An Ilkley GP practice has been presented with a directory of local therapists for the benefit of its patients.

Representatives of the Therapists of Ilkley Group – Liz Blizzard, physiotherapist of The Valley Clinic, and Paul Birch, psychotherapist of Paul Birch Therapy and Coaching – visited Ilkley Moor Medical Practice to present Dr Graeme Summers with the first reference directory of a range of therapists.

Dr Summers said: “Having a strong belief in the benefits of self care, I am delighted to receive a copy of the directory.

“We are keen to support access to a variety of therapies provided by and outside the NHS that have a role to play in complementing other treatments. Having the directory available to the public from our reception helps to do this.”

The Therapists of Ilkley group was launched in spring 2013 and has developed over the last year from an initial group of 25 local therapists to the current group of 98 therapists working in Ilkley and the surrounding area.

The group now meets every month to discuss shared interests and to learn about each other’s work and specialisations.

The directory will also be on view on the Ilkley Therapists’ stand at the Ilkley Complementary Medicine Festival this weekend.

Michael Weaver, organiser of the town’s 26-year-old festival, is looking forward to a weekend full of activitie,s with over 60 participants.

Stands will have taster treatments, talks to introduce new ideas and therapies and the chance to meet therapists from all over the country.

He said: “I’m more excited than ever about this spring’s festival. We have some wonderful products and therapies on the stands and talks all day Saturday and Sunday that can now be booked online.

“This will hopefully avoid people being disappointed on the day, as many talks prove so popular.

“We have talks on many fascinating subjects, from the launch of Ilkley’s new range of flower essences, Verbeia, to crystals and raw Chia food.

“There will also be a stronger presence of local therapists this spring, as we will be welcoming the combined Therapists of Ilkley group, as well as individual chiropractors from Advanced Wellness and therapists from Ilkley Complementary Therapies, including homeopaths, Bowen Technique practitioners, reflexologists, holistic massage therapist and an Alexander Technique teacher.”

The festival is this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

More details may be found at icmf.co.uk.

For more details about the Ilkley Therapists’ Group, contact Jenny Howarth, (01943) 950553, jenny@ilkleycomplementarytherapies.co.uk or Paul Birch, 07802 622691, pbirch@paulbirchtherapyandcoaching.co.uk.