We Launch the ‘Story Massage’ Programme

Children and young people in our care and education are set to benefit from an exciting new relaxing and calming approach as we have launched the Story Massage programme.

Gemma Armstrong, Lead Educational Psychology Assistant, has recently completed training in the Story Massage programme and is now a Story Massage practitioner. Using this unique approach, Gemma will combine positive, nurturing touch with the creativity of storytelling as part of our bespoke package of care, education and therapy.

Established in 2012 by Mary Atkinson and Sandra Hooper, Story Massage uses ten simple massage strokes, such as The Circle, The Wave, and The Calm, to bring words to life through gentle, respectful touch.

Gemma said, “The beauty of Story Massage is its flexibility. It can be tailored to individual preferences, used one-to-one, in groups, or even as self-massage. It’s a gentle, creative way to promote wellbeing and engagement and will offer a safe and structured way for children and young people to experience the benefits while building trust and communication.

“I can’t wait to get started and put what I have learnt into practice for the benefit of our young people.”

It will help the individuals and the care we provide through:

• Sensory Regulation: Massage stories provide calming input, helping reduce stress and support transitions.
• Emotional Wellbeing: The combination of soothing strokes and familiar stories can boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Social Connection: Sharing massage stories encourages positive interaction and strengthens relationships between practitioners and peers.
• Learning Through Touch: Story Massage can be linked to curriculum topics, turning lessons into multi-sensory experiences.

We provide adult and children’s homes situated in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Peterborough/Cambridgeshire and Greater London. Visit our children’s homes and adult residential and supported living homes webpages for more information.