It happens, doesn't it? You decide to treat yourself to a massage and then some important life problem crops up to get in the way of your plans. We realise that this happens and so if you need to cancel or change your appointment, that's no problem. All we ask is that you give us a minimum of 24 hours notice so that we can offer your appointment slot to someone else.

If you need to cancel at very short notice within 24 hours, do not turn up for your appointment or are not in for a mobile appointment and we are unable to book in another client, unfortunately we need to charge the full price of the treatment. This is because we will have incurred out of pocket expenses by this time for room hire, childcare etc. We'll always do our best to fill the slot but if we are unable to do this, unfortunately we need to charge so that we don't lose our income.  None of this is done lightly and we do ask you to please consider the impact of short notice cancellations on a small business.

If an appointment is re-arranged more than twice we will need payment in advance for the next appointment.

We do appreciate that sometimes there'll be exceptional circumstances (particularly when working with clients in late pregnancy!) and we are very happy to be sympathetic to these - all we ask is that you get in contact with us in advance as soon as you know you can’t make your appointment and we can have a chat about re-arranging. Thanks!

Massage during pregnancy is generally a safe and effective treatment. However, there are occasions when massage may not be suitable or it is advisable to get medical approval before having a treatment. Please check the safety page for more information on the safety aspects of antenatal and postnatal massage.

We are fully trained and insured to work with pregnant women. Gillian's insurance is provided through the Holistic Insurance Services and qualifications have been awarded by the international awarding bodies ITEC and VTCT. Kelley's insurance is provided through Balens Insurance.

Both therapists work as independent practitioners under the umbrella of Calico massage and as such have their own professional liability insurance. For the avoidance of doubt, the reponsibility for resolving any issues, complaints or claims arising from the actions of each therapist will rest with the therapist who has treated the client.

Please be assured that we always operate within industry standard codes of ethics and practice.

Massage during and after pregnancy can be a great way of receiving extra support through this wonderful time. However, it should complement the care you are receiving from your midwife, doctor or other healthcare professional rather than in any way replace this – it is purely complementary support for your normal maternity care rather than an alternative.

If you are at all concerned about your health or pregnancy, then we do urge you to speak to your midwife, GP or other appropriate health care professional as soon as possible.

If your midwife, doctor or other healthcare professional has advised that massage would be beneficial to you during your pregnancy and you are currently working, you are entitled to paid time off to attend your appointment. More information on this can be found here.

Please just let us know if you need confirmation of your appointment attendance for your employer when you make your booking.

Please be assured that all your information will be kept strictly confidential and in accordance with the requirements of GDPR legislation. We take our obligations to you as your therapist very seriously and always work to industry standard codes of conduct, ethics and data protection.

Calico Massage Therapy's Privacy Policy can be accessed here.  This outlines the legal basis under which your data is held, the arrangements for data security, consent for the collection and storage of your data, how to withdraw your consent and the actions that will be taken in the event of a data breach. 

We will ask for your consent for a treatment and to retain your data during your initial consultation and if you have any questions about this at the time or afterwards, please don't hesitate to contact me.

We may also like to contact you from time to time with news and special offers but will make sure that we ask for your explicit consent for this on your consultation form. If you prefer not to give your consent for this then that is absolutely fine and you can withdraw your consent at any time. 

If you have any questions at all about any element of privacy or the GDPR then please don't hesitate to ask.

Please be reassured that no cancellation fee will be charged if you need to cancel your appointment because you have tested positive for coronavirus/covid-19, are displaying symptoms of covid-19 or have knowingly come into contact with someone who has at the time of your appointment. All we ask is that you contact us as soon as possible to let us know.

If there is anything that you aren't sure of or you have any questions that aren't answered here then please do just get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks!