New massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy appointments have gone down a storm with families who use Derian House – thanks to the hospice’s new full-time complementary therapist.
Denise Doe has been working with children, parents, grandparents and siblings on free therapy treatments to help stress, anxiety, and relieve symptoms.
All members of the family who visit Derian House Children’s Hospice can book in for therapies – with one parent describing their appointment as “like a weight being lifted”.
Mum Nicola Preston, whose son Jack uses services at Derian House, said: “Complementary therapies make us feel better physically, emotionally and mentally. I’ve seen it first hand through my child’s reaction. I’ve seen it through his sibling and I’ve felt it myself. It’s like a weight has been lifted. For us, this service means the world. It’s time and space – a safe space – to let go, to just be present in that moment. It’s incredibly important. I’ve never seen my child react so positively to somebody out of the family in such a short time, never heard him take such deep contented breaths and smile.”
The hospice had previously been able to offer a smaller number of complementary therapy appointments to families, using an outside company – but the recruitment of its very own therapist means even more families can benefit.
Denise Doe, Complementary Therapist at Derian House, said: “Most people benefit from having time, no matter how short, to relax and be in the moment. And for our children, young people, and their families who attend lots of appointments – that time can be hard to find. They often say that they have forgotten how to relax. Complementary therapies can comfort and soothe, relieve stress and anxiety, and help you feel better and cope better. It’s really lovely for me to be able to give them that experience.”
Based in Chorley, Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It will cost £6million to run services at Derian House in 2023, and so the charity relies on the generosity of its supporters for 70p in every £1.
Find out more: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk
