A CHARITY is appealing to locally-based alternative therapists who are willing to give up some time to help improve the sleep patterns of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

Help for Heroes recovery centre Phoenix House, in Catterick Garrison, is looking for volunteers to add their names to the charity's books.

Kelly Bostock, rehabilitation support co-ordinator at Phoenix House, said the more therapists who volunteer, the less frequently they will have to "do their bit".

She added: “We already have reiki, relaxing massage and Shiatsu massage but it would be great to have others too. It would enable us to offer sessions on a more regular basis too.”

Improving their sleep pattern is often top of the list of requirements from beneficiaries supported by the recovery centre and alternative therapies can assist with this.

“It doesn’t matter whether they have a physical injury or a mental illness, sleep deprivation, or lack of good quality sleep, is a very common complaint. We all know that, if we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t function properly the next day – but imagine feeling like that week in, week out.”

Ms Bostock is holding a second open evening on Wednesday, April 13 from 6pm to 8pm for any holistic health providers interested in providing an occasional evening taster session at the recovery centre.

For more information contact Ms Bostock on 01748-834148 or Kelly.Bostock@helpforheroes.org.uk.