Harlequin runs regular, free of charge, Carers' days throughout Dorset. It is an opportunity to meet other Carers, and the Harlequin volunteers, and have a relaxed chat over refreshments.
The day runs from 10am to 4:30pm with pre-booked appointments lasting approximately an hour. Practitioners offer a range of complimentary therapies subject to availability. These include Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Facial, Manicure or Pedicure. A Counsellor, if required, is also available in addition to one of the treatments.
All our Practitioners are experienced professionals, fully qualified and insured, enabling us to provide the best care we can for those whose lives are spent caring for others. Appointments are pre-booked with our Clinical Coordinator. If you need to let us know of last minute cancellations, please ring 07547 136041.
History
By 2007, Maggie Quinn, our founder, had been working as a private Holistic Healthcare practioner for some 12 years when she started working as a Volunteer Practioner with the Palliative Care team of the Weldmar Hospice. Having seen first hand the many benefits of giving patients a little "time out" from attention to thier medical condition by offering them a little relaxation time, she then started to investigate the possibilities of creating a similar service to Carers of patients with life threatening illnesses.
As part of her research into the possibilities of starting a Charity to offer relaxation sessions to carers she decided to plan a fundraising HEAD SHAVE to test public reaction. Within two months over £2,000 had been raised and the journey of Dorset's first charity dedicated to the well being of unpaid carers had begun. The name HARLEQUIN came quickly after the need for a bank account became apparent, and the name Harlequin seemed appropriate as, not only is it a colourful clown that distracts attention away from problems and offers therapeutic laughter, but it is also the nickname of Maggie herself!
With guidance from the Dorset Community Action group, the inaugural General Meeting was arranged in October 2008 and Officers and Trustees were appointed.
Through Maggie's own experiences in not only her life, but also the life of others, Harlequin has become a great lifeline to many carers and their families, and even though it is forever evolving and changing, will always aspire to do the great work for all lives it touches.
Carers' Relaxation Days