We love to hear how the benefits of the Story Massage Programme are spreading across the world. And we are delighted to present a Centre of Excellence Award to the team at International China Concern working with children and young people with disabilities within Government Welfare Centres, in the local community and rural areas. They have even introduced massage stories in front yards in homes in China’s countryside!
Positive, nurturing touch in China
Since completing the Story Massage online training in February 2023, Alison Kennedy, physiotherapist and Therapy Consultant for the charity, says she introduces the programme whenever and wherever she gets the opportunity. “Massage stories help build connections and bring stories to life,” says Alison, “The programme can be adapted for all ages and in so many different settings. We hope the Centre of Excellence Award will raise the profile of the Story Massage Programme for children and young people with disabilities that are in such great need of more therapeutic touch in their lives here in China.”
Another trained practitioner, Hilda Pang, is a translator and International Project Liaison. Hilda works with Alison to write and translate different stories and rhymes and add the Story Massage strokes. Hilda has also translated the Story Massage strokes into Chinese so they can be more accessible. “Storytelling for parents is not a strong part of the culture here,” says Alison, “So we make a recording of the text to make it easier for families and staff to share the stories. We add instrumental music and sounds too.”
Story Massage in Orphanage Care Settings
“It is wonderful to have a tool to share some love with children in orphanage care settings who are reaching out for the comfort of positive touch,” says Alison, “It seems to legitimise touch in a culture that is less demonstrative. It has given us a structure to provide nurture in settings where touch is often experienced only as a function of hygiene and safety.” Alison and Hilda also introduce the Story Massage Programme to carers and family members as it provides a way to reach out and provide something tangible for their children.
Story Massage in Residential Care Homes
Alison and Hilda run Story Massage sessions at a residential care home for 63 young people. “We use a story called The Little Orange Tree to help residents cope with a period of loss and separation. In the story, each season brings hope and challenge,” says Alison, “You can see how bodies physically relax. It is a beautiful way to bring more needed connection to a group in an acceptable and comfortable way.”
They also wrote a massage story for one young lady who was reminiscing about a friend she was missing and a park from her childhood. “It was so moving to see the tears in her eyes as she received the massage,” says Alison, “It cemented the power and need for Story Massage to help validate grief and important relationships from the past.”
Would you like to train in the Story Massage Programme?
Are you inspired by the work of the team at International China Concern? Would you like to learn more? Sign up for our Story Massage Online Course and help share the benefits with the children or adults in your care – at home or at work.
We teach you how to share the ten Story Massage strokes and work with you to adapt familiar stories and even create some sensory stories of your own. Ideal for all teachers, SEN staff, support staff, therapists, Early Years practitioners, those working with people with additional needs, Baby Massage Instructors, Relax Kids Coaches… everyone with an interest in sharing positive touch activities with children and adults of all ages and abilities.
