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VOLUNTEER COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIST ENHANCES WELLBEING AT ELLENOR

Complementary Therapist Sam Briar knows from first hand experience how the stresses and strains of a serious illness can put pressure on your body and your mental wellbeing.

Complementary Therapist Sam Briar knows from first hand experience how the stresses and strains of a serious illness can put pressure on your body and your mental wellbeing.

 

Five years ago, her husband Andy was left with a brain injury after he was punched in the side of the head.

 

His condition threw their lives into turmoil, with Sam left to look after their three triplets while running Andy’s café in Orpington.

 

Her own past experiences are what spurred her to answer an advert by hospice charity ellenor for a volunteer complementary therapist.

 

She said: “I have worked in beauty therapy for years and recently trained in reflexology. I’m a Christian and I have always wanted to use my skills to help the people who need it. Andy and I have been through a traumatic experience ourselves, so we know what it’s like to be in the situation where you need help. The children were only five at the time, which was really hard. Luckily, Andy has fully recovered but it took about a year to get there.

 

“When you are in a situation like that you feel that it is never going to end. I can particularly identify with family members and carers who come to ellenor. I know that we can support them throughout this challenging time.

 

“Many of the patients I work with are heavily reliant on medication. Patients or their carers often struggle with the emotional toll of their illness or diagnosis. Initially, some of them can appear visibly distressed upon arrival but once you start the treatment session you can see them start to calm down and relax. That’s the reason I do it – it’s so rewarding.

 

“Reflexology is a great way to correct your body’s imbalances, and it’s very relaxing and calming. It makes people feel more grounded.”

 

The 42-year-old, who started volunteering with ellenor in Spring 2023, attends two mornings a month, fitting in her role around her home beauty therapy clients and the school run for 10-year-olds Zachary, Jacob and Felicity.

 

At home, Sam offers massage, facials, waxing, tinting and does nails. She chose reflexology for ellenor because she believes it to be one of the best therapies for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

 

Currently Sam operates from The Manor Hotel to attend to the majority of her patients as  ellenor’s Wellbeing team is based there while the hospice in Northfleet undergoes an impressive revamp which includes the construction of a new Wellbeing Centre.Top of Form

She said: “I have also seen some patients at Northfleet, on the ward. I’m looking forward to everything being back at the hospice. The new Wellbeing Centre looks as though it is going to be amazing.

 

“My family are always really interested in what I do at ellenor, and the children often ask me questions. I hadn’t really come into direct contact with ellenor before; luckily no one close to me has needed their services. I’m amazed by how much they do – there is something for everyone.”

 

Sam, who lives in Sutton at Hone, would like to become more involved at ellenor as her children get older. She is a member of the evangelist community Eastgate, in Northfleet, and worships there on a Sunday with her daughter Felicity, often while the boys play football.

 

“Helping out is part of my Christian belief,” said Sam. “Volunteering at ellenor is so rewarding and you really feel like you are doing something to help others who are going through a really hard time. That’s something that’s important to me ­­-- that’s why I do it.

 

“I know what it’s like to go through some really hard times. You need support from family or from wherever you can find it. Some people don’t have family to help and it’s important for them to know there are services that can offer them support.

 

“Even if you have family, people cannot put their lives on hold forever to help with a long-term illness. They need to get back to work and get on with their own lives, and that’s where you need to reach out for help from the community around you.”

 

How does reflexology work?

Sam says: “Your feet are like a map of your body, so each part of your foot relates to a certain part of your body. Reflexology is a massage which brings a physical and emotional response. The treatments I do for patients at ellenor tend to be very light touch, but you can work on specific areas, if someone has a bad shoulder for instance.

 

“Reflexology is also really good for stomach issues, and a lot of patients have these due to their medication and stress levels – it really helps digestion.”

Sam knows that some people feel embarrassed to show their feet to a stranger.

 

She said: “Reflexologists have seen feet of all different shapes and sizes, so there is nothing to worry about. We don’t think anything of it. Just give it a try – it’s great for stress relief, anxiety and depression and also helps with insomnia, headaches and your digestion.

 

“We only use light pressure at ellenor, so it won’t hurt.”

 

Patients are usually referred for complementary therapy through an ellenor team such as Family Support or Hospice @ Home, although it is also possible to self-refer if you are or were related to a patient under our care.

 

 

The treatments are also often offered to families, carers and the bereaved. The therapists can recommend other Wellbeing services such as counselling and participation in open access activity groups such as seated exercise, music and gardening.

 

  • To find out more about the Wellbeing services on offer at ellenor, go to ellenor.org.