consideration when we’re coming by
train from Yorkshire! A word of
explanation: reflexology and reiki, and
to an extent, Indian head massage, are
energy-balancing therapies where the
therapist facilitates the client doing
their own healing – very empowering
for them, and an example of what we
can do for ourselves in the right
circumstances.
Some of our clients had already
experienced these therapies and were
keen to have them again. We also had
the privilege of introducing several
people who had never had therapies
before to their benefits, and of seeing
them completely overwhelmed by the
relaxation and rebalancing which took
place. Everyone left the room feeling
better, and they had done it for
themselves with our help.
In the modern world with all its
stresses, I believe that so called
‘alternative’ therapies although as an
article I read the other day pointed out,
they have been around for a lot longer
than ‘conventional’ medicine – offer a
real help to people who are open to
their possibilities. They are
‘complementary’ to medical treatment
and while they can’t always cure, they
can help people to cope more
effectively with symptoms and
emotions. I have volunteered in a
couple of hospices and although the
patients knew our therapies wouldn’t
cure them, they so appreciated the
relaxation and peace that they brought.
Therapies have few or no side effects,
they empower the client and they help
us to reconnect with our inner self. I’ve
seen so many of my students and clients
gain in confidence and positivity when
practising or receiving therapies, and al-
though it can never be guaranteed,
physical symptoms often improve too.
Experiencing this easy and accessible
relaxation in a non-judgemental situa-
tion lends itself perfectly to service
users in treatment or rehab, and I would
advise anyone to give it a try if the
opportunity arises.
Lois is a holistic therapist and tutor
and is always happy to discuss training
or treatments. Contact her at
The NiNTh NaTioNal Service USer coNfereNce
14 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| March 2016
Therapists Lois Skilleter
and colleague Sal
Crosland gave free
tasters of their energy-
balancing treatments to
delegates throughout
the day. Lois explains
some of the benefits
W
hat an amazing day we had at
the
DDN
conference! Sal and I
did nine treatments each, and
introduced several people to Indian head
massage, hand massage/reflexology and
reiki they were blown away. What a
privilege to meet such lovely people and
to share the love of therapies with them.
As the volunteer therapists, we
offered 20-minute tasters of the
treatments, all of which can be carried
out with the client seated and fully
clothed, and using the minimum of
equipment – an important
RELAX AND UNWIND
Body and soul: delegates
enjoyed demonstrations on
complimentary therapies and
healthy eating
‘O
ur cooking on a budget
demonstration went really
well,’ Miranda Yare, recovery
support worker at Hope North East, told
DDN.
‘We spoke to a lot of people about
our set menu, which showed how to
cook a three-course meal for under £3
per head – winter veg soup, pasta
carbonara and coconut rice pudding.
‘Hope North East runs cooking on a
budget every Monday, and we teach
clients about where to source cheap
fresh produce and easy cooking
methods. We are looking to further the
initiative and roll it out into the
communities around Middlesbrough.
‘We all loved the conference.
We found it very useful and loved
networking with other services around
the country.’
CONGRATULATIONS TO MIRANDA
,
who was also the lucky winner in
Ladbrook Insurance’s prize draw
during the exhibition, winning a
Kindle. Ladbrook are specialist
insurance advisors for the third sector.
Frugal Feast
A cookery demonstration by Hope North East gave delegates
the opportunity to learn about cooking on a budget
