”  

Gym volunteer Sophia shared her experience of the Neuro Gym as part of our 2023-24 annual report in this video:

About the Charity Awards

Now in its 25th year, the Charity Awards celebrate excellence in UK charity work. The winners across 10 categories — along with the Overall Award for Excellence and Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement — will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Thursday 3 July at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, hosted by BBC’s Asad Ahmad. 

Matthew Nolan, CEO of Civil Society Media, which runs the awards, said: 

“At a time when the sector is struggling with higher costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand, it’s inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity going on across the country. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all shortlisted and wish The Brain Charity the best of luck on the night.” 

Peter Hugh Smith, Chief Executive at CCLA and Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, added: 

“The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change. We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities like The Brain Charity.”