Massage Shala community massage clinic started life at Centre 151 in the summer of 2017.
Little did we know that we would be invited to join a social presciption project called The Health Tree hosted by St Margaret's House in Bethnal Green as part of their recovery and healing programme after the global pandemic.
We were a group of 4 local practitioners (Jo Lim, Robert Peirce, Stuart Thomas and Rachel King) happy to be serving the community at a time of heightened sensitivity and need. Our floor-based, shared-space style seemed to fit in naturally into the old shop-front cosy venue called The Canvas.Doors to the public opened on Friday 21st May 2021 for the first time. Offering low cost sessions open to all. Most clients pay £30-£40 depending on their means. For those who are claiming benefits we offer a concessionary rate of £15. We work on a trust basis and don't ask for proof of income. Our work at the clinic works well with a "pay what you can afford" approach.
We seem to have become victims of our own success recently as clinics get booked out very quickly. This makes it hard for new clients to find a space. We are wary about making any rules as this goes against the spirit with which we run the Massage Shala. 
1. Our reduced prices are offered by our therapists on a goodwill basis. Please pay what you can afford. We recommend those working full-time pay £40 and those working part-time or on a low income pay £30 while those who are claiming benefits and not working pay £15. Of course we understand times are hard for everyone and even for those who are working, especially with rising costs. Please make your own judgement about what feels appropriate to pay.
2. Please be mindful of taking up space by making multiple bookings. We understand that some people might be in extra need and coming for a few sessions in a row can be beneficial. We would like to encourage our clients to book a maximum of 2 or 3 slots per series (we usually run for 5-6 weeks each series).
We love this work we do and are glad you do too!
