Building support through acupuncture training
Everything was ‘right on point’ as Kairos staff undertook three days of acupuncture training led by practitioner and trainer Rachel Peckham, of NADA GB (27th – 29th January). Rachel has been part of the Kairos journey for almost thirty years, first working alongside Sister Elizabeth at Linden Grove.
Rachel recalled one of those early sessions: “There was a group of about 20 people at Linden. They put all the needles in – and the energy and the feeling and the difference before and after, literally in that one-hour session, was quite incredible. I remember thinking, ‘wow’.” Rachel has since helped embed acupuncture as a steady and trusted element of our recovery support.
These workshops were attended by three Kairos support workers from Linden Grove and the Move-on team, with additional colleagues from Move-on and Garden Day Programme teams attending on the Thursday for refresher training.
Our thanks to Rachel and NADA GB.
In their own words…
What it was like to learn
I came in very anxious and nervous, excited about being given the opportunity but very nervous because it’s brand new. Rachel was patient, tolerant and kind and I’m going away feeling much more confident. I’m really excited to be able to offer this.
We learnt more about our body, the work – not just the ear – and it was amazing. The way Rachel teaches is so calming, with a lot of patience.
I’ve been skeptical about this in the past but I’ve really enjoyed and got a lot out of it. Still obviously a lot to learn!
How this will help residents
Linden is immediately post-detox and we’ve got people coming in very broken, mentally and physically. Being able to offer this to them is going to help them heal and progress – both mentally and physically – and promote positivity for the clients. We can advocate for what’s on offer because I’ve had some great elements of healing here.
Acupuncture can help people to sleep. It also helps with cravings and most of our clients still have cravings when they first come in.
I’ve got clients who can’t sit still for 40 minutes of needle acupuncture. But being able to do maybe 20 minutes or starting off with just two points in, or adding in things like Qigong…we’ve really learnt how to make it adaptable for all. I thought this is going to help many of our clients but is not going to help all our clients. That’s wrong, because it can help all our clients: help their mental health, being able to feel a part of and to feel regulated as well. I’m super excited.
The trainer’s words: why Rachel keeps coming back
There’s something special about Kairos. It’s the connection. It’s the ethos. It’s a pleasure being here.
I keep coming back for the people that work here. I love this work; it’s work with such a social conscience and it comes from the heart. Kairos has a special place in my heart. And some of the practitioners have been doing it for a long time, nearly twenty years.
- For more on NADA GB’s auricular acupuncture, click here.