Train 2000 - The Centre for Women's Enterprise and Employment

A Formby businesswoman is urging men and women throughout Merseyside to take advantage of a range of holistic health and well being therapies after opening up a brand new studio.

43-year-old Julie Morris, an experienced Holistic Practitioner, first opened up her own business, Calma, in 2003 and after just two years in self-employment, the business has gone from strength to strength.

Julie took the plunge to become self-employed after receiving one-to-one business advice and support from Train 2000, the Liverpool-based Centre for Women's Enterprise and Employment. She now offers a range of specialist and highly skilled therapies including Lymph Drainage Massage, Holistic Medical Massage and Stress Management and has just opened up a studio at Soothe Studios in Formby's Homoeopathic Clinic and Complementary Therapy Centre.

She said:

"I am really pleased to have my own studio in Formby. More and more people, both men and women, are turning to holistic therapy and I am really looking forward to building up new clients in the area."

Julie, who also has a practice in Crosby Leisure Centre and at Liverpool Wellbeing Centre in Hope Street, trained for four years to become a Holistic Practitioner and as a registered therapist she is also a member of the International Guild of Professional Practitioners.

She added:

"I am continuously learning new therapies and have recently introduced Hot Stone Fusion Massage which involves the use of hands on, stone work, energy work and other advanced massage techniques including Eastern approaches and sports massage.

It's really important to me, to be able to offer my clients all the latest therapies and treatments that are available from spa treatments to classical massage."

And, whilst running her own business Julie, who had suffered from a breakdown many years ago, has had to cope with managing her illness. But, never one to be negative, Julie has found strength from becoming self-employed, saying that it really has helped her to deal with her problems.

The work I do is extremely therapeutic, not only for my clients, but also for me, said Julie who has a 19-year-old son, it helps me to be relaxed and focussed and I love my work. And, the fact that I am self-employed gives me the opportunity to manage my own workload around the needs of my clients and myself.

She continued:

"I feel as though society in general is changing its outlook towards complementary and alternative medicine by recognising the need for it in an ever- increasing stressful world.

Stress can cause lots of mental and physical problems and so I think it is really important to raise awareness of the huge benefits that the role of complementary therapy can play in preventative health care."

Julie now wants to act as a role model for other women who may also have depression or any other mental health problems. She said: Everybody needs hope and I want to give hope to others, if I can do it anyone can.

She added:

"There are a lot of stigmas surrounding mental health and I want people to know that just because you've got a mental health problem, it doesn't stop you from doing anything, especially starting up your own business, which for me has been an extremely positive experience."

During her recovery Julie was introduced to Train 2000. She said:

"Staff at the organisation really go out of their way to help women with disabilities. I have received endless help and support from Train 2000, who have been completely supportive and understanding of my needs."

Anyone who would like to book an appointment or arrange a free consultation with Julie should contact her on 07803 254 270 or 01704 833777.