The UK Spa Association (UKSA) and the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) have teamed up to ensure the latest research and cancer-related industry advice reaches spas and their therapists.

The SATCC was set up in 2020 by Sue Harmsworth, founder of ESPA, to unite training providers in the UK and Ireland in offering a national standard of care for consumers experiencing cancer, based on scientific evidence. Read more about the launch of SATCC in Spa Business here.

The new alliance will allow members of the UKSA to learn about changes to guidance on therapies for people suffering from cancer in a regular and joined-up way. More spas may sign up to become members of the UKSA to receive these updates and, in turn, they may wish to complete the SATCC’s oncology touch therapy training to receive accreditation.

The SATCC’s work involves setting standards, registering SATCC-approved trainers for therapists and spas to access training, helping spas achieve accreditation and seek insurance from approved institutions, connecting consumers with trained therapists and sharing research from medical professionals.  

Sue Harmsworth, founder and SATCC chair, said: “The SATCC believes that the spa and wellbeing industry is in a powerful position to provide holistic support during cancer treatment and beyond. By partnering with the UKSA, we highlight just how valuable information on these services are, both for the client and the therapist and through our collaboration, we increase the awareness, the knowledge and access to these valuable resources.”

Bobby Griffiths, GM of UKSA, told Spa Business: “At the moment, a lot of spas aren’t aware of the latest advice on how to treat people with experience of cancer. 

“The SATCC is doing incredible work and we are proud to be collaborating with them to give our members the most up-to-date information and guidance that will make a difference to many people’s lives,” added Griffiths.