About Us

About Us

Our Caring Cloud was built over decades of using therapeutic tools within our community. These simple tools have offered solace to those affected by sensory sensitivities and alleviated the pain and grief for those with dementia and their families. They have also helped form friendships among groups of young people, engaging against bullying and isolation.


It is purely from using these tools within our community that our beautiful Cloud continues to expand, brimming with the enduring gifts of friendship, healing, calmness, happiness and joy.

Since 2001, our founder, Meryl Dear has employed interactive massage and intensive interaction techniques, working with adults and young people with severe learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and those with dementia. She introduced massage, as a therapeutic communication tool, into diverse settings such as forensic challenging facilities, dementia care homes, schools, critical care and end-of-life environments. During this time she observed the challenges faced by family members coping with the transition of loved ones into care, noting the impact on their wellbeing, especially in cases of dementia.

In 2018, she received a grant from the Dementia Team of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council due to her community work. Rather than using the money for massage treatments or future bookings, she chose to support the families, whom she felt were often overlooked in dementia care, creating eight massage workshops. Following the 2020 pandemic and the isolation of people within her community, she developed a workshop to assist young carers and all those dealing with stress and emotional challenges.

Steven DeViell


A resident of Southend-on-Sea, living in supported housing, Steven has been an active member of his disabled community.  He has been on the board of the local SCOPE organisation and is a member of the  Essex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB; his favourite of all birds, the owl.


Steven inspires us through his perceptions and acceptance of touch. They would appear to contradict one another; yet his weekly sessions of gentle hand massage, support our philosophy that touch can have a profound effect on relationships, encouraging people to step outside themselves and develop meaningful relationships with others.


Steven will continue to be a major contributor here, with his blog and will feature on our forthcoming podcast.

Testimonials

Norma Reader (Care Assistant - Southend Care)
"I really enjoyed the course and couldn't wait to try it out.  I did four hand massages this morning, three on residents with dementia and they were really well received.   I played some relaxing music to set the scene and all in all it was a lovely morning ... thanks again!" 
Kate Prentice - Activities Coordinator, SOS Young Carers
“Thank you for holding another massage workshop for our Young Carers, you are welcome back anytime; they absolutely loved it!"
With heartfelt thanks to those who have helped give light and life to our Clouds

  Southend Borough Council Dementia Team, SAVS, Southend SEND Independent Forum, Garons Wellbeing, Headway Essex, Havens Hospice, Age Concern (Havens Hub), SOS Young Carers, Southend Care, Carers First, Everyone Health, DAA, Memory House, Cedars, Admiral Court (pictured), 
Kerry Doyland for designing our logo, Angie Austin of Hearts and Flowers Photography

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