Celebrating 15 Years! A Gift

It only occurred to me a few weeks ago. I’ve been facilitating training to support people living with dementia for 15 years this past September!

I’ve met so many people who have trusted to book in with me for training to support their commitment in becoming more dementia informed and in turn to support loved ones, people in their care, clients and people in their community.

I’ve had the privilege of hearing hundreds of stories about why people want to connect more deeply through touch, although, for me it was never just about touch. It has always been about enabling a person to retain autonomy, agency, about dignity, about communicating on their terms …. with compassionate curiousity. It has been about changing perspectives and upholding human rights. It has been about creating deeper human connection and truly meeting a person where they are.

Many people have supported and inspired me over the years, too many to mention, but my clients and mum have always been my most generous teachers.

Thank you to every one of you who take time to follow and support my work, my passion. Thank you to everyone who has attended my training, sought mentorship or consultations – whether you use your knowledge to support the occasional client keeping your practice inclusive, or whether you specialise in this deeply rewarding vocation, whether you’re a carer, professional or supporting a loved one I am grateful to you for taking the time to make positive changes in how we include and support people within our communities living with dementia. That is what is truly worth celebrating. Here’s to the next 15 years when we can look back and delight in having become a more dementia informed, compassionate society.

Before I move onto the next topic, by way of celebrating this milestone and also Pro Touch awareness Month (read on for more details), I’m offering a 10% redcution for any group training course on my website which you book during October. Simply book here then enter M4D10 in the discount box at the checkout.

Making Connections

One of the loveliest things about this work, is the fun we can have by facilitating workshops for Memory Cafes and Young Onset Dementia groups.

In September, I had the greatest pleasure holding the loveliest space with Anna Lempriere for people who belong to the Young Onset Dementia Group at the bright and airy Exchange in Penzance.

There were some new members; both carers and people living with dementia with varying apprehensions about the session which was all about using massage and aromatherapy to support wellbeing. After an acknowledgement that it might be a little out of their comfort zones, I explained that participation was voluntary and they could opt out at any point, choosing to obseve if they were more comfortable with that. However, I was pleasantly surprised that everyone had a go at the hands on, even if it was to confirm that it may not be for them, but that it wasn’t as bad as they thought and that was OK. Others really enjoyed making connections without words and were pleasantly surprised how much they loved the hands on activity. I provided some massage cards to take away so people had reminders about how to do each massage move or hold.

We all got to sniffing some oils on some scent strips and playing with combinations to see what we liked, combining our favourite selection to create an aroma roll-on each. What was interesting was hearing people making connections with moods and memories, with some humourously unexpected reminiscence. It was a beautiful session filled with laughter, song and dance – well why not, after all it was about making ourselves feel good and supporting wellness.

If you’re a massage therapist looking to support people living with dementia in your community, I recommend connecting with support groups and memory cafes in your area to offer your services providing fun and informative sessions to support wellbeing through people’s senses.

If you wish to book me for a session within Cornwall, you can find my contact details here: Contact – Massage for Dementia

Pro Touch Awareness Month

October is Pro Touch Awareness month, which is all about promoting safe, positive touch.

This year the theme is co-regulation, which is the ability to help another person manage their emotions or stress through calm presence, connection and attuned support enabling the person to eventually self regulate.

When I support people living with dementia, it is crucial for me to remain well regulated so I in turn can help co-regulate them. Sometimes, as cognition is affected, it may be that a client with dementia finds it difficult to regulate themselves, so massage and dementia informed approaches can help bring a person into a space where agitation is reduced and balance is restored.

You can read more about the Hands-on Revolution here.

I’m delighted to be one of the speakers at this year’s online FHT conference where industry experts offer tantalising advice, education and tips.

This year I’ll be giving tips about how we hold space for people living with dementia through grounded communication, sensory awareness and adaptable touch. I’ll offer practical guidance for creating felt safety, reducing distress and supporting meaningful connection. You’ll learn approaches that honour individuality, promote comfort and enhance wellbeing in the moment.

It’s a fab way to enhance your CPD. You can book onto the conference and select from a number of useful seminars here.

Upcoming Training into 2027

I’ve made a decision. One that’s good for my health and makes the best use of my time and energy. From 2027, all my regular group training will be based in Cornwall. However, if your organisation wishes to book me for training, I am of course happy to discuss coming to you. I’m simply trying to reduce my travel, as it does take its toll and it means I spend less time away from my loves and my land which are a source of my wellbeing.

I’ve booked all my training dates until the end of 2027:

Massaging Persons who live with Dementia 07/11/26 1 day course with all the fundamentals open to all

Massaging Persons who live with Dementia 13/03/27 1 day course with all the fundamentals open to all

Advanced Massaging Persons who live with Dementia 22 & 23/05/27  2 day Advanced in depth course for qualified bodyworkers

Massaging Persons who live with Dementia 07/08/27 1 day course with all the fundamentals open to all

Aromatherapy for Persons Living with Dementia 08/08/27 1 day course for qualified aromatherapists

Massaging Persons who live with Dementia 06/11/27 1 day course with all the fundamentals open to all

Remember, all these group courses in Cornwall have 10% off until the until the end of October. Remember to add the discount code M4D10 at the checkout for your chosen date.

Churrah for now …

Gosh, there was so much more I could have told you, but I expect you’ve finished your cuppa – I know I have!

And now as the breeze sends golds and reds tumbling from the trees, I wish you wellness through the autumn.

Warmest wishes, Nicolle 🧡

“When words escape us, touch says it all.”

#massagefordementia #MeetMeWhereIAm