Just do it!  NHS Certificate in Complementary Therapy (Cancer Pathway)  With the aim of gaining practical experience as a complementary therapist in a cancer-care setting, I found my way to the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre in Harrogate where the first NHS Natural Therapy School is based, for the 12 week program leading to the NHS Certificate in Complementary Therapy (Cancer Pathway).  This program offered an unique opportunity to learn and work within a professional, supportive and caring team, to NHS standards, while helping people during their cancer treatments, their carers, and patients on wards in the main hospital, through the power of touch – in my case, aromatherapy massage.  The required medical and professional standards were obviously very high, and I was a bit daunted at first.  There was a lot to learn about professional standards in the NHS, about the many forms of cancer and how these impact on people and how to tailor treatments to individual circumstances and the constraints of being on a hospital ward.  However, as experiences go, this was probably one of the most rewarding professional and human experiences I have had, if not the most.  Underpinning this was the expert and ongoing coaching and guidance from Gwyn Featonby, who leads the program, and support from Beverly Harrison and the wider team, which was invaluable. “Light touch” but the right touch.  Also, the chance to work with and learn from fellow therapists was an added bonus.  Through evidence-based practice, it was satisfying to see positive results for patients.  Being accepted by medical professionals as part of the wider team supporting patients was amazing. So, if I have any advice for anyone considering embarking on this journey, it would be to “just do it”!

In line with the current Government guidelines we are suspending all training until February 21st 2021. Our ITEC Level 3 diplomas will continue via online learning, all other planned courses have been postponed. If you are booked on to a course we will be in touch very shortly and appreciate your patience at this time. We would like to thank all our students and staff for their hard work, commitment and support in these uncertain times. Please direct any enquiries to hif.natural.healthschool@nhs.net    

We will be closed from December 15th 2020 until January 4th 2021. Any emails will be answered on our return. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful time as we move into 2021.

Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to postpone the Introduction to Complementary Therapies course booked for November 27th 2020. We have sent out an email offering alternatives; if you have not received this and are booked to the course please contact beverley.harrison11@nhs.net or hif.natural.healthschool@nhs.net. Thank you

We are thrilled to be offering the ITEC Level 3 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Massage or Reflexology in January 2021. We will also be delivering the combined diploma in all three therapies (Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Massage), also starting in January 2021. An exciting opportunity to study Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology at the same time. Places are booking now and are limited. If you would like further information or to book an interview please email hif.natural.healthschool@nhs.net.  

We are delighted that we are now able to return to practice, move forward with our courses and offer treatments again (with the exception of facial treatments) All of our therapists are following the latest industry and government guidance to safely and confidently practice their therapies. As always we will be watching and updating as anything changes. The latest advice and guidance on returning to practice can be found here CNHC Preparing to return to work Please keep up to date with the NHS best advice https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/      

Thank you for your patience during the past few months. We are have added a comprehensive portfolio of courses and dates to our website. Please take time to have a look and get in touch for any further information and questions. 01423 557300 or hif.natural.healthschool@nhs.net We look forward to working with you soon.  

We are delighted to let you know that we are now taking bookings for the Certificate in Palliative Care for Complementary Therapists course commencing October 2020. Course information As ever we would love to hear from you call us on 01423 557316 to discuss further.

Aromatherapy courses at the HDFT NHS Natural Health School We offer several different courses on Aromatherapy; if you are looking for a career change the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy might be perfect – ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy For those wanting to learn skills to use at home our Using Aromatherapy in the home course take places over 4 evenings and offers a chance to explore what Aromatherapy has to offer – Using Aromatherapy in the home  Essential Oil; History and Mystery is new for 2020 and offers a fascinating insight – Essential Oil; History and Mystery Already qualified in Aromatherapy? Advanced Essential Oils Workshop – Advanced Essential Oils Workshop All dates are currently pending and we will update as soon as we are able to do so. If you would like to know more please call on 01423 557316 or email beverley.harrison11@nhs.net  

We have been busy during lockdown planning new courses and while we know what interests we have; what would you like to see offered through the school? If you are new to Complementary Therapy what has led you to our website? Would you like to know how to incorporate reflexology into your own daily life or perhaps study towards a new career? Has lockdown seen you become more aware of what you eat and how you cook? Or would you just like to learn a new skill? Qualified in Complementary Therapy and looking to take your skills to the next level, refresh or add something new to your portfolio? Get in contact and let us know, we would love to hear from you Email hdft.natural.healthschool@nhs.net Facebook @naturalhealthschool Twitter @NatHealthSchool