Meet Julie – our dedicated complementary therapist team leader
Here at Rowcroft, we offer complementary therapies to our patients and their families to help ease stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation. This week marks National Complementary Therapy Week, and we are spotlighting the wonderful work of our complementary therapists. Julie Milton started as a complementary therapy volunteer at Rowcroft and now manages our amazing team of complementary therapists. Here, Julie shares how the team supports the wellbeing of our patients and their loved ones.
Julie’s journey at Rowcroft
“I have worked at Rowcroft for nearly 25 years! I started as a complementary therapy volunteer. Now, I manage a team of therapists, both paid and volunteers, and we offer a range of therapies to patients and their family caregivers. We also offer sessions to staff at Rowcroft.”
The role of a complementary therapist
“The complementary therapy service offers a range of therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, relaxation groups, and mindfulness sessions. The intention is to promote relaxation, support, and wellbeing. People often forget that they can feel well in the moment. It’s very rewarding to hear someone say, ‘I feel really good and so relaxed.’”
Offering comfort and wellbeing
“There is often an element of fear when people come to the hospice, even if it is for an appointment at the Outpatient Centre. However, after a relaxing massage or reflexology session using beautiful aromatic oils, people can feel comforted and uplifted. The therapeutic use of touch can enhance their wellbeing. Our relaxation groups offer some time out, with mindful movement techniques and guided relaxations and there is always time for a cuppa. Those attending the groups find amazing benefit from being amongst people who understand where they are at and who accept them as they are on that day, without judgement. It’s very powerful.
“Each day is different. I may work in the Inpatient Unit, in the Outpatient Department, or in the community, providing home visits. I feel privileged to be able to be alongside patients who are nearing the end of their lives or with the families who care so deeply for their loved ones.”
The importance of our team and volunteers
“I work within an amazing multidisciplinary team of highly professional individuals and feel proud of the service we provide. Our highly skilled volunteers add value by bringing their expertise, time, and energy, thereby enabling us to reach more people.
“We are always on the lookout to recruit more complementary therapy volunteers to the team so please do get in touch if you are interested.”
Find out more about Rowcroft’s complementary therapy here.
Find out about becoming a complementary therapy volunteer here.