Greetings one and all,
It was back to the classroom yesterday, as I unveiled my newly revamped Compulsive Hoarding course; ‘Trapped and Drowning in my Things.’ I’m still reflecting on the learner feedback, which was 100% positive. I think the perfectionist in me still wants to make some changes. Sometimes I think we need a whole week on the subject! I also understand that would be wildly ambitious and people have jobs to do. So, I’m going to meet with my interviewees, people with lived experience, my actors and some of the Expert Citizens in December to create some new training films. I’m sure these will highlight some of the ways we can support people into positive lifestyle changes.
Plus, in 2023 I’ve decided to ‘get out there’ more and actually help out in a more hands on way. I’ve already secured two volunteer positions and I think it’s time I took stock of what is important to my life. Helping people to embrace a new way of life is up there on the top of the list. I’ve been out and about, interviewing people, getting to hear their stories and the ways in which they turned their lives around. This has meant that I’ve made some glorious friends and acquaintances and long may that continue.
A huge thank you all at Stoke-on-Trent’s very own Insight Academy for allowing me to descend upon the masses yesterday and deliver the course. Jonathan has been instrumental in getting me back into the classroom and has always championed my approach. Plus, when dinner time approaches, we get to chat about the latest cult films and assess the newest horror films too. As always, the buffet lunch was something to behold!
I’d like to highlight one person who attended the training yesterday. That person is the legend we call, Di Allman. Di has worked tirelessly across Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, engaging and supporting some of the most vulnerable people. Her passion for her job and the fact that she goes above and beyond is to be applauded. I also love hearing Di’s stories and the way in which she brings a positive mindset to everything she is doing. Incidentally she’s a superb actress too and the learners on training really fell for her rather challenging beliefs! I asked Di to be my stooge in the class and she performed her duties admirably. Just to reiterate Di was acting!
“Very engaging and informative, I learned a lot.”
Jo
“Brilliant training, really enjoyable.”
“Steven is a living legend and really brings training to life. Thank you, I really felt for Joan in the training films and I too have come across ‘support’ staff who have made the situation worse.”
“A great course, very interesting, it was delivered brilliantly.”
Steph
“Thank you for focusing on compassionate and assertive ways of working with people. I loved the collective approach and creativity that went into the training.”
Mel
“Fantastic Trainer! Steven has an abundance of knowledge and real-life examples. I loved it.”
Di
“Great stuff!”
Kay