Why Now?
Disconnection, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are rising among children, teens, and the adults who care for them.
Schools are being called to support more than academic success—they’re places where young people also learn how to regulate, relate, and restore.
A Touch of Gentleness for Schools offers
practical, compassionate, evidence-based tools to support emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, and safe connection
using the transformative power of
gentleness, listening, and therapeutic touch.
Primary Schools (Years 2–6)
Our fun, engaging workshops give children accessible tools to connect in a calm, safe and caring way.
Topics include:
- Therapeutic Havening Touch: Gentle movements that help reduce stress and support emotional regulation
- Soothing Hand Massage: Children learn how to offer and receive touch safely and respectfully
- The Power of Gentleness: Exploring gentleness as strength, not weakness
- Listening With Presence: Practical ways to feel heard—and to hear others
These sessions are informed by neuroscience and safeguarding principles, and are tailored to meet both PSHE and emotional wellbeing objectives.
“The session was really enjoyed by our pupils. Parents also commented on how excited the children
were to show what they had learned. It supported our school values of kindness, giving, and trust, and covered important
PSHE content including consent and touch.”
J. Bray, Headteacher, Northiam Primary School
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Secondary Schools & Sixth Form
Our experiential, practical and theoretical workshops for teens are ideal for:
- Students considering careers in health, or social care
- Schools looking to create roles for pupils who are interested in supporting the emotional health of other pupils
Pupils will learn:
- How to connect with others in a way that fosters safety, respect, and presence
- That 'how' we do something matters just as much as 'what' we do
- Practical, real-world tools for self-regulation, empathy and resilience
- Compassionate listening skills
- The emotional and physiological benefits of therapeutic touch (consent-led and safe)
Workshops are a blend of theory, reflection, and embodied practice—creating space for self-awareness and meaningful conversation.
Workshops for SENDCO Staff
Children with additional needs often benefit most from co-regulation, the calm presence of another, and safe, nurturing touch.
These specialist workshops offer:
- Tools for soothing the nervous system through connection
- Co-regulation strategies rooted in neuroscience and trauma-informed care
- Safe, consent-based touch and massage to support wellbeing
- Practical demonstrations and discussion for real-world classroom use
This training supports staff to bring more calm, gentleness, and connection into every part of the school day.
Why This Matters
At every age, we are wired for connection.
When schools create a culture where touch is safe, presence is powerful, and gentleness is honoured, children thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
The Bigger Picture
When you work with us, you're part of something wider.
To date we've partnered with over 70 organisations, charities and communities including care homes, prisons, refugees and those that are homeless.
We have also attended 100's of different local events.
All proceeds from these training programmes support our voluntary outreach and help bring compassionate connection, joy and feelings of peace back to the heart of society.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're a PSHE lead, SENDCO, or senior leader, let’s talk about how A Touch of Gentleness could support your pupils and staff
email:
info@atouchofgentleness.org
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