Events

Help for Heroes Charity Open Day to be held on Saturday 16th June 2012

The Bideford Wellbeing Centre will open its doors once again to the general public so that you can come along and try out a treatment of your choice and meet the therapists with all proceeds going to the Help for Heroes Charity.

'Help for Heroes' 5 Key Messages . . .

'It's about 'the blokes': those men and women of our Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of our country since 9/11.

H4H provides direct, practical support for our wounded. We fund projects and initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of our wounded heroes.

We do not seek to criticise or be political. We just want to help and we work closely with the Army, Navy and RAF to provide support where it is most needed.

'Money in, money out'. We pride ourselves on our 'Money In and Money Out' policy that ensures that every penny you raise is spent or allocated to the direct, practical support of our men and women of the Armed Forces whose lives are affected in the line of duty.

It's about doing your bit, no matter how big or small. Every fundraiser is special to us and can make a real difference, so please keep going!'

So, come along and do your bit and help us support this wonderful cause. Everyone is welcome.

 

New ‘Health and Wellbeing’ initiative to benefit Bideford businesses

Bideford Wellbeing Centre has launched a ‘Health and Wellbeing’ initiative to help the people of Bideford to avoid illness and injury as the winter sets in. The Centre, situated just off the High Street in Bideford, originally opened its doors in 2008 and provides a wide range of holistic therapies including Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Homeopathy, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy and Counselling, in addition to more unusual alternative therapies such as Metamorphic Technique and Mickel Therapy.

'Health and Wellbeing' is the brainchild of locals Katrina Joseph and Rachel Williams in response to discussions with friends, family and local businesses who all noted the increase in illnesses and aches and pains once the cold weather arrives.  Katrina, who manages the Wellbeing Centre, said “Most people will seek respite from colds in paracetemol based flu remedies but our therapists can provide treatments and advice that can actually reduce the likelihood of getting that cold in the first place.  Similarly, when you take ibuprofen for muscular strains it only really masks the pain rather than addressing the underlying issues and providing longer term relief – our massage techniques can provide immediate relief as well as helping to prevent further issues.  The old adage “prevention is better than cure” is so true, and we wanted to help the people of Bideford benefit from this approach by providing a more holistic approach to health.  ”

The 'Health and Wellbeing' initiative kicks off with Therapy Thursdays which is aimed specifically at  the staff of local businesses, providing them with a range of therapies and treatments to help them stay fit and healthy, aid relaxation and avoid illnesses and injuries which might prevent them working.  Rachel Williams says “Absenteeism through illness costs British businesses over £11 billion each year, with the average worker taking 7 days off sick.  Therapy Thursdays is our way of helping local businesses reduce the impact of sickness during these challenging economic times and of introducing the people of Bideford to more gentle and natural ways to protect their health.”   Local accountant Edward Johns has already signed up for preventive treatment, he said “I think this is a great initiative.  Every year when it gets colder I find I have trouble with my neck and shoulders from being hunched over a computer.  I’m booking some deep tissue massage to prevent it from getting bad this year.”

Therapy Thursdays begins on November 3rd with a series of Taster Sessions to give people the opportunity to try different things and see what works for them.  The launch event will be in aid of Children's Hospice, South West who provide hospice care for life limited children and their families.  Rachel says “We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to the campaign so far and are really looking forward to introducing the people of Bideford to the many ways they can improve their health and wellbeing.”  To get involved in Therapy Thursday, or to find out how the Health and Wellbeing initiative could benefit your business, call Bideford Wellbeing Centre on 01237 470177.

Charity Open Day at Bideford Wellbeing Centre

We opened our doors on Saturday 18th June 2011 to anyone who wanted to come and find out more about the Centre or to have a taster sesssion in one of the many treatments available in aid of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a charity which raises awareness of SADS Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in local communities, provides medical information and offers support to those who have lost a loved one. We raised £400 for this fantastic cause, which wouldn't have been possible without all of the support which we received.

Carers Day at the Keystone Centre, Bideford

On Wednesday 15th June 2011 a team of therapists from the Bideford Wellbeing Centre spent the day pampering carers at the Keystone Centre in Bideford. There were a variety of treatments on offer; massage, indian head massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy and transformational breathing, allowing the people who so deserve a bit of time to themselves a chance to relax and unwind.

Below are some of the lovely comments we received following the Carers Day:

‘Therapists all excellent – Lovely back massage and tried Hypnotherapy!’

‘Thank you for a wonderful day – I have learnt some valuable tools for relaxing’

‘Stress Control Course was extremely helpful & will help me control my symptoms – The Indian Head Massage, Therapeutic &Reflexology was great, soothing and relaxing – Thank you very much’

‘An excellent day – The morning session was very informative and interesting – The Indian Head Massage was beyond belief – Fabulous day’

‘Thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable day – Feel it has all benefited me greatly – Many thanks to everyone’

‘Thoroughly enjoyed the day – Excellent’

‘Excellent day + experience – may it be repeated – I found the Stress Control very well and sincerely presented with knowledge and tact – Whilst a poor massage candidate I enjoyed more than expected – Good venue, company and food – Thanks’

‘Fantastic chance to pamper ourselves – a well needed morning (I will head toward future treatments in the future for sure!) Thank you!’

‘My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time today – Many thanks to all the therapists for their time and to you all for giving us time out together – May it continue'

‘I had a really relaxing morning – Thank you – Would be nice to have this every day! – I had Indian Head Massage which was brilliant, and Nutritional Medicine, which was very interesting and brought up some interesting points – Thanks again’

‘Fantastic – I’ll defiantly come again!’

‘I have found the Stress Control very positive + helpful – Lunch was good too’

‘Brilliant day’

‘The Stress Control session was very instructive and helpful – The Indian Head Massage, reflexology & therapeutic Massage were absolutely delightful, relaxing treat for all the knots and aches I had – Thank you to all involved’

‘Good venue, parking ok – layout made for carers to meet others good – food ok (not as good as Mill Street Place) – Therapists chatty and everyone was having a good time & a laugh’