Key facts about the Peer Massage in Schools Programme:

• It is fun and relaxing!
• Taught by a trained instructor
• Always voluntary; teaching children the right to say "No!"
• Done fully clothed - on the back, arms, neck and head
• In school, massage is done child-child or adult-adult, never adult-child
• Reduces stress hormones and stored tension
• Increases feel-good hormones in the blood e.g. Oxytocin
• Giving as well as receiving massage increases wellbeing
• Supports a calm environment, improved concentration and learning
• Helps develop confidence and self-esteem
• Teaches children to respect one another
• Supports empathy and relationships; reduces aggression and bullying
• Helps motor skills and the ability to visualise things (using left and right brain)
• Enables children to safely learn the difference between “good” and “bad” touch

This may seem like a tall list of claims, but the benefits of positive daily touch are now well supported by neuro-scientific research. Find out more by going to: www.massageinschoolsassociation.org.uk