“The course was amazing! Most engaging training I have ever attended.” Motivational Interviewing with the Insight Academy, Stoke-on-Trent, March 25

Greetings one and all,

This week I had the great pleasure of delivering Motivational Interviewing training to an array of learners from across Stoke-on-Trent.  This was courtesy of Expert Citizens Insight Academy.  Within the training room were an assemblage of workers from social care, NHS, social housing, homelessness and support and charities.  Stoke is so lucky to have an organisation like the Insight Academy, utilising skills and knowledge to inform practice across various sectors. 

I launched the day with my tried and tested ‘intrinsic’ motivation task and as always, the learners threw themselves into it.  One learner wrote on her feedback form; “I really believe this training will make me a better support worker.”  And you can’t say fairer than that, can you?  Or how about, “I Can see me putting what I have learned into practice straight away. It will support me in working with my residents.”   That’s what learning and development is ALL about.  Onward, ever onward!  Learning and loving the learning. 

Feedback was 100% positive with some heart-warming comments such as: 

“I think Steve delivers the course perfectly.  Who else makes their own training films that reflect real people from Stoke?  No-one.” 

“The course was amazing!  Most engaging training I have ever attended.” 

When asked if they would recommend this training, this is what the learners had to say:

“Yes, it was the most engaging training session and very useful to me in my working life.”

“Yes, very informative and informed my social work practice.” 

“Yes – the trainer was really nice and not boring at all!  He gives lots of detail but in a very understandable way.” 

“YES!  Very informative training. Interactive and filled with knowledge.  The trainer gave me the confidence to take part and how to become a better professional.” 

“YES!  Very interesting, a great teacher with so much knowledge and experience.” 

“Yes, Steven is very knowledgeable with a vast array of skills and he makes training interesting and interactive.” 

“Yes, very helpful for people who are stuck.” 

“I would recommend this training to anyone who works in the NHS.”

Far more to come from me and the Insight Academy throughout 2025 and beyond.  In what some would describe as the ‘grimmest of times,’ we are making progress, instilling a vision for positive change and always, always embedding the lived experience of real people at the heart of what we are doing.