We are offering FREE resources to help support you work with the Story Massage Programme at home and at work. Here are some opportunities to share the fun, connection and relaxation of massage stories with children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Free Resources – Follow-Along Videos on You Tube
There is a whole selection of different massage stories, including bedtime stories, on video for you to follow along at home, or share within your groups or school websites. You can take a look at all the videos here: You Tube
“My daughter, Maisy, has PMLD and responds really well to the Story Massage Programme. We love watching different videos on the You Tube channel. Yesterday morning, Maisy’s breathing was really rapid. I played several of her favourite videos. I did the strokes while she listened to Mary’s voice and it really calmed her.” Sophie Kidd-Munnery
Free Resources – Sensory Stories Podcast and Interview
- The Pete Wells Sensory Stories Podcast. Listen to an interview with Mary Atkinson, co-founder of the Story Massage Programme and learn from Pete’s excellent lecture proprioception. Plus a wonderful massage story about going to the doctors with Lolli Ladybird with ideas for sensory props. There is a follow-along demo of this sensory story here:
- Interview with Joanna Grace, founder of the Sensory Projects. Sit back and enjoy a conversation with Joanna Grace with tips and ideas for writing sensory stories.
Free Resources – Twinkl Blog
You can now download three massage stories with explanatory videos inlcuding ‘The Great Fire of London’ and ‘The Secret Garden’ from the Twinkl SEND blog. These are ideal for sharing within the classroom and with colleagues. Here’s a little preview – with so much more on the Twinkl blog.
Free Resources – Curriculum Based Topics
Check out these blogs for links to curriculum-based massage stories and follow-along videos:
Animals, Jungle and Mini-beasts
Online Training Option
This is not free, but we hope that our resources have inspired you to learn more. Our online training option can be started at any time and takes around 12-18 hours to complete. We can invoice your school or organisation. Once trained, you have free access to our Facebook Community Page which is a fantastic resource for new massage stories and inspiration from others. You can find all the details here: Story Massage Online Training
“Online training meant that I could complete it at a time that suited me and my family. Thank you so much for designing an easily accessible option for your training and for making it so clear and encouraging. I am really enjoying creating new massage stories.” Sarah Combe, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Independent Relax Kids Coach
Story Massage Book
Also not free, but highly popular as a starting point for learning more about the Story Massage Programme, The book Once Upon A Touch…. includes an explanation of the strokes and over 25 different stories. It is great fun to explore at home with your own children. You can order our book (£15.50 inc p&p) here: Story Massage Book
“We have been working our way through the book and taking videos for Instagram. Myla is really enjoying videoing these and watching herself back. We always laugh together when telling our stories and they’ve been really lovely for me to look back on during our more challenging days. She has also been massaging her dolls and bunny while talking and saying certain words from the stories. So lovely to see her language skills developing every day.” Leigh Williams, Baby Massage and Story Massage Instructor at The Little Wellness Company
More about the Story Massage Programme
The programme combines the benefits of positive touch with the fun and creativity of story, song and rhyme. This short video gives an introduction and a demonstration to give you more information.