Local Businesses Support St Mary’s Healthy Steps

Healthy-Steps - Moving You to Better Health with the Lebed Method, is a twenty seven year old programme of therapeutically sound, gentle movements and exercises to music. The programme was designed by cancer survivor and professional dancer Sherry Lebed Davis and physician/surgeons Dr. Marc Lebed and Dr. Joel Lebed and is now offered in 14 countries worldwide.

The programme combines sound physical therapy practice with the freeing aspects of movement, incorporating music, positive reinforcement from a group, and empowerment from information and education. It is a potent package that addresses mind, body, and spirit. And, most importantly it is FUN! Benefits of the class include improved lymphatic flow, increased range of movement, improved balance and positive self-image along with lots of fun & laughter!

St Mary’s Hospice offers Healthy Steps classes in Barrow, Ulverston, Grange and Windermere, to support patients who are suffering or recovering from life-limiting illnesses, their families and families bereaved due to these illnesses.

All St Mary's care is provided free of charge, but it is not cost free. Just to maintain all current services costs around £2.4 million a year, of which the charity has to raise £2million from local supporters. Therefore, St Mary’s and group attendees are extremely grateful to both Temple Heelis and the Furness Building Society who recently kindly donated £150 each to cover St Mary’s annual rent for the Ladyholme centre, in Windermere. The money given from Temple Heelis & Furness Building Society will enable the Hospice to continue to offer this service to the local community and provide a regular weekly ‘drop-in’ support group for all who need it.

The rent covers one afternoon per week (Monday) during which Yvonne Cervetti, Senior Complementary Therapist is currently offering individual treatments in Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Remedial massage as well as a group ‘Healthy-Steps’ class.

Marion Grave, said, "I find the class very therapeutic. I feel refreshed and full of fun!"

Cyril Button, St Mary’s patient said the class is "Extremely useful, particularly if you can't walk!"

Following the class at the Ladyholme in Windermere, volunteers Iris Littler and Vicky Walmsley prepare tea, coffee and biscuits to allow patients and families time to socialise and support each other.

Anyone interested in finding out more about individual or group support should contact St Mary’s Support Services on 01229 580305 to arrange an initial assessment.

In addition to the Complementary Therapies and Healthy-Steps Classes, the St Mary's Support Team offers support through Day Services, and Family Support, which includes Art Therapy, Creative Journaling, Relaxation and Visualisation Classes, Breathlessness Management, Bereavement Support and Welfare Advice.

Picture Attached
Pictured on the steps of The Ladyholme Centre:
The Healthy Steps Class
Yvonne Cervetti – Senior Complementary Therapist.
To the right of photograph: John Thompson – Regional Development Manager for Furness Building Society.
To the left of photograph: Richard Moore – Managing Partner of Temple Heelis.