CPotential Photo Report

Written and Photographed by Thomas Noonan

On Thursday, November 24th, King’s Broadcast for Change had the pleasure of visiting CPotential’s facilities and meeting some members of their amazing team. Located far North in London, from the outside it would be difficult to guess this old school building is one of the most advanced facilities for combating the effects of cerebral palsy and other degenerative diseases on children and youth. 

Greeted at the door by Johanna’s smile, communications officer at CPotential, we were soon led to the staff resting room where biscuits, tea and coffee were awaiting us to discuss with her the mission and functioning of the centre. 

Photo 1: We had the opportunity to see the great hospitality of CPotential with biscuits and hot drinks to welcome us

CPotential is a one-of-a-kind facility in the country, providing the highest quality care for accessible price, and with outstanding continuous support to the families. Starting with an assessment to discuss and evaluate the needs of the patient and his family, the specialised therapists can then provide with highly tailored sessions, offering a very wide range of services. We had the privilege of assisting two sessions: music therapy, where Ruth helps children discover their creative potential and develop new skills; as well as physiotherapy, where Andrea lets patients up to 18-years old develop their physical abilities, strengthen their muscles, balance and coordination. CPotential also provides aquatic, upper limb, Galileo, immersive story, LEGO, occupational, speech and language therapy, conducive education, dynamic movement intervention (DMI), as well as Mollii suits. 

Photo 2: Without the sanitising wipes, one would think this is just a standard elementary school music room

Photo 3: A young patient with cerebral palsy plays with an electronic keyboard. Playfulness is an excellent way for children to develop a number of critical skills, and it is very important for those with cerebral palsy to have regular stimulation and encouragement to play

Photo 4: Our young friend is more interested in my camera’s strange shape than in listening to his mom and therapist

Photo 5: Our friend pays attention to his audience’s cheerful reaction after each note he plays 

Photo 6: His mom helps him stand up and wave us goodbye, a very complex movement capable of making me tear up

Photo 7: CPotential’s music therapy is supported by the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a testament to the quality of their services

I think it is no understatement to say that after assisting to this session, listening to the beautiful voice of the therapist sing an accompaniment to the child’s “jazzy improv”, and seeing this child discover his creative potential and expressing himself, we were very moved and quite emotional. For some children affected by cerebral palsy, music therapy can be a very powerful tool to let them overcome some behavioural and emotional difficulties, letting them explore their senses and expressions, and maintain and develop new physical and cognitive skills. Before we had time to recompose our emotions, we were invited to assist a physiotherapy session, where children are encouraged to develop their movement and balance. “These sessions are always very emotional as they are very hard for the child” warns Johanna. Indeed, physiotherapy is a crucial aspect of combating the muscular and coordination downgrade that comes with degenerative diseases of this kind, and in this case even reversed a lot of the behavioural change. 

Photo 8: The physiotherapist helps a child with a rare degenerative disease under the worried eyes of the parents.

Photo 9: The parent’s face’s show all their resilience and courage, despite their worries for the future of their daughter

Photo 10: Our PR officer Sara interacts with the little girl, presenting a toy to incentivise the child to reach and play with it

Photo 11: Andrea, physiotherapist at CPotential 

Photo 12: On Andrea’s desk, plushies, notes, and thank you letters from families

Photo 13: What looks like an elementary school gymnasium is a state-of-the-art therapy facility

Photo 14: In the staff resting room, a bust representing the 18th century advancement towards modern neuroscience that is the invention of Phrenology, theorising a (wrong) spatial division of the brain for the first time

Photo 15: Corridor with a staircase for exercising lower limb functions, a family waits in the corner

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the generous people of CPotential for their welcome and allowing us to visit and photograph the facility and staff. I would also like to thank the families for allowing us to join and photograph their sessions. If you wish to learn more about their services or donate, visit their website https://cpotential.org.uk/ and browse their eBay shop.