"I have been a part of A Touch of Gentleness as a volunteer for the past few months... I am not exaggerating at all when I say it is truly transformative for so many people. The members of the public who come along so value the touch, human contact and just being heard. It truly is nourishing for my soul seeing others being so gently held and understood."

“As soon as I received my first ATOG hand massage, I felt a calling to pass on this wonderful gift. I immediately signed up for the training and have given 60+ hand massages. Each has given it's own reward, from the dementia patient who had spoken to no-one at the club and then chatted throughout the massage to the gardener whose stiff, knarled hands melted into mine. This is a gift that keeps on giving.”

“Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever chosen to do, [it] has helped give me a sense of purpose ... greater understanding... giving my time for those who might just even need somebody to talk too or confide in. I would really encourage people if they have the time to volunteer, it might just be life saving for the person on the receiving end of a simple hand massage.”

"I'm passionately fond of the hand massage because it has helped my illness, friends and also people who need our gentle touch ... to make them happy, cheerful, smile and relax. More importantly I felt really connected with people deeply inside our hearts... I felt i've achieved something which I've never done before or never dreamt of and I am very proud of myself."

"It is an absolute pleasure to be part of a ATOG. I feel lighter and happier after giving a hand massage, and the recipient always feels the same no matter how they were feeling before. It is a unique exchange of energy to sit either in silence or chatting away, the power is truly amazing."

"What I enjoy the most about my volunteering work is a sense of satisfaction that even though my English is broken, I can still do something meaningful for others. The language barrier doesn’t feel like a huge boundary. I feel a sense of connection to others in community. It is more of a blessing to give than to receive, I feel much happier."

"This lady fell asleep whilst I was doing massage and continued to sleep for hours. In the morning she said it was wonderful, she trusted me, felt comfortable and said it was an amazing service. I believe the Critical Care hand massage has greatly improved patients' well-being in a number of ways. It has helped reduce their anxiety, improve sleep, alleviate pain and stiffness; and most of all brought patients comfort. As an ITU nurse, providing hand massages helps me humanize patients and recognise the emotional aspect of the healing process."

"When I gave my partner’s End of Life Doula client a hand massage he fell asleep very quickly... He later said “This is the best day I’ve had for ages”. He’s had periods of being agitated & anxious. Later he asked me to massage the other hand which since having a Stroke, he hasn’t let anyone touch for months. He said it didn’t hurt and felt relaxing. Thanks to ATOG for the wonderful hand massage training I received, all you offer & the difference you make in the world."

"The massage itself has a huge benefit to the people I give to by way of touch and healing yet in turn it gives back 10 fold by the oxytocin created in the process, the simple act of kindness which is so easily forgotten in this fast paced world, and tuning into conscious listening. There is a kindness community being created... within the volunteer group that is equally reverberating outward. Not only have I been involved in local massage events, I have also been able lend my creative skills."

"Incredible because (at 54 years old); I learnt SO MUCH about ... the fascinating scientific facts behind connecting with others through touch. I have been totally unaware of how important this actually is - and I remain astonished that I learnt so much about myself too... This was definitely a life changing experience. I look forward to using these skills to give back to ATOG as well as improving my relationships using the tools I have learnt. A magical day ... in my book; you are the alchemists!"

“A beautiful teaching day filled with Magic.

Wonderful spiritual quotes, anatomical learning, sweet sharing, fabulous company and detailed hand massage training practice thoughtfully and clearly taught by delightful, warm, kind, knowledgeable Touch of Gentleness. ”


 

“This course is more than just learning—it’s an awakening ... helps you reconnect with your inner self, unraveling layers of tension, doubt, and emotional weight ... Each session feels like a breath of fresh air, a moment of pure stillness in a world that often rushes too fast. The beauty of this course lies in its simplicity and profound impact. It’s not about grand gestures but about the subtle shifts that create ripples of change. If you’re longing for a course that doesn’t just teach but truly transforms, this is it. 💫