About Bud Umbrella

Bud Umbrella provides complementary therapies to vulnerable children and adults to improve their quality of life. We offer one to one sessions, workshops and training. We are interested in the psychological benefits of these therapies, how bodywork can help achieve emotional and mental stability. The therapies have a calming influence and are a preventative measure.

We are committed to evaluation and research to highlight these benefits, especially as we are aware there is very little research available. One of our aims is to use the research to influence government and local policy so that complementary therapies will be considered a viable and mainstream treatment choice for psychological problems.

Bud Umbrella was established in February 2005, and is a Company Ltd by Guarantee. Registered Charity Number 1121111 & Company Number 5473847. We are a voluntary organisation offering an onsite service in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations. Bud Umbrella was formed in response to vulnerable children and adults who were falling through the ‘net’ and would never be able to access services like ours.

Why Complementary Therapies

There is a growing awareness among professionals and organisations that ‘talking therapies’ are not always appropriate or even accessible and that alternatives need to be explored. Those with learning difficulties, English as a second language and/or Post traumatic Stress Syndrome need alternatives. Children and adults are often too traumatised, unwilling or unable to discuss their emotions. Their emotions are frequently inaccessible even to themselves.

Complementary therapies can provide a safe, caring experience in which positive touch is introduced. This eases the anxiety and stresses that dealing with ‘professionals’ and ‘authority’ often brings up. In some cases complementary therapies can be a precursor or work alongside talking therapies.

Within our one to one sessions our clients or their parents/carers need to give us a brief medical history which includes telling us what they believe are triggers are for stress, tension, anxiety and depression. After this apart from asking for feedback it is up to the clients whether they talk to us or not. This lack of pressure and expectation means that they are often happy to share with us.

We are not counsellors and when appropriate we use the trust we have built to refer our clients to relevant agencies. Confidentiality is very important, but if we have a concern such as a child protection issue we pass our concerns on to the appropriate authorities. Our clients are aware of our policy in this regard.

The Therapy Experience

Complementary therapies work on many different levels. Bud Umbrella is providing a safe, caring environment where the therapist is giving the opportunity for both physical and psychological change.

Aims and Objectives

  1. To encourage and improve the growth, development, inclusion and psychological health of vulnerable children and adults into mainstream society through the benefits of complementary therapies.
  2. To empower parents/carers and users by teaching them simple complementary therapy skills.
  3. To conduct research into the effectiveness of the service we offer and the positive impact on our clients.
  4. Use the research to influence government and local policy on the treatment of psychological problems.