Hayley McKendrick Massage Therapy MSMA

Did you know that my room at plawsworth transforms into a counseling space?

The stats don’t add up well.
75% of UK suicides are male.
80% of UK registered counsellors/therapists are female.

This is a tragic crisis and a huge gender imbalance in support.

Many men find it easier to open up to a man who’s walked in their shoes.

And we need to move away from counselling being viewed as “just talking”. That’s part of it but it’s much more than that. I find action based therapy works well for fellas.

And this “just talking”, combined with “just going to the gym” became the backbone of my own recovery. So it works when you’re ready to do the work, for yourself.

If you, or anyone else is struggling, signpost to me for a chat.

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June is Men's Health Month.

You may have met Gary in the gym, he is offering free chats in addition to his men's counselling services.

We believe that standing shoulder to shoulder helps us get through our challenges so look out for Gary running an open stall in the gym to help create them conversations.

Say hello to Gary when you see him in the gym and you will leave feeling better for it!

Tuesday 2nd June I have a 1pm slot become available if there are any takers!

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To those who struggled finding appointments into June, new availability has been added. Please feel free to message me directly or book via ‘book now’ link!

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My good friend James has started his 1 to 1 personal training in a unique space in Ushaw College. It’s perfect to have a small well equipped space to yourself.

Get in touch via his page Futers Fitness if you are interested.

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Due to some scamming situation with my booking system, I’ve had to add deposits for new clients booking through Fresha or ‘book now’ on Facebook.

Apologies for this, as I didn’t want to have to go down the deposit route but it’s a necessity to stop any fake appointments being created.

Returning clients are unaffected.

Thanks!

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Another great review. As Bob Hoskin’s used to say “It’s good to talk”. You must be of a certain age to get that reference!!

A really worthwhile opportunity to take some time out and get back to basics in a completely overwhelming world.

Advance or Retreat?

I think you should Retreat.

Some say you should always advance—otherwise, you’re stuck, stagnant, or frozen.

But in a military sense, a retreat isn’t a defeat; it’s a tactical repositioning.
It’s regrouping to strategise your next move.

I know how it feels to be always advancing without a break. To feel worn out already, and it's only January.

So, I have the retreat for you.

When: Friday 6th March – Sunday 8th March 2026

Where: The Wisp Retreat, near Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 0LP

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights (arrive Noon Fri, depart 3pm Sun)

Private en-suite room. All food included.

Price: £390. (Apparently, I’m meant to call it an ‘investment,’ but that’s lame. This isn't about buzzwords.)

What this ISN’T:
No boo-hoo crying circles. No yoga-infused cold-dipping. No "alpha-beast-mode" SAS I'm a Celebrity nonsense.

What this IS:
Time away from your daily busyness to pause, think, and breathe. Get off the laptop, put the phone away, and connect with other fellas.
Zero booze. Do a weekend sober and see how it actually feels.

Return to your life feeling reset—like when a device glitches and you just turn it off and back on again. This is "Back to Basics."

The Schedule:
There is one, but nothing is mandatory. If you need 48 hours of solo time, take it (just show up for meals so I know you're okay).

Based on last November’s sold-out retreat, we’ll likely:
Hike the Wisp
Walk the scenery
Do a bit of morning exercise
Eat together
Have a pub quiz, and a laugh with an actual comedian
Optional 1-2-1 coaching sessions
And plenty free time for the venue’s gym, sauna, and library, or just catching up on your sleep.

"A change is as good as a holiday."

Or, "Don’t knock it 'til you’ve tried it".

DM for details to register.

Or just keep on advancing...