"These warm, gentle and healing hands have changed my life forever.  Thank you!"

Krsic Ramiza, Concentration Camp Victim
 

Why?
The siege of Sarajevo lasted for 1,425 days between 1992 and 1995. The city's 500,000 inhabitants were trapped without food, power, communications or healthcare. Thousands of grenades fell on this once beautiful city every day, destroying some of its most important buildings. By the end of the war 12,500 had been killed and 61,000 wounded. 1,601 of the dead and 14,946 of the wounded were children. Our charity has been working in Sarajevo since 1996 to help and give hope to the people who lived through that terrible time.

Who?
Our members are qualified and experienced therapists offering a range of treatments including massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki and other mainstream complementary therapies. They are all volunteers and raise the funds needed for their trip -  £750 in 2011. Our clients come from the Association of Concentration Camp Victims, the Association of Civil War Victims and the Centre for Torture Victims. We treat everyone who comes, regardless of race, colour or creed, and although we listen to what they have to say we are careful not to take sides in a situation which has set neighbour against neighbour.

What?
Holistic approaches to healing are accepted unconditionally in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as a result of this the therapeutic benefits we are able to achieve are sometimes greatly accentuated.  Many clients say how much better they are feeling. Sometimes they are sleeping better or perhaps their continual aches and pains are relieved and they have a better quality of life. Other clients report an increase in optimism and hope, and a wealth of other positive effects.
 

How you can help
Healing Hands Network pioneered its unique and exciting work in Sarajevo, and we have stayed there because the need is still so great.  But we hope in time to work in other parts of the world where the need is even greater, including returning servicemen and women in the UK who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.  To achieve our aim, we need help – more members and more money.  If you can help in any way – by volunteering or by giving us your financial support or help with fundraising and publicity – please get in touch.