2024 has been a remarkable year for STEPS Rehabilitation, as we continued to push the boundaries of neurorehabilitation, and provided transformative outcomes for our clients.
This year we have launched new day clinics, hosted new events, celebrated our clients and team and introduced the latest in rehabilitation technology.
Here's a look back at some of our key highlights:
New Developments and Clinics
This year, we proudly launched two new outpatient clinics, expanding our services and offerings. The Aquatic Therapy Clinic which takes place in our on-site hydrotherapy pool is designed to utilise the therapeutic advantages of water. Through warm water, buoyancy, and hydrostatic pressure, our clients benefit from a dynamic treatment that supports muscle strengthening, cardiovascular improvements, and relaxation. The clinic is ideal for individuals who are independently mobile or accompanied by caregivers, with both self-referrals and professional referrals welcomed.
We also welcomed our first outpatient clients to the Upper Limb Neurotechnology Group. This eight-week programme provides intensive upper limb rehabilitation, using the latest neurotechnology to support individuals with neurological conditions or complex trauma injuries. The group setting has proven invaluable to clients who haven’t previously had access to this type of rehabilitationoffering a tailored approach that enhances recovery through innovative technology.
Groundbreaking Rehabilitation Technology
At STEPS, we are continuously integrating rehabtechnology into our rehabilitation programmes, and 2024 has been no exception. This year, we introduced several new pieces of equipment that are helping our clients achieve remarkable progress. The DST Triple Sense Parallel Bars combine a variety of gait functions, including stairs, slopes, and flat surfaces, with advanced pressure mapping technology, empowering physiotherapists to deliver precision-based treatments and track progress more accurately.
The Luna EMG and Strolll AR System are our most recent additions. The Luna EMG uses reactive electromyography to train the sensorimotor cortex, offering significant benefits for orthopaedic and neurorehabilitation. Meanwhile, the Strolll AR System takes a step beyond traditional virtual reality, using augmented reality to integrate real-world and digital elements, which has been transformative for brain injury rehabilitation.
Media Coverage
In 2024, we were thrilled to be featured on BBC’s Con or Cure with presenter Ashley John-Baptiste. The segment showcased our MindPod Dolphin technology, which is popular with both clients and therapists. Ashley’s visit highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this technology, as well as the expertise and dedication of our team in delivering innovative rehabilitation.
Key Events and Conferences
We started the year presenting at the 13th World Congress for Neurorehabilitation in Vancouver, where three of our abstracts were accepted, reflecting our commitment to advancing research and evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation.
In October we hosted our inaugural STEPS Amputee Conference in partnership with STEPS Prosthetics. This event brought together professionals, clients, and experts, exploring the latest advances in prosthetics and rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced amputations or polytrauma. We also hosted our first Motus Academy Event, offering a hands-on workshop that focused on the application of robotic and VR technology in rehabilitation.
Three Members of the STEPS team co-hosted a two-part workshop at the ICNR 2024 in La Granja, Spain, and in November team members from STEPS presented at the MASCIP 26th Annual Conference.
Awards and Recognition
STEPS Rehabilitation’s commitment to excellence was recognised through numerous accolades in 2024. We were proud to win Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year at the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. We also received the Medium to Large Organisation of the Year award at the 2024 Sheffield Business Awards, a testament to our ongoing innovation and impact in the sector.
Our incredible team members were also recognised with prestigious awards. Lucy Greensmith, Specialist Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist, won the Frank Williams Academy Healthcare Professional of the Year Award at the Spinal Injuries Association's 'Rebuilding Lives' Awards, while Scott Parkin was shortlisted for the IWFM Newcomer of the Year at the IWFM Impact Awards.
We were also delighted to be shortlisted at the Personal Injury Awards with STEPS Prosthetics for ‘Rehab Provider of the Year’ , Founders Jules Shiel-Boulger and Toria Chan were shortlisted for ‘Leader of the Year’ at the Neuro Rehab Times Awards, and our Team were also named runner-up in the SCI Team of the Year award at the Spinal Injuries Association ‘Rebuilding Lives Awards 2024’.
We are thrilled to announce that STEPS Rehabilitation has been recognised at the Sheffield Cares Excellence Awards 2025. Zoe Johnson, Nurse Associate, has been selected as a winner in this year’s awards for her exceptional compassion and commitment to client care. Zoe’s impact on the lives of those she supports has been significant, and she is highly regarded by the whole of the STEPS team.
In addition to Zoe’s win, the STEPS Rehabilitation team has been recognised as a runner-up in the Team of the Year category, reflecting the teamwork, mutual support, and compassionate care at the heart of our approach to rehabilitation.
Finally, we are pleased to share that Jules Shiel-Boulger, Toria Chan, and Ray Boulger, the founders of STEPS Rehabilitation, have received a certificate of recognition for their outstanding leadership and dedication to transforming neurorehabilitation in the UK.
Client Stories
At STEPS, our clients' successes are at the heart of everything we do. This year, we shared the following client stories: Ben's Story, a young man who regained confidence and skills after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Andy’s Story, an individual who overcame multiple injuries, including a leg amputation, to regain an active lifestyle, and Ruby’s Story, a young mum who experienced a life-changing road traffic accident that resulted in orthopaedic injuries and leg amputation.
We were delighted to have a visit from Shaun Cook, a former client who, after a spinal cord injury, is now a successful para-canoeist, competing in multiple international championships. The STEPS Foundation is delighted to sponsor his Disability Racing Va’a, which features adaptive paddling using a Va’a, a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe, modified for athletes with disabilities.
In September, an enthusiastic team of clients and team members competed at the 2024 WheelPowerInterSpinal Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. It was a fantastic event, which plenty of personal achievements, an inspiring show of team spirit and exciting future opportunities.
STEPS Facility Enhancements and New Family Accommodation
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving our services, we unveiled a newly refurbished clinic room designed to support a wide range of rehabilitation needs. This space is equipped for splinting services, exoskeleton assessments, and consultant-led Botulinum Toxin clinics, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive, specialised care under one roof.
Additionally, we introduced 16 Troutbeck Road, a newly renovated rental accommodation for families of clients staying at STEPS. This three-bedroom property, just a short walk from the STEPS, offers a comfortable home away from home for families during their loved ones' rehabilitation journey. We’ll be sharing more details in the new year!
Looking Ahead to 2025
With new technologies, innovative treatments, and a dedicated team, we look forward to working with more clients and their families in 2025!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.