A CHARITY which supports wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel is appealing to alternative therapists who can help improve the sleep patterns of those in its care.

Kelly Bostock, rehabilitation support co-ordinator at Help for Heroes northern recovery centre, Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, said improving their sleep pattern was often top of the list of requirements from beneficiaries supported by the centre.

“It doesn’t matter whether they have a physical injury or a mental health illness - sleep deprivation, or lack of good quality sleep, is a very common complaint,” said Mr Bostock, “We all know that, if we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t function properly the next day – but imagine feeling like that week in, week out.”

Ms Bostock, who teaches yoga at the centre, is holding an open evening on Wednesday, February 10, at 6pm for any holistic health providers such as reflexology, aromatherapy, Reiki and Swedish massage interested in providing an occasional evening taster session at the recovery centre.

The recovery centre can accommodate up to 50 residents at a time, attending either courses or activity sessions to help them on their road to recovery.

Ms Bostock hopes to be able to run a couple of alternative therapy sessions each week at the centre, giving veterans the chance to try a few different treatments.

"It will just be fantastic if, through attending one of our taster sessions, a beneficiary finds a therapy that works for them."

For information on taking part in the open evening call 01748-834148 or email Kelly.Bostock@helpforheroes.org.uk.