About us

Mary Atkinson (left) and Sandra Hooper (right) are co-founders of the Story Massage Programme. They are massage therapists and teachers with a vision of sharing the benefits of positive and respectful touch with children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Sandra and Mary met in 2007 and began exploring the creative, therapeutic, and educational possibilities of massage stories. They were able to put the idea into practice in 2012 while volunteering in Japan with a charity supporting children and adults suffering trauma in the aftermath of the tsunami. The response was overwhelmingly positive with reports of relaxation, engagement, communication, and connection

Mary and Sandra, Story Massage Programme

Mary and Sandra of Story Massage Programme

Creating the Story Massage Programme

The success of the experience in Japan made Mary and Sandra determined to find a way of sharing the benefits of massage stories that is fully inclusive and accessible for all? With the help of parents and professionals including therapists, teachers and social workers, they developed the structured approach of the Story Massage Programme based on ten simple massage strokes.

Their training options and book Once Upon a Touch… Story Massage for Children were launched in 2013. They have now trained over 2000 people from many different backgrounds to use the Story Massage Programme at work and/or home. Resources including books, stickers, wall charts and lanyards have been distributed to nearly every corner of the globe.

Sharing ideas and good practice

The creativity and passion of Story Massage Practitioners has expanded the reach of the programme far beyond the hopes and expectations of Mary and Sandra. They welcome ideas and collaborations for taking the programme along new avenues to support well-being and enrich the lives of children and adults worldwide.

The Story Massage Programme team are delighted to have collaborated with leading experts including Pete Wells, Nicola Grove, Pooky Knightsmith, Sarah Moseley, Joanna Grace, Victoria Navin, and Lorraine Senior.

Mary doing a demo in Japan of Story Massage Programme

Books

Storytelling, Special Needs and Disabilities edited by Nicola Grove.
Storytelling with nurturing touch by Mary Atkinson. Chapter 14.

Teaching Reading to all Learners including those with Complex Needs by Sarah Moseley.
Includes case studies and references to the Story Massage Programme.

A Winter Walk – free Sensory Story and Teaching Pack in collaboration with Rhyming Multisensory Stories and Songs, Signs and Sounds.
Includes follow-along Story Massage video and soundtrack.

Podcasts and Videos

Ange Anderson’s Therapeutic Support for Learning

YouTube interview with Ange Anderson, a former headteacher in a special school, about how the Story Massage Programme can support learning.

The Pete Wells Sensory Stories Podcast
Includes an introduction to the Story Massage Programme and resources for sharing Lolli Ladybird’s Got Spots massage story.

Pooky Ponders – Big Questions with Brilliant People
Why does touch have so many benefits when combined with story? Pooky Knightsmith interviews Mary Atkinson about the Story Massage Programme.

In Conversation with Joanna Grace
Mary Atkinson interviews Joanna Grace about the Sensory Projects with tops tips on writing sensory stories.

Journals and Guest Blogs

Nasen Connect

The Power of Touch through the Story Massage Programme (Sept/Oct 2023, page 37-38)

Parenta magazine
Adding Positive Touch to Stories and Rhymes for Early Years.

PMLD Link Journal
Communication through Touch: the Story Massage Programme by Julia Barnes and Mary Atkinson. (Spring 2022, Page 31)

Twinkl
Introduction to the Story Massage Programme plus two massage stories.

Single Parent Wellbeing
Guest blog – Connecting with your Child through the Story Massage Programme