C2C Celebration Conference

C2C Celebration Conference 2011

This year's conference was held June 17th at the Friends' Meeting House, Bolton. It was a great success with delegates, who came from all over the North West, reporting that they had enjoyed learning about the effects of peer massage on teaching and learning ; Early Years activities to improve cognitions, gross and fine motor skills and infant reflexes. There were opportunities to share practical routines of peer massage and network over break and lunchtime. Some beautiful photographs provided by The Legacy Nursery, Rainbow House, showed mainstream and children with additional needs working together when using peer massage. Peter Hook inspired and informed the conference with his enlightening and humorous presentation about the impact of self esteem upon learning .Displays by Blackburn with Darwen School Services, Emotional First Aid for children's workforce and Derian House helped to make the day complete. Finally a representative from Edge Hill University gave information about Continuing Professional Development opportunities. A donation on behalf of Derian House was made during the day by conference delegates.

Building Emotional Health and Well-being Conference - Cramlington,Northumberland November 3rd 2011

Our conference theme was building the Emotional Health of children by a range of practical activities suitable for any classroom settings, clubs or home. It opened with Dr Shirley McDonald bringing the Mindfulness for Parents approach. She gave insightful and careful strategies to help improve daily nurture for ones- self. She was followed by Lynn Munro who provided powerful evidence to support a change of emphasis towards greater emotional resilience building for children through "AChild2Child" Peer Massage work. Local Head teacher, Mr Neil Richmond brought a short film clip of some pupils from his school talking about their thoughts and feelings about peer massage. The children's voice made an impression upon the delegation through their positive and pertinent comments. After a delicious lunch new touch games were introduced. They proved to be an uplifting and fun start to the afternoon. Then Jean Barlow introduced the Heart 2Heart Family work.

The day ended on a positive feedback 'high note'. Our Northumbria experience was excellent!