CIN

In November 2007 258 Primary School children from Cornwall formed a circle around Pudsey Bear and performed the weather massage in the Mediterranean biome in aid of BBC Children in Need.

The successful event returns again this November. Lemon Quay will be the venue on Tuesday 18 November, with proceeds going to BBC Children in Need and Penhaligon's Friends.

The children taking part have been implementing the highly successful 'Massage In Schools Programme' across Cornwall. Once again they will be showing Pudsey Bear what it's all about.

Children taking part in a massage circle

Each child is being sponsored for completing the massage activity or by the number of children taking part.

The MISP is a programme of positive touch and clothed peer massage (child to child massage) for children of 4-12 years. It was first introduced in England in 2000 and is now being used throughout the UK and other countries.

There are three main aspects to the MISP:

• An ethos of respect and choice, as every child is asked for permission before massage and has the right to say 'no' to touch
• A daily massage routine, which has an effect on calmness and concentration
• A range of activities, which use visualisation and kinaesthetic learning and encourage positive touch within the curriculum

The daily or formal clothed massage routine takes about 15 minutes to give and receive and is on the head, back, arms and hands. Children increase in respect for others and in confidence when working with others.

Changing partners regularly encourages social inclusion and reduces bullying. Children are encouraged to think and talk about how they feel and consider the feelings of others.

For more information about the Lemon Quay event on Tuesday 18 November, contact Mary Gander on 01209 210624.