Awards Shy? We can help!

We explain how awards aren’t a superficial affair for just boosting you and your practice, but a useful tool to help promote the therapy industry…

Over the years of hosting the FHT Excellence Awards, we ‘ve often wondered just what it is that’s stopping so many talented therapists from putting themselves forward. When asking some of our members, some said that they don’t feel experienced or special enough, others are content in the knowledge that they are helping others and so don’t feel the need to be recognised for their work.

While we understand how modest (and busy) our therapists are, we’d like to take this opportunity to outline some of the reasons why entering an award is about so much more than receiving a trophy, and hopefully encourage some of our ‘shy’ members to take a shot. You’ll never know if you don’t try!

Recognition for the therapies you love

Awards gain publicity, it’s a fact. That’s a great way to put the therapies you love ‘on the map’ and show potential clients, employers and health care commissioners the amazing benefits they can offer.

So, rather than thinking of putting yourself forward for an award, think of it as putting your therapy forward instead, showing the world at large how it can help to make a real difference to someone’s health, wellbeing and self-esteem. Equally, if you work or volunteer for a charity or similar, they will gain recognition too.

Promoting best practice

Each year, we ask our FHT members ‘What concerns you most as a therapist?’ and two key issues always crop up. The first is poor standards in therapy training and practice, and how this impacts the reputation of good quality, professional therapists. The second is lack of recognition from medical and other professionals, which in turn can hinder the integrative approach many strive towards.

Being registered and belonging to a professional association like us is one thing, but awards can also pay such an important role. Publicising the story behind each of our winners providers a real-life example of what best practice looks like, and how therapists can work as part of a multi-disciplined team to help improve patient-centred care and treatment outcomes.

So, if you’re a professional and proud therapist, what’s stopping you?

Funding therapy services and research

Sadly, many therapy services rely on charitable donations and other sources of funding in order to continue supporting their clients. An award can help demonstrate the value of your work and strengthen your application for further funding. Similar benefits can be enjoyed by those involved in therapy research.

Good for you, good for clients

Winning an award is a great way to boost your self-esteem and your business too! There is nothing vain or selfish in gaining some recognition and publicity for your work. Many of those who’ve won an FHT Award have enjoyed appearing in the local press, on our social channels and within International Therapist magazine, as it means more exposure for their business and more clients benefitting from their services.

It’s also nice for existing clients to known their therapist has been recognised as ‘the best’, and could give you that stand-out quality that employers looks for if applying for a job!

So, if you agree with all of the points above, why not give it a try?

This is your year – enter now!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to boost your salon’s reputation and set new standards of excellence. Enter the FHT Excellence Awards 2023 today and let your talent shine.

Simply visit our website today and let us know a bit more about yourself or the person you’re
nominating by filling out the entry form for your specific award!

Entries are open to all FHT members and accredited course providers. You can enter in more than one award.

But, hurry! Entries close on Friday 30 June 2023.

For any queries about Excellence Awards, please email marketing@fht.org.uk for more guidance.