Local Groups
Local groups COVID-19 has meant that up until very recently, FHT local groups (LGs) have been unable to meet face-to-face. In this issue of International Therapist, we cover two recent meetings that have been held virtually...
Complementary therapies in cancer care at York
FIND YOUR LOCAL GROUP Local groups are a valuable hub for all those with a passion for therapies. Hear from excellent speakers about the latest therapies and business ideas, and chat to like-minded therapists. EAST MIDLANDS Alfreton Leicester Lincoln Northampton Nottingham EAST OF ENGLAND Colchester Essex Hertfordshire Norwich NORTH EAST Durham Newcastle Tees Valley
Carole Dalton, York Joint Coordinator very kindly offered to talk to us about her role as the Complementary Therapy Lead at a local hospice, writes York Joint Coordinator, Louise Black. Carole talked about how she has developed her own training courses and is currently offering these to therapists wanting to increase their knowledge and confidence when working with clients who are living with cancer. It was inspiring to listen to Carole talk about the work she and her team of therapists do in the hospice and the positive impact they have on improving
their clients’ end of life experience. There was an interactive discussion around the benefits of massage therapy and the practicalities of providing a treatment and communicating with someone receiving palliative care. Attendees highlighted concerns around taking on a formal counselling role with clients, but Carole said that often it is important to simply offer a listening ear. She said clients often find it beneficial to talk openly to their therapist during their treatments as they can sometimes find it difficult to talk in the same way to family and friends.
Transcendental meditation at Eastbourne and South Downs Our guest speaker Marek Lorys joined us for a discussion on transcendental meditation, writes Eastbourne and South Downs Joint Coordinators Pam Hardy and Hazel Curtis. Marek has been practicing this form of meditation for 50 years and began by advising us that the best way to gain the most from our meditation is to practice for twenty minutes morning and night. He shared studies which look at the possible benefits of meditation, including improved 44 International therapist
sleep, increased brain function and creativity, more energy and a greater resilience to stress. Attendees asked how to choose a mantra to repeat during the meditation sessions and Marek explained that everyone has their own mantra dependent on how they are feeling and that no two are the same. The evening passed quickly, and it was agreed that Marek should return for another talk, perhaps once in-person meetings are able to take place.
SOUTH EAST Brighton and Hove Chichester Dartford, Gravesham and Medway Eastbourne and South Downs East Kent Milton Keynes North Kent Oxfordshire (South) Waterlooville Worthing
SOUTH WEST Bath Bournemouth Bristol NORTH WEST Cheltenham Chester Liverpool and Rainhill Ipplepen Salisbury Manchester (North) Swindon Manchester (South) Morecambe Bay Taunton Preston Wigan, Leigh, WALES Rainford and St Pontyclun and Helens District Swansea NORTHERN IRELAND Wrexham Antrim Belfast and District WEST MIDLANDS Lisnaskea Birmingham (South) Birmingham (North) IRELAND Coventry Donegal Hereford Stourbridge and SCOTLAND Dudley Ayrshire LONDON Brixton and Kennington North London North West London South East London
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER Calderdale Harrogate Kirklees York
DID YOU KNOW?
Attending a local group meeting even a virtual one - can gain you two CPD points if the subject relates to professional development. Find out what subjects are covered as CPD at fht.org.uk/cpd. CAN'T FIND A GROUP IN YOUR AREA?
Why not become a local group coordinator? It is a very rewarding role, and there is a range of additional benefits available exclusively to coordinators. Go to fht.org.uk/create-your-own-local-group for more information.
MORE INFO
For group contact details and information about forthcoming meetings, go to fht.org.uk/local-groups
Summer 2021
