Derian House appoints full-time complementary therapist

Derian House Children’s Hospice has appointed Denise Doe as a full-time complementary therapist, enabling it to bring in-house services which it had previously outsourced.

Denise has already begun working with children, parents, grandparents and siblings on free therapy treatments to help stress, anxiety and relieve symptoms.

She specialises in massage, reflexology and aromatherapy therapy. 

The hospice had previously been able to offer a smaller number of appointments to families, using an outside company – but the recruitment of its very own therapist means even more families can benefit.

Denise said: "Most people benefit from having time, no matter how short, to relax and be in the moment. And for our children, young people, and their families who attend lots of appointments – that time can be hard to find. They often say that they have forgotten how to relax.

"Complementary therapies can comfort and soothe, relieve stress and anxiety, and help you feel better and cope better. It’s really lovely for me to be able to give them that experience.”

Based in Chorley, Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will cost £6m to run services at Derian House in 2023, with the charity relying on the generosity of its supporters for more than two-thirds of these costs.