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Background to offering my accessible massage sessions
I'm passionate about offering massage, (or simply safe and nurturing touch), to those who need it the most, but face barriers to receiving it, whether due to trauma, life circumstances or financial hardship.
As I offer this kind of touch whilst sitting with women in crisis, in drop-in centres, or quietly holding the hands of folks who have sometimes only just arrived in the UK following harrowing experiences, I keep feeling the truth that ‘receiving touch is of critical importance’*, and a necessity, rather than a luxury. Scientific studies continue to show that therapeutic touch is effective in ‘reducing pain, feelings of depression and state or trait anxiety’, yet it’s rare to find spaces in our communities where this is truly accessible to everyone, especially those who are most marginalised.
Over the last 7 years, through charities and referrals, I’ve voluntarily offered therapeutic touch to women who are street sex-working, people seeking sanctuary in the UK, family carers and people with long term health conditions. I currently volunteer with Sanctuary Breaks at Hill House - https://www.sanctuaryhillhouse.co.uk/, a local Stroud-based charity, offering hand massages to vulnerable people seeking sanctuary in the UK — creating gentle moments of rest, care, and connection through safe touch.
Fundraising
I'm fundraising to support this work so I can:
- Continue to offer monthly sessions at Hill House
- Complete a 3 year training in Integrative Body Movement Therapy, (including Somatic psychology) so I can deepen the therapeutic aspect of my work with people who need it the most
- Broaden this work to offer more sessions
If you'd like to support ‘nurturing touch for all’ you can do so by offering a one off, or monthly, financial contribution. Your donation will directly fund sessions and training, to support me to grow this work.
If you’d like to receive updates you can join my Substack publication (www.innerskysong.substack.com). You can also offer a monthly donation through Substack.
Thank you for your support and generosity!
My background and experience
Emma is an MTI level 4 qualified massage practitioner with 7 year's experience and a 20 year professional career in the health and social care sector. Based in Stroud and Bristol, Emma has trained in trauma informed massage and other specialist approaches. She has worked for charities such as the Carer’s Centre in Bristol, Charcot Therapy Centre in Gloucestershire and One25 Charity in Bristol, offering massage to staff, volunteers and people accessing these services.
*(Packheiser et al, 2024 systemic review)
Organizer
