Step Up with Health by Science: dedicated physio for chronic health conditions
Health by Science is a social enterprise that provides physiotherapy-led rehabilitation programmes for individuals recovering from chronic health conditions. With a 0% loan from Step Up, they are growing their impact, increasing access to their classes and reaching more clients with physical health conditions.
Founded by Stuart Maytham and based in Leith, Edinburgh, Health by Science was established as a social enterprise in 2017. Their focus on physiotherapy-led programmes include their Thrive Classes, helping participants regain mobility, confidence and independence.
Health By Science’s Journey: From Grants to Investment with Firstport
Since receiving a Firstport Start It grant in 2016, Health by Science has grown to employ 6 full-time employees.
They have successfully scaled their Thrive classes through strong community engagement and by partnering with NHS referral pathways.
These classes are specifically designed for those living with long-term conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s, or arthritis. Classes are adapted to meet individual needs allowing clients to reclaim their ability to perform everyday activities with confidence. However, the focus isn’t purely on the physical, Health by Science are aware of the mental impact chronic health conditions can have, and these supportive classes offer connection with others, boosting their clients’ moods and reducing feelings of stress. They also offer a free physiotherapy assessment alongside the classes.
Health by Science’s impact can be seen in an increase in participant engagement and measurable health improvements. They have found that:
- 93% of participants report improved confidence, mobility and independence
- 95% of participants report a positive impact on their life
- 80% have increased their activity levels outside of the classes
- NHS Scotland and local GPs actively refer patients, showing demand for continued rehabilitation
Having recently secured a £10,000 Step Up loan from Firstport, they are now looking to grow their impact even further, reaching more clients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access these types of services, and creating further job opportunities.
But wait, what is Step Up?
Step Up is our most recent loan product, which has very flexible payment terms. Social enterprises can use a Step Up loan to invest in concepts, products or services they’ve previously piloted or run, which have helped to grow their business. Let’s break it down:
Firstly, it is a 0% interest loan, which means you repay the same amount you borrowed.
Secondly, the amount you can borrow can be between £5,000 and up to £30,000. If you have fully repaid a loan, you can apply again – up to a lifetime limit of £50,000.
Thirdly, the timeline: YOU decide the frequency and rate of repayments, within the following timeframes:
- if you borrow under £10,000, you have 2 years to repay; or
- for amounts over £10,000, you have 5 years to repay.
In other words, you use your unique knowledge of your enterprise to determine the best way to repay your loan. We understand, with our 16 years of experience, that every social enterprise journey is different and that you know your business best. We want our products to help you grow, not to hinder your progress with restrictive loan terms.
So how is Step Up helping Health by Science?
Supported by their Investment Manager, Lauren, Health by Science are aiming to double their current Thrive class capacity, and increase the amount of access to free classes for those facing financial hardship to 20% of spaces. They will also create further employment opportunities by creating another physiotherapist position.
Lauren said:
“We’re really delighted to have been able to support Health by Science with this Step Up loan, which will allow them to double the provision of their Thrive classes and deliver even greater social impact. This is exactly the kind of activity which our interest-free Step Up loans, which are unique in Scotland, are designed for – supporting Scottish social enterprises to deliver more services or products to enable them to grow.”
About Step Up, Stuart said:
“The Step Up loan process was very easy and the Firsport team were really helpful. Applying for funding can sometimes take time and obviously isn’t always successful, but the Step Up application was simple and quick, and the opportunity to discuss our individual needs and how we wanted to use the money to increase our capacity and social impact was hugely valuable.”
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Want to know more about Step Up?
Get in touch at info@firstport.org.uk, our investment team will help you take your next big step!