Irish organic seaweed skincare brand Voya has become the first spa product house worldwide to receive the ‘wellness for cancer’ accreditation.

All trainers within the Voya team have completed their ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, which has equipped them with the knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to perform safe treatments, the company said.

‘Wellness for Cancer’ will be providing Voya information on the Wellness for Cancer approach and methodology, and the Voya training team will be providing training on specific cancer-aware Voya treatments.

Founded by Julie Bach, ‘Wellness for Cancer’ has created a training curriculum aimed at spas and wellness facilities that want to increase their level of comfort and confidence in delivering safe and nurturing services to their spa guests.

“The ethos and organic nature of Voya provides the perfect partnership with Wellness for Cancer, and we are delighted that Voya is the first product brand worldwide to receive accreditation,” said Emma Roberts, head of sales for Voya.

“Many of us in the team have had to turn guests away from treatments in the past. This is an upsetting and uncomfortable situation for all involved. When we met Julie at the Global Wellness Summit in 2015, we felt this was the next step for Voya as part of the brand’s global expansion. Our dream is to have all Voya spas around the world offering treatments to those who are receiving treatment for cancer and those who are cancer survivors.”

Wellness for Cancer is backed by The global wellness institute, established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, has as its mission to empower wellness worldwide by educating the public and private sectors about preventative health and wellness.

To attain accreditation, spas must first understand the theory and foundations behind cancer. While medical specialists treat it as a chronic disease, and focus on the physical act of improving health, spa professionals are taught how to bring compassion, sensitivity and mindfulness into the treatment room. Training covers client comfort, the benefits of touch and how best to bring these elements together in a calming manner.

As of June 2016, the Wellness for Cancer and Voya protocol will be in place and all Voya accounts will be encouraged to join and train their individual spa therapists. All Voya facials will be suitable for guests, in addition to the signature Voyager Total Massage Journey, which is designed to gently replicate the movements of the sea and eliminate aches and pains.