The Complementary Therapy team at The Mulberry Centre (TMC), an independent cancer charity located on the grounds of West Middlesex University Hospital, has won a prestigious Macmillan Volunteers Award for their commitment and determination to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support and TMC have a strong historical partnership and work together to ensure that people affected by cancer can access the information and support that they need. Complementary therapy treatments form an integral part of the support services offered at the centre, free of charge, to those affected by cancer.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Mulberry Centre adapted their hands-on therapies to working remotely by zooming wellbeing classes such as Tai Chi and Dance of the Heart. It has worked so well that it is something they will continue to do in the future for clients who are not able to attend in person.
Therapists have also phoned clients to give them emotional support as well as offer remote classes such as reiki, relaxation techniques and emotional freedom technique, both one-to-one and in classes.
Julie Quinn, Complementary Therapies Lead at the centre says:
“It’s amazing what you can do when you have to, and again I am absolutely blown away by the desire of all my lovely therapists to help support clients in these troubled times.”
The team of 27 experienced, dedicated complementary therapists and teachers offer a range of treatments and classes aimed at helping their clients cope with the impact of cancer including: Massages, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Reiki and Yoga Therapy. Wellbeing classes include Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditative Dance.
Julie adds:
“Our complementary therapists offer individualised care specific to a cancer patient’s diagnosis, background and needs which is comforting and empowering. Some therapists also visit the hospital to treat end of life patients. They do not receive any reward beyond the satisfaction of helping others, but I am thrilled for them to receive recognition through this fantastic award from Macmillan.
“The team are extremely committed volunteers, and many have been giving their time, expertise and dedicated care on a long-term basis; our longest serving volunteer working over 17 years! It’s hard to quantify the impact our therapists have, but quotes from our clients speak volumes:
- “I wouldn’t have been able to return to work without the help of massage therapy.
- I am more relaxed and able to think rationally. The massage relieved my symptoms after chemotherapy and I am better able to cope.
- The treatments were absolutely fantastic; when at rock bottom they helped me relax and that’s hard to achieve.”
Lee Trappitt, Macmillan Engagement & Volunteering Manager, said:
“The tailored support the Complementary Care Team, led by Julie, at The Mulberry Centre offer to help improve the lives of those living with cancer is exceptional and I’m so delighted to see the team gain the recognition they deserve. We are so grateful to all our volunteers and these awards offer the chance to say a huge thank you for the time, care, expertise and commitment our volunteers give so generously.”
“While many of us are unable to come together to celebrate their achievements right now, their commitment to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can continue to inspire us all and is valued now more than ever. As Macmillan Cancer Support is almost entirely funded by public donations we’re asking people to give what they can, so that we can continue to provide vital support to people with cancer particularly at this difficult time. If you’re able to, please donate to our emergency appeal today.”
To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support’s emergency appeal please go to: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/emergency or call 0300 1000 200.
For more information about volunteering for Macmillan Cancer Support visit www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved or call 0300 1000 200, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
