A University of Worcester graduate who set up a free physiotherapy clinic for local residents says he’s delighted after receiving an extension of community funding that will allow the service to continue into next year.
Physiotherapy graduate Oliver Nightingale, who completed his degree at Worcester in 2024, launched the free clinic at the Oasis Community Hub in Warndon with support from the Hub and funding from Platform Housing’s Community Chest fund.
Since then, he has delivered more than 120 physiotherapy appointments and welcomed almost 25 University of Worcester physiotherapy students on placement through his social enterprise, Health Valued.
Around half of his patients have been able to be safely discharged after improvement, with many reporting increased confidence, mobility, and wellbeing.
“One patient hadn’t been to their GP in ten years,” Oliver said. “After one appointment they felt confident enough to return, and started taking small, life-changing steps. Others have been able to go back to work, or pick up social activities again, or access services they’d struggled to reach.”
Originally from the Black Country, Oliver chose to remain in Worcester after completing his degree, setting up Health Valued to break down the barriers which prevent patients getting the support they need by bringing physiotherapy to the areas they live in.
“When I graduated, my long-term goal was to do a bit of teaching, work in the NHS, and set up my own community healthcare project,” he said. “The fact it has happened in just a couple of years is incredible. Staying in Worcester has allowed me to achieve that, and I’m excited for the long-term journey.”
The extension of funding means that the sessions at the Oasis Community Hub in Warndon can continue into at least January 2027, and Oliver said he’s delighted to have been given the news.
“Platform Community Chest and Oasis Community Hub Warndon have put a lot of trust in me, and we’ve worked together to support the community,” he said. “I’m really grateful for all of the support they’ve given to Health Valued and I’m excited to continue delivering these sessions.”
It has been a busy year for Oliver, who has had his work recognised nationally having presented his project at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Conference.
With more funding and growing partnerships, Oliver said he is already looking at ways to grow what he is delivering.
“This is just the start,” he said. “The long-term goal is for Health Valued to help make high-quality physiotherapy accessible across communities that need it most, starting here in Worcester.”
Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer from Platform Housing Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Oliver and Health Valued through our Community Chest fund.”
“This projected is a fantastic example of how targeted, grassroots initiatives can make a real and lasting impact in our communities,” she added. “It’s inspiring to see a local graduate use their skills to support residents’ wellbeing, and we’re delighted to extend our funding so more people can benefit from this vital service.”
Anyone interested in booking a session or finding out more can visit www.healthvalued.org or email [email protected], or visit the Oasis Community Hub, Warndon.
You can also follow Oliver’s journey on his social media accounts:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@healthvalued?si=_Jm2fWVrAQv4pNfn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthvalued/
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]