I will be returning to Sarajevo clinics in October to volunteer with the Healing Hands Network, providing clinical, complementary and holistic therapy and scar treatments to support individuals affected by war and its aftermath.

I dedicate my work to helping people who suffer from PTSD, physical injuries, and limb loss. Unfortunately, most of them were exposed to horrific incidents when they were kept in the concentration camps during the conflict in the war in Sarajevo in 1991-1995.

Some of you may already know that this charity and supporting this case mean a lot to me because my Grandmother was in the concentration camp in Germany during World War II.

I never understood why my Grandma didn`t want to share any stories or memories from that period of her life.

During my work in Sarajevo on my last few visits, I also learned a lot about PTSD, triggers, stressors, the terror of war and why some people decided to suffer in silence for the rest of their life.

Thanks to that experience, I not only gained a deeper understanding of trauma but also found peace in my heart.

I'm raising money to benefit Healing Hands Network, and any donation will help with my flight & accommodation costs to help make an impact.

This is not a holiday; it’s voluntary, hard and rewarding work using the skill set I have trained and worked in for years.

I am self-employed, so for that time, I give up my time and my earnings to give back to society.

After my return, I will share stories, reflections and the impact of our work on my blog so that you can see exactly what your generosity made possible.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

With love and gratitude.

Joanna

More information about Healing Hands Network:

We are a small UK based self funding charity established in 1996. Our aim is to help those people affected by war and its aftermath. We work in post war areas helping the survivors to rebuild their mental and physical health and lives. We work in UK with veterans of the armed forces. We consist of complementary and holistic therapists who volunteer their time and skills to help these people overcome trauma, PTSD and physical and mental pain. We also train them to help each other and themselves.