A cross-party group of MPs has launched an investigation into the importance of complementary therapies in supporting physical and mental health as well as wellbeing and taking pressure off the NHS.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty and Wellbeing (APPG BAW), co-chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, is exploring how complementary therapies can support health, in particular now that the pandemic changed the demand for these services. As well as investigating the influence of complementary practices on personal and societal health, the group will also evaluate the skills gaps facing the industry, consider how to ensure the viability of businesses and jobs, and review potential government interventions to support the sector’s future.
The group has called for written evidence to understand better:
- the value the sector brings to the UK’s economy and society
- how complementary treatments can play a preventative role in supporting health and wellbeing
- how complementary therapies can support those with existing health conditions
- how the NHS and the complementary therapy sector can better integrate
- the skills gap facing the industry
- how to ensure the long-term growth of the sector
- how to ensure those working in it can make a good wage.
The parliamentary group is currently collating evidence on the use of complementary therapies and is asking for evidence to be submitted to them with this in mind by 25th November.
During the summer, MPs invited sector experts to give verbal evidence. Having collected further written evidence, the APPG will present a Call to Action to Government with recommendations for supporting the sector’s future.
A statement from Harriss and Cummins said: “Great steps have been made to secure the beauty industry greater recognition in government. However, the value of complementary therapies in supporting everyone’s health is not being adequately recognised.
“Treatments such as massage can play a vital role in helping those with long-term health conditions manage symptoms. Equally, highly trained complementary therapists can play a preventative role in helping identify health conditions in their clients.
“With our NHS under increasing pressure, it is more important than ever that the benefits of complementary therapies are recognised.”
You can find more information on submitting evidence here:
