Volunteer massage therapiy advice

[Twohoots]

Hello - haven't been on for almost a year because I have not been well. However, I'm on the mend now and am trying to get back into the swing of things.

I have time to do some volunteer work and have contacted a cancer care centre in our area. I thought carers of people with cancer might like a massage because a relative of mine was offered this in her area when she was caring for her mother and she loved it.

They have emailed back and asked what my charges would be but I had thought I might not charge but leave it so that the client could leave a donation towards travel costs if they liked. This is what happened to my relative and she was happy with that.

They have their own treatment room so I wouldn't have to carry too much stuff around and it would be about a 25 mile round trip and I'd probably offer to do a morning a week.

Does that sound fair enough or would people on here rather ask for a set price. Obviously it's for a good cause and at the moment I can spare the time. Thanks.

[Jabba The Hut]

I did this last year, but the carer treatment was funded by a trust fund. I was part of a team of 4 massage therapists who received £30 per hour, each therapist did 2 hours twice a week (Tues/Thurs) during visiting times for 6 weeks. Each carer opted for a 30 minute treatment - whatever they fancied - massage, reflexology, reiki or shiatsu.

One comment we did receive was that if the funding is available again, the carers would rather be treated outside visiting hours, as their in-patient family member sometimes resented the fact that they were missing during 'their' time.

I could not do this for free and at the very least I think you should charge a nominal amount - to cover your travel for a start - £10 minimum would give you 40p per mile.

[Twohoots]

Thank you for your thoughts Jabba. I would offer massage and IHM.