Stoke Speaks Out has a number of places available on Massage in Schools Training.

The training is facilitated by Carol Trower, MISP International Trainer. The course is two full days and will take place on 12th and 13th July 2010.

The cost of the training is £192 per delegate.

Practitioners will need to commit to undertake Stoke Speaks Out Out Level 1 and Level 2 (if not already completed).

For more information about the course or to book a place, please telephone Stoke Speaks Out on 01782 234501 or email info@stokespeaksout.org

For more information about the Massage in Schools programme, please view the following website: www.massageinschools.com

General information about Massage in Schools:

The Massage in Schools Programme was created by two inspirational women:  Mia Elmsater &  Sylvie Hetu. The child-to-child massage programme has been developed as an inclusive whole school strategy for reducing children’s stress levels, aggression and bullying.   The MISP is a well-structured yet simple programme. 
The clothed, peer massage is:

• For children 4-12 years old
• Given and received with the child’s permission
• Given by the children, to each other
• On the back, head, arms and hands
• 10-15 minutes daily
• All children ask permission from each other before they start and say ‘thank you’ to their partner at the end.

The programme is an effective tool for improving child mental health and has had positive benefits for the children participating, such as improved concentration and increased confidence.

Children are empowered to make choices and they develop respect for the needs and feelings of others.

Members of the school community and parents are consulted before implementing the Massage in Schools Programme, which links to aspects of the school curriculum.

Positive touch activities also contribute to schools’ teaching and learning styles.

Benefits of the Massage in Schools Programme

Studies and observations have shown that:

• Children become calmer and have improved concentration.
• Children have more confidence and increased self esteem
• It teaches children to respect others and leads to social inclusion
• There is a reduction in bullying and aggression
• Emotional health improves
• It helps children recognise ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch
• Children show improved motor skills
• It encourages visualisation and kinaesthetic learning
• Children are encouraged to make choices
• Cooperation improves as children work in pairs and in groups
• There is a calmer classroom environmentThe teacher benefits from all these aspects
• Massage is fun!