Healing Hands Network

The Healing Hands Network was set up in 1996 to enable volunteer care professionals to work with people suffering from the trauma and terrible consequences of war or disaster. HHN pioneered its work in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Although Sarajevo is no longer much featured in the media, this work is still needed. The ravages of rape, torture, the disappearance of loved ones and extensive landmines have taken a huge toll.

HHN has been sending qualified, experienced volunteer therapists since 1997, and has now carried out over 40,000 treatments. Therapies include massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture and reiki. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was little understood five years ago. Today it is a recognised condition and the network’s work in relieving its symptoms is both welcomed and valued. In February 2011 HHN launched a new project to treat returning service and ex-service personnel in the UK who are suffering from PTSD and are no longer receiving treatment.

I joined HHN in 2011, and I’m hoping to go to Sarajevo in 2012 as a volunteer practitioner. I have described massage as a gift, and both practising and receiving have been a lifeline to me through a period of personal suffering. It is an act of gratitude to share that gift and, hopefully, the respite from pain that I experienced. Whilst I am sure that two weeks in Sarajevo will be extremely hard, both physically and emotionally, I also believe it will be incredibly rewarding and it is something I look forward to.

I also plan to get involved in the Forces Project in the UK when I return. (This is only open to therapists who have already been to Sarajevo.) To send a therapist to Sarajevo for 2 weeks costs HHN about £1,500. Each volunteer is asked to raise £750 towards this; I would like to exceed this amount if possible. Donations can be made on my charity page here.

Or why not book a Healing Hands Massage? Details of this unique combination massage are on my treatments page and 50% of the price goes to HHN. For a doubly generous present, Healing Hands Massage Vouchers are available. Details of my fund raising events are on my blog (see the link on my home page).