Located at 27 School Street in Wolverhampton, a new treatment room – set up by the registered charity Wolverhampton LGBT+ – will offer holistic therapies and services for the LGBTQ+ community.
Kelly Walker-Reed, chair and trustee, said: “The room will be used to offer holistic therapies, things such as massages, reiki, beauty treatments, hair barbing, and in the future hair removal.”
Since the charity had no budget to achieve their project, generous donations from local businesses have played a vital role in ensuring this new treatment room could get up, and running.
“Everything that has gone into this project has been donated and funding has been given by local organisations,” says Kelly.
“Crown Decorating Centre donated paint, Howdens Wednesbury donated wall cupboards, Awarding Care and Brighter Teachings donated £1,800 between them, for the building work including electrics plumbing, and flooring and a local sexual health service donated the couch.”
The treatment room has been developed as a direct result of requests from the community, in particular those who identify as transgender or non-binary.
Kelly explains, “It is really important for the community to have a safe place where they won’t be misgendered or see the wrong pronouns used. The community often finds it difficult to find services which are inclusive and understanding. For example, if someone is struggling with gender dysphoria, they may not like certain parts of their body being touched.”
Kelly adds: “We have a stipulation that all of our therapists are LGBTQ+ trained and have enhanced DBS checks, which you won’t see in most places.
“The services are offered at a reduced rate for membership holders which will be launched this week [and] the treatments will be cheaper than any other city prices.”
As well as this exciting new treatment room, the charity, Wolverhampton LGBT+ also offer inclusive counselling, and other activities such as yoga sessions and online socialising for various groups within the community.
More information can be found HERE