Ask an expert

QIhad not long qualified when the pandemic hit and I’m now struggling to get my therapy business back off the ground. Can you offer any tips and advice?

A: Marie Duggan, founder of Butterfly Touch Therapies (butterflytouchtherapiestraining.com), says:

Due to the impact of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we share ideas for building up new or existing therapy businesses and promoting the benefits of our services to clients and healthcare organisations.

I would like to kick this off with some approaches I have used in the past. In 1998 I set up my business offering massage, Indian head massage and reflexology, and like most newly self-employed therapists, I was short on income but had time to invest in promoting my services. The sort of questions I asked myself back then, which apply equally well today, are:

n Does your marketing material need an update? What does your brochure say about you and your services? Are all your professional memberships included, along with your insurance status? This demonstrates your professionalism. If you are listed on a professional register, add the link for this, too.

n Have you thought of expressing your vision? Create a vision statement and put it out there. It should embody who and what you represent and will resonate with the clients right for you.

n Who is your client base? Are you wishing to branch out into other fields? Write down who you want to attract and what health areas you would like to work in.

n Have you trained sufficiently? If you require further knowledge in certain areas, research appropriate training and how to gain experience in that field. For example, if you are interested in working in cancer care, you may be able to volunteer your services in return for guidance, training and experience at a hospital or hospice. I created a Clinical Practice Pathway where therapists can do exactly that, helping them to gain confidence and experience under a clinical or complementary therapy lead.

n Do you have a peer or mentor you can bounce ideas off? If not, why not join a local business club? You will meet people from all kinds of business with experiences and connections to share – this can often lead into an avenue of work you hadn’t previously thought to explore.

n How do you sell your business? Research the different pathways on how you can access and connect with your chosen field and how to approach organisations. Explore each option carefully and note the head of departments and contact details.

n Create professional documents for organisations you’d like to approach, such as: a) A one-page document with your name, business details, qualifications, insurance, and professional status, with links to where that can be verified, as well as a professional code of conduct. b) Write covering letters outlining how your therapies and services will bring value to their organisation and workforce. c) Package the above with your literature as an introduction to your services.

n Brainstorm where you can promote what you do at low cost. At the beginning of my business, I offered taster sessions of Indian head massage and reflexology once a month at my local Body Shop and Holland & Barrett. This was in effect only four hours of my time, once a month on a Saturday, which was prime time for customers. I was not selling any products, only my services, which complemented both of these businesses. I contacted local radio stations and papers to let them know I was offering ‘free’ taster sessions. I did this for approximately a year and made some amazing lifelong clients this way.

n Demonstrations and talks are always a great way to meet local people and get your business known. You could offer to do this at healthcare events, for example, that are promoting mental health, women’s health or cancer care, or at Women’s Institute group meetings. Sometimes there may be a small fee involved, other times not, but I usually ended up with at least one new client from these sorts of events.

I hope you find some of these suggestions useful. It is a lot of hard work starting from scratch and I appreciate there is so much more to be explored, but I have always found that sharing ideas and approaches benefits everyone.

A: Dawn Morse, founder of Core Elements (coreelements.uk.com), says: Starting your therapy-based business can be both exciting and nerve-racking, as there are many aspects to consider. Here are a few tips to help you move forward…

n Think about your business name, images and logo that you want to represent you, as these will be with you for years to come. Do your research and ask family and friends for their opinions on your name and images, as they will offer honest feedback from a consumer’s perspective. You could also share these with your friends on Facebook and do a poll on a couple of proposed business names to see which one is more popular.

n Consider the phrasing you will use to describe your therapy services. For instance, if you are a sports therapist, bear in mind that lots of people still think their problem needs to be sports-related to see a therapist who has ‘sport’ in their business title. Aim to provide short and concise explanations of your services where possible.

n When you’ve developed your business name, it’s time to develop your logo, which should reflect your name and the industry that you work within. There are many websites that offer a free or reduced-price service, such as tailorbrands.com, freelogoservices.com and logomaker.com, which will enable you to create a basic logo.

n Once you have your business name, logo and a list of your services, it’s time to reach the public and there are many ways that you can do this without breaking the bank. Top tips include: a) A Facebook Business page: When developing this page, complete all the information sections including your location, services and pricing, along with the booking feature. Post regularly about what you do and how you can help others. Use this page to post in local groups about your services and create informational posts to share on your page and in local groups, as people will often respond and re-share these posts. b) Google Business page: These pages are free of charge and will enable you to reach clients on a local level. Google Business pages often rank higher than other businesses when people are searching for therapists in your area. c) Website: Some businesses solely rely on Facebook and Google for several years without a website. But when time and budget allow, it’s useful to create your own website and to make this your information hub. Many of your clients will look at your website, even if they have found you via a Google search or social media channel, before they book an appointment. Look at sites such as GoDaddy.com or Wix.com to get started. Or you can build a Google website from your Google Business page. d) Social media accounts such as Twitter and Instagram are also useful for reaching a wider audience.

If you specialise in sports massage or sports therapy, think about approaching a club that doesn't already have a club therapist. It’s likely that most local football and rugby clubs will have a therapist, however hockey, running, cycling and cricket clubs may not. If they don't have the budget to take on a therapist, you could offer them a workshop on pre-season injury prevention and follow this up with an offer or ongoing discount for club members. For best engagement, make sure it’s a sport you have a genuine passion for, as prospective clients are more likely to connect with someone who’s ‘been there, worn the t-shirt’.

Looking for more top tips on how to grow your business?

FHT’s Chief Executive Officer, Monica Price, will be running two seminars this January and February on how to develop your therapy business and build your bookings in 2022. See page 58 for more detail.

QI've heard that it's not safe to work a pregnant client's shoulders because of a particular acupressure point – is this true?'

A: Suzanne Yates, founder of Wellmother (wellmother.org), says: It is true that there is an acupressure point on the top of the trapezius - Gall Bladder 21 (GB21) - which is also a trigger point. However, to give ‘advice’ such as ‘do not work the shoulders in pregnancy’ is overly general and unhelpful. Pregnant mothers often experience shoulder tension at all stages of their pregnancy and benefit from shoulder work.

GB21 is a powerful point that can be included in a shiatsu or energy-based treatment, or released as a trigger point, providing the therapist is suitably trained, understands its effect and can evaluate its appropriateness. Working the point both ways is very similar, with the therapist using downward pressure for at least 30 seconds – a technique that a therapist is unlikely to carry out ‘accidentally’, unless they’ve had specific training about this acupressure/trigger point.

GB21 is indicated for releasing neck and shoulder tension, enabling emotional release of anger and frustration, as well as releasing energy from the upper body downwards. It is a point on the Extraordinary Vessels, one of whose roles is to regulate our neuro-endocrine system. For this reason, it is often used to support breastfeeding and aid milk flow by removing blockages. It may also be used to initiate birth, helping the descent of the baby and releasing the placenta. For this reason, sometimes people think that it shouldn’t be used in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

Indeed, several other acupuncture points are sometimes ‘contraindicated’ in early pregnancy, despite there being no evidence that they have any adverse effects. I often include these points in my treatments, even sometimes during the first trimester, and sometimes teach my clients to use them themselves. However, it is always important to sense if a point is appropriate. Before I teach a client how to work different points for themselves, I first work these on my client and get them to tune into the effect. They know whether it feels helpful or not, how much pressure feels good and how long to hold it for. In this way, I find connecting with points is a way of supporting a connection with the body, which includes the baby.

We need to remember that pressure and trigger points, and any massage technique, can only ever support what the body is naturally trying to do. Sometimes points initiate labour quickly, because that is what the body is trying to do. I am always careful with GB21, if I know that the client has a weakness in her cervix or lack of support in the pelvis, because it can have too strong a descending effect. If you understand how to include points such as GB21 they can add to your treatments. If you don’t, simply be aware of the specific point, but you don’t have to be nervous of working the surrounding area. T

A Thai treat for the feet

FHT accredited training provider, Lucy Trend, provides an introduction to Thai foot massage

Thai foot massage (TFM) is a very popular treatment that involves applying pressure and massage to the feet and lower legs, using a therapeutic balm or oil. A specially crafted rosewood stick is also used, to stimulate reflex points on the soles of the feet.

Once one leg is finished, it is wrapped in a towel to keep it warm, using a very specific folding technique, while the other leg is worked. Many clients absolutely love this part of the treatment, especially if the towel is fluffy and has been warmed before it is applied. Once both legs are massaged and wrapped, some foot stretches and finishing techniques complete the treatment, which bring even more benefit to the whole experience.

The origins of TFM

Clients are often curious about the origins of the therapy and it is particularly fascinating if you’re interested in culture and travel, as TFM is ubiquitous in Thailand. In some places, especially along the tourist trails, it can seem as though every other place you pass offers foot massage; from temples to street bazaars, you are invited to put your feet up and watch the world go by.

Traditionally all forms of massage in Thailand were a spiritual practice, offered for Dāna in temples and hospitals. Dāna is a Pali word that means ‘donation’ and for Thai Buddhists, it also refers to the practise of cultivating generosity. Nowadays, things have changed and beaches and resorts are full of places offering massage aimed at the tourist (for a set price, of course). This is not surprising, as TFM has always been influenced by travel and travellers. Indeed, it came about many centuries ago in response to the needs of those travelling along the trade routes, such as the famous Silk Road, with weary feet in need of care.

Travellers and traders would stop at towns and ports along the route and would restore their energy with massage offered by local entrepreneurs who saw a gap in the market. The travellers and locals would share tips and techniques from different lands, and so knowledge migrated from as far afield as Europe, Africa, India, China, Indonesia and Japan. It is believed that using the stick

Thai foot massage came about centuries ago to meet the needs of those travelling along the trade routes, such as the famous Silk Road

to press the foot was a technique that originated from Taiwan.

And so we can see that throughout history, money has been made from the careful treatment of weary feet! Nowadays, a tourist in Thailand can pay as much for a one-hour foot massage as a Thai person’s working wage for an entire week. Just imagine the wealth of the traders on the trade routes of ancient times - a handsome price would have been paid for services in those thriving marketplaces, too.

Underlying principles of TFM

To understand fully how TFM works would take many years of study of traditional Thai medicine, which is not practical or affordable for most students wanting to learn this therapy. However, if they respectfully honour the techniques and perform these just as they were taught, students will see that a lack of in-depth theoretical knowledge is not a challenge. What is important is the loving kindness with which we perform the massage and a respect for the teachers and lineage, no matter how close or far from the ancient roots of this practice. Then, in turn, as you gain experience, you learn much more about the routine. You’ll discover that it can be a relaxing and soothing treatment, or a stimulating and refreshing treatment, which can be both enjoyable and very powerful, resulting in healing on a deep level.

The benefits of TFM

TFM is wonderfully adaptable to different situations. It takes place with the client in the supine position and can be performed with the client sitting up or lying down. They can also remain clothed, providing the lower legs are feet are accessible, so it’s great for people who have different abilities and needs. As the techniques are adaptable, therapists can also incorporate these into other routines and treatments.

TFM feels pleasantly restorative and some of the many reported benefits include: n Relief from pain in the hips, knees, ankles and feet n Reduced stiffness, improved flexibility and posture n Improved circulation, lymphatic drainage and immunity n Balanced energy flow throughout the body n The promotion of restful sleep and clarity of mind.

Treating clients in the supine position

TFM is ideal for people who don’t feel comfortable lying face down for a massage, as the client is face up for their full treatment session. Some feel claustrophobic in the face cradle, or find their sinuses get congested as the lymph clears, or they might feel too vulnerable when lying prone. For those clients who 

are wearing a face covering, treatments in the supine position may also feel less restrictive on their breathing.

Some clients simply relax back on a comfy pillow and daydream or switch off, while others prefer to be more raised up so that they can take advantage of the opportunity for a chat and even a bit of a heart to heart. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this; what starts as a friendly conversation leads on to the client expressing their worries and concerns and what’s on their mind. In this sense, TFM truly benefits the mind, body and soul. And for those who do want to talk during their treatment, it has a social element too, which is very important to bear in mind for any clients who suffer from loneliness.

Very often when clients get a chance to relax, their conversation also turns to holidays and Thailand in particular, naturally! Indeed, it’s an especially popular subject now, with many people chomping at the bit to get abroad again after all the recent COVID-19 travel safety restrictions. And whenever there’s talk of travel there are sure to be funny and interesting stories, which can help build a good client-therapist relationship.

Nonetheless it’s important to remember to let the client lead the conversation, allowing for lulls so that they can fall into silence sometimes, too. It’s an important opportunity to switch off and notice the body relaxing and breathing more deeply, becoming aware of the sensations and contraindications for TFM are mostly the same as for any other massage therapy.

Here’s are some specific things to be aware of with TFM:

Bending the feet out – if you’re not accustomed to the mobilisations used in TFM, you should go gently. If you’re already a Thai trained therapist, for example, in Thai yoga massage, this is less of a concern as you’ll have the relevant experience.

Varicose veins - if your client says they have these, ask to see where these are, so you can be certain not to press on the site of the veins.

First trimester of pregnancy – at our school, we recommend TFM is not given in pregnancy. There are several reasons for this, which we don’t have space to cover in this article. If you are trained in pregnancy massage, you can provide TFM confidently from 37 weeks onwards, if there are no contraindications. In fact, TFM could be good for swollen ankles, but only if it is lymphostatic and not lymphodynamic.

Osteoporosis - avoid pressure on the bones and take great care of the joints.

energy flow. Part of the benefits of TFM is that it facilitates a more mindful, embodied state, tuning out the thinking and socialising brain (the prefrontal cortex), creating a space not just for relaxation, but for the body to switch into healing mode and for the energy to balance.

Contraindications and cautions

As we all know, contraindications do not come as a set list of conditions, which prevent the person from receiving a particular therapy. With TFM, we can be sensible about these and look at them on a case-by-case basis. It’s also important to consider your own skills, so the more experience you have, the more reliably you can discern when to and when not to perform the therapy. You should always conduct a consultation prior to any treatment and the Hyper mobility – as for osteoporosis, people with this condition need strengthening, not stretching. They may also have associated syndromes which cause fatigue, so keep within the hour and advise rest after the session if this is the case.

As always, be sure to remind the client to let you know how they are feeling throughout the treatment, so you can adapt your technique or pressure to suit.

Lucy Trend is the director of Shiatsu and Thai Massage Training Scotland (STMTS), which offers a range of courses from beginner to professional level, including FHT accredited courses in Thai Foot Massage, Thai Yoga Massage and Onsite Seated Acupressure Massage. The FHT also recognises STMTS’s Wellmother Pregnancy Massage course, with relevant prerequisites. Lucy originally trained in shiatsu in Montreal, Canada, graduating in 1996. She then trained extensively in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, studying traditional Thai massage and herbal medicine with Surin Janpanet, a retired monk who trained in the temple for 12 years. stmts.co.uk

Congratulations to the winners of our 2021 FHT Excellence Awards! In this article, we share a short insight into their work…

First launched in 2011, the FHT’s Excellence Awards showcase how therapists are making a difference to people living in their local community, from helping clients to improve their health and wellbeing, to providing excellence in education or supporting other qualified therapists.

This year we have added a brand new category to our existing portfolio - FHT Inclusive Therapy Business of the Year award - to help bring recognition to the growing number of members whose businesses go the extra mile to embrace diversity and inclusion.

Speaking about the FHT Excellence Awards, FHT President, Christopher Byrne, says: ‘Since their launch more than a decade ago, our awards have helped to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible work being carried out by FHT members and have even provided a valuable stepping stone onto greater things for many of our deserving winners and finalists.

‘In addition, we hope that our most recently added award categories – FHT Green Therapy Business of the Year in 2020, and FHT Inclusive Therapy Business of the Year in 2021– will help to bring into focus what ‘best practice’ looks like in areas that are of huge importance, not just in our industry, but on a global level.

‘I’d like to say thank you to all of our finalists and everyone who entered this year’s awards. As always, our judges felt privileged to learn about your work and wish you all the best for 2022 – please keep up the great work’.

Look out for features in future issues of International Therapist and online, as we share the great work being achieved by our 2021 FHT Excellence Award winners.

FHT COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Winner: Stephanie Quigley, MFHT

Stephanie’s journey as a therapist started in 2007 when she completed a HND in complementary therapy, closely followed by a degree in complementary healthcare. Initially working in private practice, Stephanie took up the role of Patient and Family Support Complementary Therapist at Beatson Cancer Charity, Glasgow, for five years. She is now the Lead Complementary Therapist at Cancer Support Scotland (CSS), where she is responsible for developing the therapy service, training volunteer therapists and delivering treatments to people affected by cancer. When the pandemic meant that those who usually accessed hands-on therapies through CSS no longer could, Stephanie developed a range of free, remotely accessible services, which many still use today. These include a telephone support service; online self-help guides, audio guides and videos; sending out personalised aromatherapy nasal inhalers; and live online mindfulness sessions. More recently, she developed The CSS Training Academy to provide oncology massage training, which helps to fund the charity’s wellbeing services.

Speaking about her win, Stephanie says: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to receive an FHT Excellence Award. I’m extremely proud of the work I have been doing with Cancer Support Scotland, supporting the wellbeing of people affected by cancer. I’m overjoyed my passion for complementary therapy and innovative thinking is being celebrated by this award.’

Highly commended: Malminder Gill, MFHT

Malminder is a hypnotherapist, NLP master coach, life-coach, accomplished author and speaker, who regularly features in the media. She was nominated by one of her clients for providing complimentary mental wellbeing support to a women’s abuse charity, as well as a free coronavirus anxiety management programme, available to all on her website.

Finalists: Basma Gale, Caroline Purvey, Alexandra Skanderowicz, Angela Vigus

I’m absolutely delighted to receive an FHT Excellence Award. I’m overjoyed my passion for complementary therapy and innovative thinking is being celebrated by this award.’

More online...

To hear comments from the judges and to see this year’s winner’s acceptance speeches, visit fht.org.uk/blog and enter the name of the award winner.

FHT BEAUTY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Winner: Geraldine Flynn, FFHT

Based in Northern Ireland, Geraldine has been working in the field of beauty and holistic therapy for more than 20 years, specialising in semipermanent make-up (SPMU). A mum of three, she has worked hard to attain numerous qualifications and awards throughout her career, and trained with some of the best technicians from around the world to continually improve her techniques. She regularly attends industry conferences and has travelled extensively to use and demonstrate her SPMU skills. Each year, Geraldine offers discounted and free treatments to cancer survivors and is currently working on a survey with people affected by hair loss, to gather more information about the effects of alopecia. As she explained in her nomination, ‘semi-permanent make-up is not just used for cosmetic enhancement but can be life changing for those suffering hair loss and going through treatment for cancer’. Going forward, Geraldine has a plans to support regulation in the industry, so that SPMU technicians are accountable to best practices.

Speaking about her win, Geraldine says: ‘It is a real honour to receive this award after such a disruptive time to our businesses. Receiving this title will instil confidence to attract new clients and my existing clients will be delighted for me, too. It is a huge compliment and reward for all the hard work.’

FHT LOCAL GROUP COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jackie Hamilton, MFHT

Jackie Hamilton has been Joint Coordinator, with Beverly Chilson, of the Norwich local group since its creation in 2018. The group has gone from strength to strength over the past three years and has excelled throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Jackie was quick to adopt virtual meetings when indoor gatherings were not possible and ensured her group had a varied calendar of events, including baby massage, ear reflexology, marketing and crystals, meaning her attendees could continue their learning, whatever their specialism. Jackie also runs the very interactive FHT Local Support Group Norwich Facebook page, with over 320 members. Here she uploads recordings of Norwich’s virtual meetings, creating an extensive library of videos that are presented by experienced therapists and tutors, which all members are free to explore. Jackie continues to thrive and work hard for her group, creating a connected and inclusive environment, even when therapists were missing the sense of community they had originally enjoyed at physical meetings.

Speaking about her win, Jackie says: ‘I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Beverly and myself. Beverly was working during lockdown as an NHS occupational therapist and is now firmly back in the FHT local group saddle! We know that being a therapist can be lonely and wanted to provide an encouraging space for all therapists.’

Finalists: Alison Brown, Janet Cairnie, Sarah Holmes FHT STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Winner: Suzanne Julian, MFHT

Already a qualified therapist and former owner of a successful salon, it wasn’t until Suzanne lost a very dear friend to an illness stemming from work-related stress that she recognised she had a gift that should be used to help others find their work/life balance. To enhance her existing skills, Suzanne registered onto Butterfly Touch’s Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care course, but faced her own personal health crisis part-way through the training: she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Initially putting her training on hold, she decided to resume just a month later, working through each module at her own pace. When nominating Suzanne, her tutor, Marie Duggan, wrote: ‘Although she was going for her cancer treatments during the pandemic and lockdowns, Suzanne also wanted to continue expanding her knowledge and experience so that when she was well again, she could support others going through the same journey. It was my pleasure and honour to give Suzanne her final certificate and nominate her for this award.’

Speaking about her win, Suzanne says: ‘I was delighted just to have been nominated for the award, so I was over the moon to actually win and receive this recognition from the FHT. The award provides a great platform for me to now promote my cancer treatments and help so many after my own experience.’

Finalists: Tracy Butler Simmons, Anya Rae

FHT TUTOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Sandy Newbigging

Sandy created the Mind Detox Method in 2007, to help others resolve the possible mind-based causes of their physical, emotional and life issues. Since then, he has delivered hundreds of 1-2-1 consultations, authored 12 books, created the Mind Calm and Body Calm meditation techniques, and appeared on three television series, demonstrating the power of his methods. He founded the Mind Detox Academy in 2008, where he has taught practitioners from over 25 countries, as well as the Mind Detox Online Club in 2016, offering weekly webinars, expert interviews, masterclasses and meditations. During the pandemic, Sandy offered extra support to his students and graduates including twice-weekly webinars and a free online masterclass on how to host webinars, so that they could offer uninterrupted support to their clients and sustain their own businesses. He did this, despite himself being stuck in Mexico for seven months, during which time he taught a series of online workshops and donated all of the revenue from these events to buy food for struggling local families.

Speaking about his win, Sandy says: ‘It’s been a challenging time for us all and I’m grateful for all the FHT and its members have done to support their communities. I am especially proud of how my academy students and graduates have all done their best to be the peace and kindness that we wish to see in the world.’

Finalists: Marie Duggan, Sally Kay, Clare Riddell, Elaine Wilkins FHT GREEN THERAPY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Lucy Stevens, MFHT

Since setting up her own therapy business in Somerset in 2006, Lucy has gone to great lengths to try and place sustainability and ethics at its very core. As well as making her own range of plant-based skincare products that form part of her natural treatment offerings, every aspect of her business has been carefully thought through and considered. Among many other things, Lucy uses a green energy supplier; prints her publicity leaflets on 100% recycled paper; uses biodegradable, plantable pencils to write her notes; wears ethically produced therapy clothing; uses blankets made from recycled plastic bottles; and cleans her treatment room with eco-friendly cleaning products from independent companies. She also sourced locallymade, eco-friendly paint to decorate her studio and reclaimed furniture, and has created an aromatherapy garden outside, to encourage birds, wildlife and insects. The fresh flowers and herbs she grows are also used to decorate and scent the therapy room.

Speaking about her win, Lucy says: ‘It’s such an honour to win this award. I hope that some of the little things I do within my practice to help the environment might inspire others to do the same.’

Finalists: Glynis Finnigan, Philippa Lee, Hannah Lovegrove, Melanie Price, Rima Shah NEW! FHT INCLUSIVE THERAPY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ana Bott, MFHT

Ana runs a massage clinic in Brighton and specialises in supporting transgender and non-binary clients, as well as therapy students and practitioners who want to create a truly inclusive practice. In addition to creating a treatment environment where her clients feel safe and relaxed, Ana has led seminars with national charities and created free resources for other bodywork therapists, to raise awareness about how massage can help a range of health and other issues that specifically affect the LGBTQ+ community. She has also amassed a strong online following, in the UK and overseas, and provides free information and self-help videos for transgender and non-binary people to help them better understand their body pains; reconnect and feel safe in their body; and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, fear and intense gender dysphoria. She has also written a chapter on transgender inclusion for the most recent edition of Mosby’s Pathologies for Massage Therapy and a co-written and lectures on the world’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare course for manual therapists.

Ana says: ‘Winning this award means the world, not just to me but to my transgender clients who are currently experiencing high levels of discrimination and lack of access to healthcare. For them to see someone specialising in their care win this award gives hope for the future. It means everything.’

Finalists: Hinna Bashir, Farrah Idris, Beverli Taylor T