Cancellation policy
If you or any of the people you live with feel ill or display any symptoms of C0VlD-19 – please advise me as soon as possible and DO NOT COME TO THE HUT FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. I have amended our booking terms and conditions and you will not be charged for any appointments which you miss due to illness/ other.
However, if you are late for your appointment (and there is still sufficient time to carry out this treatment) a surcharge of 25% will be added to your bill. If you fail to turn up for your appointment you will be charged the full 100% fee.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Prevention & Control Policy
I have implemented a number of changes which I would like to make you aware of. During the time the hut has been shut, I have completed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Prevention and Control course which is accredited by the Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists Ltd, the UK trade body for our industry, The Gateway Workshops LTD Course The Health, Safety and Hygiene – Returning to work COVID-19 course and Barbicide training.
This policy outlines some of the key measures I have taken to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note the content may be subject to change.
Throughout the pandemic, I will continue to follow guidelines issued by the government, NHS, other relevant authorities and my professional associations, the Federation of Holistic Therapists and the Guild of Beauty Therapists regarding safe and hygienic practice and the use of any personal protective equipment (PPE).
COVID-19 Risk Assessment
I have carried out a full risk assessment, in order to:
• identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus;
• think about who could be at risk;
• decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed; and to
• act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.
I have carried out a risk assessment on all treatments and I’m confident that I can continue to provide the following safely:
• Nails / manicure
• Massage – Swedish, sports, acupressure and myofascial release
Unfortunately at present, regulations from the Government has stated that no facial contact treatments can be provided until further notice. These include :
• Brows
• Lash lift and tint
• Facial massage
It may also be necessary for me to adapt or restrict certain treatments, in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and/or protect my clients’ health and safety. Any clients likely to be impacted will be advised as soon as possible.
Below is an outline of the changes I have made to ensure we are able to limit the chance of infection as much as possible. Unfortunately though as the virus isn’t visible to us, you may still be at risk of contracting the virus by having a treatment. By reading this policy and completing the consultation form / health screening you have been made aware of any possible contamination and by signing the form and declaration agreed that you are still consenting for the treatment taking place.
Booking appointments
For now, I have taken the decision to suspend my on-line booking system and will instead resort back to taking bookings direct either via phone, text or email. This will enable me to discuss any changes to treatments and to go through my health and safety procedures in advance rather than taking up valuable time on the day.
Consultation forms and patch testing
All consultation forms where possible will now be completed in advance online. On booking an appointment, the form will be emailed out to you and will need to be returned to me no later than 24 hours prior to the appointment. This will now also include a client declaration section with regards to COVID-19. An additional health declaration will need to be signed on the day.
Patch testing* should be carried out before any new treatment and also repeated every 12 months. I have taken the decision to re-test ALL my clients, to ensure no allergies are experienced. These will need to be carried out 48 hours before tints / lash lift system is used. Unfortunately I am unable to send out patch tests and this need to be carried out by myself. (*Please note tinting treatments are not currently available).
Health screening
Prior to seeing any of my clients, I will be:
• Monitoring my own health and deferring treatments if I have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.
• Contacting my clients 24 hours in advance and deferring any treatments if: they have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; are clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding; anyone in their household has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; they have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days; they have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace Service and told to self isolate.
• Asking my clients to call and cancel and defer treatment on the morning of their appointment if they have a temperature or other symptoms of COVID-19.
If I feel ill or have symptoms of C0VlD-19, I will self-isolate immediately and contact you by phone. This may mean that I have to cancel your appointment at short notice. I appreciate that this may be inconvenient but it is done entirely for your own safety. If your appointment is cancelled you will be able to re-book again or ask for a full refund / voucher.
Cancellations policy
If you or any of the people you live with feel ill or display any symptoms of C0VlD-19 – please advise me as soon as possible and DO NOT COME TO THE HUT FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. I have amended the booking terms and conditions and you will not be charged for any appointments which you miss due to illness/ other.
However, if you are late for your appointment (and there is still sufficient time to carry out this treatment) a surcharge of 25% will be added to your bill. If you fail to turn up for your appointment you will be charged the full 100% fee.
As I’m sure you can appreciate, it has been a very difficult time for me both emotionally and financially. I have added in new health and safety procedures to protect both you and myself but unfortunately they also take extra time which will result in me being able to treat less clients. Having to waive the cancellation fee will also have an impact on my business financially so please provide as much notice as possible so I can offer these appointments out to clients.
Visiting the Shepherd’s hut
For your safety and to maintain social distancing, I ask that you attend your appointments as close to the appointment time as possible. Please do not turn up early for appointments as this may mean that you come into contact with other clients who are just leaving. Wait outside either in your car or outside the door and you will be collected. Please bring as little equipment as possible into the hut to prevent possible contamination. Your personal items will be stored in a plastic box during the treatment which will be sanitised between clients. I request that once hands are washed and the treatment has commenced that phone calls or personal equipment is not touched until the treatment is completed.
I have introduced enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures between clients, which includes washing and disinfecting any non-porous surfaces and therapy equipment, such as chairs and couches, and replacing any porous or single-use items, such as towels and couch roll in between clients. I have also increased the frequency of cleaning in the hut including making sure that common surfaces, toilet, sinks, door handles etc. are wiped clean using disinfectant products between each client. A record of these tasks and cleaning frequency is available to view in the hut.
All tools and equipment will be disinfected or sterilised in line with the specific manufacturers’ instructions for your safety.
Strict personal hygiene measures will also be adhered to, including regular handwashing/ sanitising.
You will have access to soap and hot water to wash your hands with as soon as you enter the hut and I will also have hand sanitiser available for you to use when you come into and leave the salon. As my sink is at the back of the hut, I may require you to wear overshoes or remove your shoes before hand washing. During a full body treatment, feet will also be cleaned.
It is a requirement that ventilation is an important factor in the fight to get rid of the virus and I MUST ventilate any room for 30minutes in between clients. Unfortunately this may result in a cooler air within the room however additional clean blankets will be provided to ensure you are warm.
Please bring a bottle of water to your massage treatment as drinks cannot be provided at this time. I request that you also bring a pen with you in case you are able to sign the disclaimer on the day.
Maintaining social distancing
Please note that while many treatments involve close contact, I will be observing social distancing measures wherever possible. This might include, for example, maintaining an appropriate distance during the consultation process, and when arriving and leaving for an appointment.
PPE
Please don’t be surprised or upset if I use personal protective equipment (PPE) during your visit and during your treatment. This may include disposable gloves / facemasks and visors / aprons where appropriate.
I will understand and not be offended if you wish to wear a facemask or wear disposable gloves when you visit the salon and during your treatment if this is appropriate. For certain treatments I may also ask you to wear a mask for the treatment to commence. If you have any concerns then please discuss it in advance of the appointment.
I can confirm that the laundering of salon towels and uniforms is a priority I can assure you that all salon laundry is washed at 60 degrees C
All disposable items are bagged and safely removed from the treatment area between each client.
During your treatment
I understand the importance of hand hygiene and will ensure that I wash my hands in according with NHS recommendations before the start of your treatment and at the end.
Please note I am First Aid trained and when it is safe and necessary to do so then I will administer it. However, I may require you to treat yourself under my guidance in some situations. If I am unsure of what is the safest method during a particular situation I will seek medical advice.
I will try to make your treatment as safe, comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you have any concerns about your treatments please let me know and I will do what I can to satisfy you.
After the treatment
In order to avoid handling of cash, I would prefer if you could pay for your treatment by card / or in advance using bank transfers / other.
All of these procedures have been implemented for your safety and mine. We will continue to take advice from the Government and the NHS regarding safe practice and will amend them as necessary.
Find out what made me start my business and my plans for the future
Before the treatment.... "I have previous surgery on my back which responds well to massage. I researched Myofascial release, but couldn’t imagine how it would actually feel on my body". During "It’s quite challenging to explain! Initially I felt the pressure of Kathryn's hands on an area of my body. After a minute or so a deep wave like fluid feeling, glided across my back pushing the muscle to stretch and release. I kept saying ‘ this is very strange!’ It did not hurt, felt almost like a strong ripple of water like when you’re in a wave machine at the swimming pool! The ‘wave’ wanted to go in different directions on my back, maybe to areas needing attention. At times it felt like cornflower goop. I couldn’t believe that K's hands were still and the body was subconsciously moving the muscles of the fascia around! At one point- I took my hand and pointed to where I felt it moving and K's hands were no-where near it. Very difficult to describe as nothing like a massage I have experienced before". After "I felt relaxed. I also had a sense of excitement to have experienced a new type of treatment which really stretched all problem areas of my back, shoulder and hip muscles. I found the session grounded me and felt more connected to my body. Afterwards, I felt tired, cold and a bit spaced out- which is normal for me post massage. I highly recommend trying this treatment and will definitely be going again"!
Until this year, I'd never meditated. I mean who has time to sit still and do nothing right? Well, actually it turned out I did. Having had to shut my business yet again in January, I was starting to worry. Worrying about money, worrying about whether clients would ever come back and worrying about the impact on my mental health. Having a purpose and a sense of achievement is I've realised, something I need in my life. I was in the midst of searching for something new to learn when a free meditation course popped up with Susie Hemsted. I did the workshop, thinking well its free and gives me something to do. Needless to say I loved it and I felt a connection to what Susie was teaching us. She was so calm...maybe this could work for me too? After the initial workshop, Susie mentioned she was running a 5 week course but I had no income and savings were pretty much depleted. It seemed a bit mad to even consider it. But when I mentioned it to my family, my children actually said 'If you really want to do it mummy, we can lend you the money' - did I cry... yes! I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to do it.. So I said 'YES'. During our initial session one of the ladies burst into tears. Anyone who knows me, knows that I cry when other people cry so it was a shock and I fought to keep it together. Over the weeks, there were lots of tears. The pandemic has affected people in so many different ways but seeing how the course was giving the women back the control and focus was liberating. And I soon realised that actually letting yourself go was actually really powerful. On the last group session, when talking about what we'd gained from the course, my flood gates opened. I sobbed and sobbed. I was so sad it had ended but having gained so much, there were tears of joy too. I'd experienced some really amazing moments of calm, reflection and had a newly instated confidence. I felt a sense of relief that I'd learnt ways to manage my feelings of anxiety and to enable me to calm myself and re-focus in an entirely different way. I've use meditation to manage other situations. A recent dentist appointment when I needed a filling. Focusing my mind helped the time to pass and kept me calm. I also tried it during a blood donation but every time I tried a breathing activity, my blood flow slowed down so much the alarm kept sounding! Since 2012, it's estimated that the amount of people using meditation around the world has tripled. During the recent FA Cup Final, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admitted to meditating to help prepare for the match. A common misconception is that you have to meditate for hours. Yes of course some people do but you don't need to. Martin Boroson an executive coach, Zen priest and former psychotherapist found that actually meditating for a mere minute a day can reduce stress levels by 33%. So if you've never tried it, have a go. Find a guided meditation and let yourself be taken on the journey. You never know where the journey may take you.
In a year when we thought we'd have all the time in the world, how do we have no time? Closing my doors in March, I literally had nothing to do but I had everything to do. The kids were home schooled, my husband was now at home full time and we had a 3 month old puppy! I hoped I'd be able to do everything I'd put on the back burner - cleaning out the attic, decorating etc but actually I found I couldn't. My main achievement, apart from making sure all members of the family were clean and fed and walked was painting the back fence. It was a labour of love (and hate) - 28 panels and umpteen tins of paint but it was MY thing. I took an hour to myself and painted, and painted. It was my time and that became very precious to me. I can't lie - during lockdown I cried a lot. I felt angry that everything I worked so hard for had stopped. I felt guilty that there was no plan B and therefore there was no money. I felt sad that everything I wanted to do had to make way for the job with the income and the children and their studies, oh and did I mention the lively puppy. As the weeks rolled by, I realised that what the problem actually was. It was that my own self-care had completely stopped. I stopped exercising, I was eating badly and I didn't have any structure to my days. I just kept functioning to make sure everyone else was ok but I'd stopped caring for myself. No makeup, joggers or leggings and eek my hair! Recognising this was a huge turning point and got me thinking, hey if I'm feeling like this what about all those people who also didn't have a choice. What about those too scared to leave their homes, those who were reliant on other people shopping for them or not perhaps being able to afford to eat healthily or those sat in their own homes for hours with no company, except the awful new updates about the virus. I realised I did have a choice - I needed to start addressing my needs too. As soon as I started to make an effort, I started to feel better physically and mentally. I started doing yoga again before the children got up so it was my time. I added structure to my days which included time for me to work on my business after work / school hours and I shared this with the family. I started to plan healthy meals and taking iron and vitamin D to help give me an energy boost. I also read that vitamin D can help to minimise the symptoms of Covid-19, so worth a try. I started to feel like I was achieving something for myself. As I write, we are in lockdown part 2 but my mindset is totally different. I still start the day with yoga (10-30mins depending on lie-ins), followed by a long walk with my furry friend. I listen to podcasts and training courses whilst I walk and learn something new everyday. I still have days when I slob around in joggers but equally I make an effort to dress up. Meals are planned and my husband and I have lunch together most days. This is our time to catch up without the children around and to address any concerns we have and to talk about our schedules. Work wise - I'm busier than ever! Even though I'm not currently working in my business. I now have a self-care Facebook group 'Essence Within' and have just launched my new self-care gift sets 'Essence of You'. I'm much more focused on where I want my business to go. Yes income has taken another battering, but this time I have some passive income! Self-care for me is being able to recognise what's important to you and acknowledge when you need a bit more care and love, and being able to you give it to yourself. It might only seem like a small thing to someone else but if it matters to you - it IS important. Next week is self-care awareness week and the perfect time to have a think about what small steps you can take to improve your self-care. If you want to find out more about the campaign click here. If you're also interested in finding out more about my self-care group then click here for a sneaky peek. Much love K
Whether you’re unsure as to which treatment is right for you, if you want to know what to expect when you arrive or indeed anything else then please read the list of frequently asked questions below. If you do have a more specific questions please do let me know. How to book an appointment Q. What hours is the hut open A. I am available Monday – Friday, 10-4 and evenings 5-7.30pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs). I also open on some Saturdays so it’s always good to ask Q. Where are you based? A. Treatments are available in my shepherd’s hut in Calverley, West Leeds, LS28. Q. How do I book an appointment? A. I do have an online booking system but have had to temporarily turn it off whilst I go through my back log of clients since being shut. The best way to book an appointment is to text me on 0774 8640257.Due to the one to one service, appointments do get booked up so make sure you book in advance. It’s also worth checking my Facebook page as some cancellation appointments are posted here. Q. Why do I need to complete a consultation form? A. Yes of course! Each new client has to complete a consultation form and a COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to treatments. This makes sure I can treat you in the best possible way. The questions are designed to enable me to treat you in the best possible way and none of the answers are shared. Q. What is your cancellation policy? A. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancellations can be made on the day without charge but please keep in mind that this is my business and due to new regulations its unlikely I will be able to fill the slot at short notice. Please give as much notice as possible. If however you fail to turn up because you forgot, you will be charged the full 100% fee. Choosing the right treatment Q. What should I expect from my Swedish massage treatment? A. Swedish massages tend to be quite firm, working on areas where you may perhaps be experiencing pain, stiffness or aches. Most of the treatment is performed using thumbs/knuckles but I do also use my elbows and forearms. As an experienced Swedish massage therapist I work with my clients to provide bespoke treatments that suit their needs. If it feels too firm then let me know and we will adapt your treatment. Q. What is involved in a full body massage? A. Full body massages work on the legs (front and back), arms, chest, neck, shoulders, back and stomach. Some clients prefer for certain areas such as the stomach to be left out. This is fine, it is your treatment and will be adapted to suit you. During the treatment only the area being worked on is exposed to ensure you feel comfortable at all times. The treatment tends to take place on a massage couch which enables your body to full relax. Q. What is a sports massage? A. Sports massage is described by the Sports Massage Association as ‘the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments’. During the treatment you will receive a consultation so I can assess any areas of focus. I will then carry out a range of movements check to visually see and feel any tightness of muscles and any areas of restricted movement. The massage will then be carried out, the muscles are stretched out and then the range of movement checks are re-visited. This enables the client to see first hand the benefits of the massage and to highlight any areas that are still showing signs of tightness / restricted movement that may require additional sessions. Q. How do Swedish and sports massages differ? A. Swedish massage focuses on the superficial (top level) muscle groups and aims to provide clients with a relaxing treatment. Sports massage concentrates on the individual deeper muscles and is used when clients have a more specific area of need. For example, if you had an aching back then you may choose a Swedish massage to help elevate any aches and pains and make you feel generally better. If however you had pulled a muscle in your back you would require a sports massage. Sports massages are not just for sporty people so if you are unsure what would be best please call. Q. What is involved in an Indian head massage? A. Indian head massages are much gentler and focus on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, scalp and face. The treatments take place in a chair and can be performed with or without oils. This is a very relaxing treatment, so make sure you have time to rest afterwards. Q. Please explain what myofascial release is? A. Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Q. How does acupressure vary to acupuncture? A. Acupressure works in a similar way to acupuncture in the way that we work on certain areas within the muscle, applying pressure to help relieve tension. Acupressure uses thumbs and fingers to apply the pressure where as acupuncture uses needles. Q. What massage should I get? A. If you are unsure then let’s have a chat through your needs and we can compile the best treatment for you. Each treatment is different and draws on a number of different techniques including massage, stretching, acupressure, trigger points and myofascial release to ensure you get the best treatment for you. On arrival Q. I’ve never had a treatment before what can I expect? A. Once you’ve booked your treatment, you will be sent a consultation form, COVID-19 health screening questionnaire and a copy of my COVID-19 policy which outlines what you need to do on arrival, PPE, what happens during the treatment and all the health and safety requirements I need to adhere to. I will briefly talk through what you can expect too. As a new client I will need to run through your consultation form and make sure the treatment is suitable for you. Feel free to ask any questions at any point Q. What to I sit/lie on? A. A full body massage requires a couch but the back, neck and shoulder/Indian Head massage can be performed on a chair. Q. What do I wear? A. The treatments are best performed using oils, so generally for Swedish massage clients wear underwear and are then covered in towels. Please note underwear MUST be worn at all times. Shorts maybe worn on top if you prefer. For Indian head massage, some loose fitting trousers are fine. Chair massages can be performed over clothing if you would prefer. Sports massage tends to involve a bit more movement from the client so shorts may be more comfortable if you are having your legs worked on. Q. What oils do you use? A. I use a selection of natural oils from ID Aromatics. A consultation form is carried out ahead of the treatment to ensure I am aware of any allergies. Q. Do you provide massages for men? A. Yes of course, why shouldn’t men have massages too? Ad hoc Q. Do you offer gift vouchers? A. Yes, I do so why not treat a friend to a thoughtful present of a gift voucher? Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, thank you or just to show how much you care everyone loves a massage so why not put a smile on someone’s face today? Vouchers can be posted to the buying or recipient at no extra charge. Gift vouchers available for specific treatments or £values (£5-£40) .
Visit Essence Mind and Body in Calverley to help you feel great and look amazing
Contact us
07748 640257
hello@essencemindandbody.co.uk
Find us
The Shepherd's hut
1 St Stephen’s Road
Calverley
Leeds
LS28 5SD