Stuston based Place Farm holistic therapy centre opens after eight-week renovation

A chance encounter 20 years ago has grown in to a prosperous business partnership for two holistic therapists, who have just moved in to a new location in Stuston.

The new space, which is at Place Farm, has room for four therapy rooms, which were on display during an open day on Saturday to mark the launch of the venture.

Following an eight-week renovation, the friends are now able to realise their dream of going from self-employed therapists to joint business owners.

Dianne Joy, from Rickinghall, and Clair Starr, from Stanton, first met and became friends after Ms Starr had moved to the area and needed a plumber.

She was put in touch with Dianne’s husband, Mark, and the two women soon became friends after chatting over the phone.

Inspired by Ms Starr’s 30 years of work as a holistic therapist, Mrs Joy began training in the same field, eventually becoming a therapist in her own right seven years ago.

The pair had been working at a centre in Botesdale together, but decided to search for a building to launch their own business.

Ms Starr was visiting Roots Activities in Stuston with her granddaughter when she got talking to farm owner Tracey Laurie and was shown a converted stable block, which was ideal for what the friends had in mind.

“There’s plenty of parking just outside, and the building at Place Farm had space for four therapy rooms, which meant we could fulfil our ambition, and Restore Wellbeing was born,” said Dianne.

“We’ve always wanted to offer a wider range of therapies and to support those who are newly qualified or in training.

“We have space for a staff room and kitchen facilities, too, which means we have a great social space as well.”

Ms Starr added: “The beauty of Restore Wellbeing is that we offer our therapists associate membership, so they rent a room in the usual way but they get a lot of other benefits, including having a say in how the place is run, a chance to take part in social and business events and run classes.

“David and Tracey Laurie have been incredibly helpful and supportive. Once we explained our vision, David had his builder and plasterer on board and, within a month, we had our four therapy rooms.

“A couple of weeks later, the lads from John Doe’s were here laying the flooring. They did a fantastic job and right before Christmas, too; everyone has been amazing.”

Restore Wellbeing is offering a range of therapies for the mind, body and spirit, including counselling for mental health, teenage issues, and trauma.

Ms Starr is also a reflexologist, yoga instructor and an expert on the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

In addition to offering counselling for teenagers struggling in education, Dianne is also a qualified massage therapist specialising in pregnancy massage, the treatment of chronic pain and other life-limiting conditions.

For more information on the business, call 01379 831754 or searching for Restore Wellbeing on Facebook and Instagram.