This week is Carers Week – a chance to highlight and appreciate the tireless work of those who devote their time to others. As many get precious few moments to unwind, two Coleg Gwent students have been helping carers in Torfaen make the most of some well-deserved time out with a variety of soothing holistic treatments.
Coleg Gwent Diploma in Holistic Therapies students Liz Lee and Amy Packwood, working in partnership with a carers support service in Torfaen, have divided their time between studying at the College’s Pontypool Campus, and providing relaxing treatments for carers at Torfaen Carers Centre in Pontypool, including reflexology, massage therapy and aromatherapy.
Both students, working weekly with Torfaen Carers Centre since February, have formed a strong affinity for the people they’ve met through the centre. Carers Wales statistics state that 1 in 8 of adults in Wales are carers and people providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled, so both students are passionate about providing a service to carers to help improve their wellbeing.
Holistic therapy student Amy Packwood, 25, hopes to continue using her holistic skills working for charities after her studies, she said: “Offering treatments to those who really appreciate some relaxation is very rewarding.
“We’re so pleased to have had this opportunity to help such brave and inspiring people, and to be able to put our knowledge and skills into practice in a professional setting before leaving College.”
Liz Lee, 53, worked as a primary school teacher before changing career direction and training in holistic therapy. Speaking about the benefits of the treatments she said: “Many clients are sleeping better, and finding it easier to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
“It’s wonderful for us to hear the positive feedback from carers. Both Amy and I jumped at the chance of working with Torfaen Carers, and we hope to continue similar work after our course to benefit people and make a positive difference in peoples’ lives.”
Doris O’Farrell cares for her husband and has been receiving regular treatments from the students, she said: “Being a carer can be very demanding, but the sessions are wonderful and a great way to relax. I’ve found the reflexology treatments very beneficial and am sleeping so much better.”
Another regular visitor to the centre, carer Bill Thompson said: “It’s a brilliant service, which means a lot to me. I’ve had treatments all over the world and I can honestly say the treatments are of a very high standard. Amy and Liz are very professional and work hard to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.”
Sian Musto, the Centre’s Carer Health Development Worker said: “It can be very difficult for carers to relax. Even away from their caring role it is common to still feel anxious.
“The treatments offered by Amy and Liz have helped to address this by allowing carers to relax and gain some relief from stress for at least one hour a week.
“Our carers have really welcomed complementary therapy and are put at ease by Liz and Amy’s welcoming nature. We can’t thank them and Coleg Gwent enough for providing us with this service. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Coleg Gwent and meeting new students next year.”
As part of Carers Week (13-19 June) Torfaen Carers will be running a Carers Health and Wellbeing Day at County Hall on Wed 15 June with complementary therapy and beauty treatments provided by Coleg Gwent students. There will also be a Cupcake & Cappuccino Day on Friday 17th June at the Carers Centre in Pontypool.
