Kingston Group - How Arnica Started

I started the Kingston upon Thames branch early in 2007 when I wanted to meet other parents who had concerns regarding the vaccination program. We didn’t know of any other parents who had not vaccinated and this was beginning to make us feel very isolated in my health choices for our children, among many friends and the GP’s surgery. I have since found out that up to 35,000 parents every year do not vaccinate at all, and I can now walk to 10 families who have chosen to not vaccinate.

Like many mums of very young babies, I found it nearly impossible to wade through the mountain of conflicting evidence, made more difficult with a sleep-deprived brain! I gave my son the first mercury free DT at 5 months (not Polio as it was live and gave a higher risk of becoming paralysed than actually contracting Polio).
My doctor remarked that I was being irrational but several months later when the government announced ‘inactive Polio’ and a reduced mercury I felt justified in my decision. In fact, we never gave any subsequent vaccines and as we continued to look into the health issues and vaccine injury risks, our resolve became stronger.

What began with half a dozen parents meeting from our area has developed with more than 200 people who have attending the monthly meetings at some time, and new groups starting every month in different areas, some are lead my ex GPs. See the Groups page for the full listing. We discuss related issues to boosting our immune system naturally, e.g. reducing toxins, holistic health, vaccinations and travelling, treating childhood illness, nutrition, early childhood brain development, education.... and we have welcomed some excellent speakers. For example, Ralf Jeutter, Jayne Donegan GP, Roy Riggs, Robert Holden and Janine Roberts.

Groups also meet informally during the day with their children and it has been wonderful to make friends with like-minded people.

We also share information regularly by using Facebook on related health issues. E.g. "My child has impetigo, any natural remedies?" "Any ideas please for a persistent cough". As several members of the group are alternative and mainstream health practitioners, the advice is well grounded.

Members are also encouraged to forward interesting pieces of research or articles e.g. an interview with a doctor who claims that most repeat ear infections are as a result of antibiotics and, hasn't prescribed them for 12 years or world-wide studies which link aseptic meningitis after certain vaccines, some of which have been recalled! And each branch will still have an email list to keep in touch with local and urgent matters.

Arnica is a parent lead group for parents and health practitioners, and all are welcome to comment on how it may work better. We want all to feel respected and welcome, regardless of vaccination status... because natural health is a journey. Our aim is that all areas of the UK have a group, whatever the name, so that this vital topic of Natural Immunity can be kept alive.