AROMATHERAPY

All the response forms completed by The Project`s clients and carers have been very positive-the only complaint so far has been that they would have liked more treatments.

Benefits experienced by the client:

• Relief from aches and pains
• Improved sleep
• Relaxation and relief from stress and anxiety
• Lifting of spirits
• Increased mobility, particularly joints
• Improved skin conditions
• Enjoyment of touch that can bring comfort, acceptance and inner peace.

Kevin Wilson, FICHT, was a primary school teacher and headmaster for over twenty years. Although he knew that stress was affecting his health, it wasn`t until he was rushed to hospital for open heart surgery in 1997 that Kevin realised just how much his body had been suffering over the years.

Although he returned to his post as a headmaster after convalescence period of 6 months, he decided to take early retirement in January 2002 when it became evident that stress was an inherent part of the job and could not be maintained at a comfortable level.

Having experienced the benefits of acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology first hand, Kevin decided to start a new career in the field of complementary therapies, and so gained a VTCT Diploma in Holistic Therapies in 2002. He is now the Manager of The Lavender Project, bringing aromatherapy massage to people aged 65+ in the Norwich City Area, who are cared for in their own homes. Kevin spoke to the FHT about his involvement in The Project, funded by Social Services and run under the banner of the mental health charity, Mind…..

In 2000, Norwich Social Services ran a 6 month pilot study, providing aromatherapy treatments for the elderly, both in their homes and in day care centers. Apart from improving the physical and mental well being of each client, one of the main objectives of the study was to support the client`s carer, helping them to continue in their role and keep the home independent and less likely to need increased support from outside agencies.

The study proved to be a great success, and Social Services were keen to continue providing complementary therapy support for this particular group. In September 2002, shortly after the study was completed, Mind, Body and Soul  (Minds holistic advice, information and support service) made a successful bid to run The Lavender Project, to be funded by the Carers Grant. As I was already working as a voluntary therapist for Mind at the time, the management of the project fell into my hands-it was certainly one of those cases of being in the right place at the right time.

The Lavender Project is aimed at people over the age of 65 who are cared for and live in their homes within the City of Norwich. client is entitled to 6 free aromatherapy treatments, at the end of which they are asked to complete an evaluation form to help us establish the many different ways in which The project is having an impact on their lives.

Ref: International Therapist-The Lavender Project