A Lanarkshire charity, Smile, has recently been granted £15,000 to offer a programme of holistic therapies to carers of children and young people with disabilities and life-limiting illnesses. The grant, distributed by the Health and Social Care Alliance through the national self-management fund, allows Smile to provide free weekly holistic treatments such as reiki and reflexology to carers in need of respite. These sessions take place at Hilary’s House of Calm in Uddingston, giving carers the opportunity to experience various treatments like crystal healing, impact wellbeing, Indian head massage, and Japanese hand massage.
Wendy Meek, the founder and chief executive of Smile, expressed her delight in being able to offer these holistic therapies free of charge to carers. As a carer herself of a child with disabilities, Wendy understands the unique pressures carers face and believes that these therapies can improve their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. The programme aims to break down barriers to access and provide carers with tools for self-management beyond the initial therapy sessions.
Smile, which stands for Special Memories In Lanarkshire Every day, was established earlier this year by Wendy and her husband Stephen in memory of their son Justin. Their charity supports children and young people up to 25 years old with disabilities and their families. Smile’s recent initiative is part of their broader goal to create a respite retreat for families in rural South Lanarkshire. As a means of fundraising, Smile has opened a shop in Larkhall to further support their initiatives.
The Alliance self-management fund’s grant will enable Smile to offer the holistic therapy programme free of charge for a year to carers of seriously ill, disabled, or neurodiverse children and young people in Lanarkshire. The programme not only provides therapeutic treatments but also aims to help carers understand the importance of self-management and develop skills that enhance their health and wellbeing.
Carers interested in participating in the programme can register online through a dedicated form. This initiative by Smile is a significant step towards supporting the welfare of carers in Lanarkshire and acknowledges the crucial role they play in providing care for their loved ones.