Hello there one and all,
Once again, this week I returned to the classroom and embarked on two days of ‘Inspiring Change’ training – otherwise known as Motivational Interviewing. This specially commissioned training was created for Stoke-on-Trent’s Expert Citizens’ Insight Academy. This time it was staff from Honeycomb Group’s Concrete services who attended the training. Mariana who manages the Snowhill centre has been a real trooper and shown how devoted she is to both the staff and the clients. She really is an extraordinarily talented and compassionate woman.
We often hear the term, ‘multiple and complex needs’, the staff who attended the training are most definitely working with people whose lives are extremely complex as a response to traumatic life events. People who are often judged, criticized and blamed for their life choices, choices that are few and far between and often involve ‘self-help treatments’ to alleviate their trauma and pain.
I created a bespoke version of the course to meet Concrete’s learning needs. This included meeting with and interviewing various people from across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. It was truly satisfying to read that the assembled staff were impressed with my level of research and how much work had gone into creating the learning resources. Yes, the Velcro and the Play-Doh is back, back, back!
Here is a sample of the learner comments, as you can read, 100% of the learners were suitably impressed and if you don’t mind my using a Stoke-ism, I was ‘chuffed to pieces’ by the feedback.
I am loving working alongside the Insight Academy and working closely with Expert Citizens like the legends that are Tracy, Steve and ‘other Steve!’ Their commitment and dedication to learning is clearly evident.
“As always you make learning an absolute pleasure. Amazing facilitator. 😊”
“Thank you, it is so nice to see someone truly care and fully qualified to help people. It was inspirational to see the real-life stories and films. Steven, you give me hope in humanity and simply put, you out a smile on my face. Thank you again.”
“I found the films really good and Ryan is a real star.”
“My self-efficacy has increased along with my knowledge of Motivational Interviewing. Steven’s training makes me feel enriched and empowered to help support people into change for the better.”
“Very informative and relaxed, lots of very good information which was explained clearly and professionally by Steve.”
“Brilliant training, really helpful and fun.”
“Extremely inspiring. Steven was very approachable which helped put me at ease which helped me get more out of the course than I otherwise might have done.”
“Thank you for all that you do. And thank you to the actors for contributing to the films. Ryan in his interview film is inspirational.”
“Thank you and well done to all of the volunteers. The course was great, delivery, interaction and very practical.”
“Really good, lots of information that could have been complicated but Steve simplified it so it was easy to understand. He’s a really good teacher.”
“The course was extremely good and the trainer (Steve) was really understanding and went out our pace.”
“Very enjoyable and great fun! All the actors, Gwyn, Rob, Charlotte ensured that the course was authentic. Ryan is inspirational.”
“This course was informative, fun, not that easy to understand, but you helped me to get it. Thank you.”
“Well done to the people who agreed to be interviewed for Steven’s course. You are inspirational. Thank you.”
“I’ve really enjoyed this two-day course. Especially Ryan’s films. Lived experience is so important. Cheers Steve.”