Embedded Files
Who We Are
Complementary Health & Therapies (C.H.A.T.) is a long-established, volunteer-run non-profit community group now based in Ashtead, Surrey. We also offer online attendance to all talks via Zoom.
For over 50 years, we have been creating a friendly space for people to learn about complementary health, holistic wellbeing and healthy living choices.
We welcome everyone- from those interested in therapies and wellbeing, to practising therapists.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make complementary health and therapies accessible to the wider community, for the purpose of education and promotion of healthy living choices.
We believe in:
Sharing balanced, diverse viewpoints
Encouraging lifelong learning
Supporting healthier living choices
Creating connection, community and conversation
Keeping talks affordable and approachable
All funds raised through membership and ticket sales go directly towards running the group, hosting talks and supporting essential volunteer tasks.
What We Do
Every other month we host a talk featuring an invited speaker with expertise in areas such as:
Nutrition & food as medicine
Breathwork and yoga
Ayurveda
Foraging & nature connection
Energy therapies
Homeopathy
Manual lymphatic drainage
Stress and anxiety relief
Holistic dental care
… and many more complementary and alternative therapy topics.
Talks are offered in person in Ashtead and online, with recordings available for those who pre-book.
Our Community
We are proud to have built a community of curious, open-minded individuals who share an interest in natural health, wellbeing and complementary therapies.
Our members and visitors come from Ashtead, Surrey and the surrounding areas- along with online attendees from further afield.
Meet the Committee
Jenny Sebastian
Chair
I first discovered Complementary Health and Therapies (CHAT) after being introduced to the group by a friend who shared her passion for complementary and alternative medicine. Inspired by the community and its purpose, I joined the committee as Speaker Liaison and now serve as Chair, a role I have held for several years.
I have worked in the holistic health sector since 2013 and am the founder of the successful holistic therapy business Relish Living. My professional background includes hands-on therapeutic practice, event organisation, and community leadership within complementary health.
As Chair of CHAT, I am a passionate educator and advocate for collaboration within the wellbeing community. “CHAT brings people together to learn, share, and support one another in meaningful ways, and I love being part of a group that values both professional excellence and human connection.”
I am committed to continual professional development in complementary therapies and have a strong interest in health and wellbeing mentoring. Through CHAT, I aim to encourage others to get involved and help grow a vibrant, supportive community where shared skills and vision create lasting impact.
Hazel Bate
Membership & TicketTailor Mgmt
My interest in Complementary Health started when I developed a life changing long term health condition. The NHS said they couldn’t help, but to try alternative therapies. My journey using alternative therapies got me back to work after 8 years and close to full health again through managing my life differently.
It led to an eye opening new career in alternative health which helped to transform others lives too. I focused on training others to help with relaxation, stress, anxiety and managing long term health conditions. It was rewarding that such good and enjoyment could come out of something so awful.
I have been on the C.H.A.T. Committee for 10 years. My current role on the committee is Membership and supporting the IT. It is one of the nicest and happiest committees I’ve ever been involved with as the team are practical, relaxed and very supportive of each other.
Clare Jeffries
Speaker Liaison
I joined the C.H.A.T. Committee in 2024 as Speaker Liaison.
I am a registered Nutritionist & Functional Medicine Practitioner. I have been helping adults and children with their health for almost 20 years and have a special interest in children’s health, the elderly, nutritional psychiatry and complex health problems.
Julie King
Treasurer
I joined the C.H.A.T. Committee in 2024 as Treasurer.
I am a practising therapist in Nutritional Therapy, Health Coaching, Crystal healing, Oracle and tarot card readings.
Mark Atkinson
Committee Member
I became a member of this group around 2015, moved by the healing journeys of individuals who found relief where conventional medicine had fallen short. Their transformations sparked my commitment to this group.
I’m passionate about creating space for diverse voices, therapies, and stories that empower self-healing. I do believe that with the right support our bodies have an innate ability to self heal.
Report abuse