Ex EastEnders star films TV carers series at Bedford MS Therapy Centre

The eight-part documentary follows Natalie, who returned to college to train as a carer, shining a light on the realities, challenges, and compassion involved in caring for

others.

The Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre episode which was shown last night (May 28), follows one of the centre’s members, Lisa Stonehouse, and

her husband Gary, as they share their experiences of living with Multiple Sclerosis and managing Lisa’s care together.

Their story offers an insight into the day-to-day realities faced by many families navigating long-term neurological conditions.

During filming at the centre, Natalie spent time meeting members, volunteers, carers, and staff, gaining a deeper understanding of the support and therapies provided to

people living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s.

The visit highlighted the vital role community-based services play in improving quality of life and reducing isolation for individuals and families affected by long-term

conditions.

Shirley Scotcher, CEO of the Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Natalie Cassidy to our centre. Natalie was warm, engaging, and genuinely interested in the experiences of our members, carers, and staff.

"Lisa and Gary’s story is incredibly powerful and reflects the reality many families face every day. Caring can be rewarding, exhausting, emotional, and life-changing all at

once, and this series shines an important spotlight on the compassion and resilience shown by carers across the country.

“We are proud to have been part of such an important project and hope the programme helps raise awareness of both the challenges and strength of people

living with neurological conditions and those who care for them.”

Throughout the series, Natalie works alongside students, professional carers, volunteers, and unpaid carers, experiencing classroom learning, placements, and real-life care situations.

The programme forms part of the BBC’s Caring Matters season, designed to raise awareness of the challenges facing carers while celebrating the often unseen

contribution they make to communities across the UK.

The Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire MS Therapy Centre supports people living with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions through a

range of therapies, wellbeing support, counselling, exercise programmes, oxygen therapy, and social activities. The centre also provides support for carers and

families, recognising the essential role they play in day-to-day life.

All episodes of Caring Together, which launched on May 25, are available on BBC iPlayer.