“Bodytonic sports injury and massage has been working with The Base Youth centre and in particular the Teen Parent Programme for the past three years. Bodytonic have become an integral part of the services that The Base Teen Parent Programme offers. Fiona has had a huge impact on the lives of the young parents that she works with; she has supported them through various issues from managing stress, improving nutrition and healthy eating, problematic eating patterns, and emotional stress and has provided us with an opportunity to engage more effectively with our young mums. The clinic is viewed by our young parents as a very safe space to participate in therapies that can improve their lives and the lives of their children. Fiona brings peace, calmness and a sense of wholeness to otherwise very chaotic and stressful lives of the young parents that we work with.”
Ciara Hoey
Project Leader
Teen Parent Support Programme
Tbe Base Youth Centre
Blackditch Rd
Dublin 10
Tel: 0879950439
ciara.hoey@thebase.ie
www.thebase.ie
“Bodytonic sports injury and massage have coordinated the complementary therapies clinic for young people between 13 and 19 years old since the opening of the Base Youth Centre; the therapies vary according to the needs and the therapeutical interventions required by the young people from sports massage, holistic massage to Reiki, or breathing and relaxation.
The Base new purpose built facility was designed as a response to a clear need for the young people to have a place of their own where they would feel comfortable and at ease. A place where they can engage in different services without feeling stigmatised or singled out.
The Youth Health Suite is a room discreetly situated on the first floor of the building, easily accessed and with such facilities as a sink and toilets and equipped with snoezelen equipment and versatile furniture that can be used for medical purposes.
The room is currently being used for counselling as well as one to ones; it has proved to be very successful and the young people who have been accessing the room have been feeling very relaxed and secure in it and are even encouraging their peers to access it.
This programme proved extremely successful, since its start in November 08 we recorded an average of 1000 appointments; some were once offs and others would have necessitated two to three follow up sessions.
As a direct result of the Bodytonic sports injury and massage clinic we had young people pro actively requesting counselling as the sessions helped them in relaxing and identifying issues that have a direct impact on their physical health.
Through the Bodytonic programme we were able to identify issues around eating disorder, anger management and bereavement issues which are now followed up by the youth workers through one to one sessions and targeted work.
Another unexpected result is how keen the young people are to avail of the service; we already have a waiting list for the Base young people.
The young males in particular have been accessing the service in high numbers and no stigma seems to be attached.
The Teen Parents are another target group that has been availing of the service with great outcomes; they have been more open to counselling and more receptive to working on their relationship with their babies, in addition, they have been taking part in various training and development developed by Fiona.”
Amel Yacef
Youth Health Coordinator
The Base Youth Centre
Blackditch Road
Ballyfermot
Dublin 10
phone: +353(0)1 6546817
mobile: 087 2160364
Email: amel.yacef@thebase.ie
Website: www.thebase.ie
“Fiona Donoghue’s level of warmth and professionalism is outstanding. While working in Open Heart House working as a massage therapist and reikipractitioner Fiona helped so many of our members both in a life-affirming and holistic way. Thorough and professional at all times Fiona maintained the highest standards with us here in Open Heart House. Even though Fiona is no longer with us in Open Heart House she has left fond memories and plenty of inspired people as a result of her positive nature and energy. Fiona has a gift which is rare in this modern world that we live in. With this she has an ability to spread light and healing with ease which leaves a lasting impression on those who are lucky to encounter her. “
– David O’Duffy
Operations Manager
Open Heart House
