“The training was very thought provoking." Empathy Fatigue with Stoke on Trent City Council

Hello one and all,

Yesterday, September the 6th 2022 meant the launch of my newly revamped Empathy Fatigue course – ‘embracing rational compassion.’

We had many a robust discussion and the new group activities went down a storm. The new training films were met with great applause, especially as staff from various local authorities helped me to create them and indeed starred in the short skits. This of course, makes the films relevant to the audience at hand. The new version of the course focuses on that current buzz word ‘resilience’ and what it is actually means in relation to charting levels of fatigue.

We definitely need to recognise and address the individual needs of staff members and how much people can take before they are fatigued and heading for burn out.

We are all aware that it is especially important that staff are looked after and they are listened to in a compassionate and supportive manner. Stoke on Trent City Council is giving staff the time to de-stress, to discuss their issues and see what they can do as both individuals and part of a team to stave off empathy fatigue. I like to think that I’m doing my bit to highlight the issues and support staff in embracing some different ways of working. What was particular telling was how honest the learners were with each other.

As it states on my website:

“It is very difficult to challenge firmly held beliefs if delegates feel their words and actions will be used against them. I always create respectful learning environments, where delegates feel they can be open and honest.”

Below you will find the collated feedback from the training proving that the quote above is not merely hyperbole. The feedback is 100% positive and I think we are on to something here with the new course.

Onward – ever onward!

“The training was very informative and I loved having a reading list to do some further research. Steve is a great trainer!”

Vanessa

“The training was very thought provoking and made me reflect that I am currently working with empathy fatigue having worked for the local authority for over 19 years in a support role. I need to practice what I preach to my staff and be kind to myself so that the glass isn’t always full and I have time for myself, my family and I am actively listening to staff when I am in case supervision rather than thinking about the 45 other priorities I also need to be completing. I feel that all staff should attend this as a mandatory training course.”

Andy

“Really enjoyed the training today, it was nice to have a mixture of tips linked to the research behind

it with explanations about how we think and how to change this way. I liked the activities and it was nice to get together with colleagues from different areas to discuss ideas and ways of working that we can share. Always enjoy attending your training, I look forward to the next one 😊 you are very enthusiastic and motivating which is really great!”

Jane

“The course was really enjoyable with a lovely group of people. Steve was a pleasure to listen to and

made the day fun and informative at the same time.”

Leonne

“The training session today was very informative and enlightening… I wouldn’t change anything about the training, it was very good 😊 Thank you.”

Kelly

“Steven always keeps his training light hearted and fun even though some of the content can be hard going. Training virtually can feel like hard work but this was not.”

Matt

“I really enjoyed this training. It was interactive, interesting and informative. Thank you.”

Ayshea