Massage at the Penny Brohn UK Charity Shop
We are offering free massages to anyone affected by cancer at our Charity Shop in Bristol, at 49 Queen’s Rd, Bristol, BS8 1QQ.
They will be on alternate Wednesdays, starting 28th January 2026.
Sessions are available from 10am – 3:30pm and are 45 minutes long. We are offering up to 3 free sessions for Penny Brohn UK service users.
How to book
If you are not already registered with Penny Brohn UK please do this prior to booking: Penny Brohn UK Registration
Once registered, please contact Helen Carter by email to book appointments at hm_carter@yahoo.com
Helen Carter
Helen Carter first qualified as a massage therapist 20 years ago. Having experienced cancer herself in the last 8 years, during which time she received support from Penny Brohn UK, she went on to qualify in Oncology Massage to offer therapeutic support to others.
Helen is now kindly offering massage treatments to Penny Brohn UK service users and their supporters, tailored to your needs, in the beautiful therapy rooms at the Penny Brohn UK Charity Shop in the centre of Bristol.
FAQs
- For 25 years oncology massage has been formally recognised in the UK as safe and beneficial during cancer treatment
- The wide range of benefits such as stress reduction, nervous system regulation, pain relief, reduction in some treatment side effects and improved sleep, all help to support the PBUK approach to ‘living well with cancer’
- Helen is a qualified oncology massage therapist. She will carry out a consultation to ensure she is conducting the session safely and appropriately, avoiding any potential contraindications for clients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment
- Helen will be working in-line with best practice guidance set out by the Society of Oncology Massage S4OM-Position-Paper-Oncology-Massage-Therapy-Guidelines—Safe-and-Beneficial-at-all-Stages-of-Cancer-12.2023-1.pdf
- The massage will take place in the treatment rooms at the Penny Brohn UK Charity Shop in the heart of Bristol, at 49 Queen’s Rd, Bristol BS8 1QQ
- Four appointments are offered on alternate Wednesdays at 10.00/11.30/1pm/2.30pm
- At each session, Helen will ask questions about your current state of health and any treatment you are receiving or are due to receive. She will also ask about any priorities or areas of focus for the massage and the pressure that you are comfortable with
- Helen will leave you to undress in private, down to your underwear if you are comfortable with that. If you choose to have upper or lower body massage only you can keep some clothing in place if preferred
- A blanket will be provided for your comfort and modesty during the treatment. Massages will normally take place on a treatment table, however chair-based massage can be provided for the upper body if preferred
- Once ready, you can lie or sit back and enjoy your massage for approximately 45 minutes
- People usually feel extremely relaxed and energised after a session
- We suggest you avoid eating a large meal before your session, and allow at least an hour for any food to digest
- It is helpful to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time, so you feel relaxed when the session starts
- If possible, try to plan time to relax after your massage, so that you can rest and enjoy the benefits of the treatment
- If you are not already registered with Penny Brohn UK please do this prior to booking: Penny Brohn UK Registration
- Once registered, please contact Helen Carter by email to book appointments at hm_carter@yahoo.com
- Please note, where there is more demand for massage than appointments available, individuals currently living with cancer will be prioritised over those supporting someone with cancer
- If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, we ask that you give at least 24 hours’ notice by contacting Helen directly: hm_carter@yahoo.com
- Cancellations on the day should be made by contacting the Charity Shop 0117 930 4843 thehub@pennybrohn.org.uk
Helen is kindly offering up to 3 free sessions per person.
There is no set charge. You are very welcome to give a donation to support the wider work of the charity if you are able. You can do that at the till at the Charity Shop or via the website.
