"Truly inspirational." Trauma and Change with Stoke on Trent City Council / Insight Academy July 23

Trauma and Change – some people see that first word and they assume that my training is going to be the most triggering thing they’ve ever endured. When in fact the course has had become something of a life affirming moment for many, many people. I don’t focus on the horrors of trauma and the many horrendous things that happen to people (of course that does get a mention), instead, the course is very much aimed at how we can support people into post traumatic growth.

The feedback from the course has been some of the best feedback I have ever received in my professional career. I put that down to the fact I interviewed some truly exemplary people, people who had experienced traumatic events and now live with post traumatic growth. Hearing how they live with their trauma and still function as fully rounded human beings is pretty breathtaking. I am of course talking about, Brent, Charlotte, Ellie and Ryan. As one of the learners from Stoke on Trent City Council wrote, “Ryan & Charlottes experiences & how they both overcome traumatic adversity were truly inspirational.”

Expert Citizens Insight Academy has now opened up the course to other professional from across Stoke on Trent. I’d book early if I was you, as it fills up VERY quickly indeed.

As always, a massive thank you to all at Stoke on Trent City Council, Insight Academy and the learners who attended the training. Lest we forget, poor Jonathan who has to collate the feedback. It’s an arduous task by all accounts, yet terribly rewarding for me to read what he has collated.

I have the edited highlights from the training below and as you can see, it was 100% positive with some truly uplifting remarks from the assembled learners. We really are making a positive difference to people lives you know, keep fighting the fight troops.

On completion of this training has your knowledge increased

Yes – 45

What did you learn during this session?

“OMG! Everyone needs a “Steven Talbot” in their life. It made me think about my personal life and how I need some TLC myself”

“I’m already an empathetic and compassionate worker however this further insight into trauma I feel will only increase in my practice and understanding towards those I work with.”

“It was a great opportunity to attend this session. I have learned a lot around trauma, how it effects people, I will use this on a daily basis.”

“Learnt a lot about trauma, how people change their life around with the right support, very good training session.”

“I have now got a better understanding of trauma and how it can affect a person moving on.”

“That despite all the barriers that agencies put in place there are good examples of outcomes being achieved.”

“It was great to hear from real people and how trauma has affected their lives but more importantly how they have bested the challenges which this caused.”

“It gave me a better understanding of the conditions of trauma and the complexities of how trauma begins.”

“Very good and informative. Learnt a lot about how to speak to people who have experienced trauma and what support I can offer.”

“Brill knowledge + info about working with people who have experienced trauma."

“I learned to be more professionally curious & have an awareness that people have personal lives that are traumatic.”

“Skills and techniques about curiosity in conversation, how to help others to explore what they think / feel in a none challenging way.”

“The lived experiences of others were really important, Ryan, Charlottes stories made it more real. Both very affecting.”

“It was very informative in regards “trauma” and gave me a lot to consider going forward in my professional and personal life.”

Would you recommend this training to others and why?

“I think the training and particularly the individuals who were featured on the training were truly inspirational.”

“Definitely thought provoking.”

“This training is essential for all people in jobs where support is provided.”

“Specifically social care and social care workers.”

“Yes, I would, all services that deal with vulnerable people need to do this training.”

“Yes I feel all professionals working with vulnerable people need to understand the impact of trauma.”

“Yes this training should be accessible and mandatory for all professionals working with citizens.”

“Yes, very interesting, Steven was very engaging throughout the training.”

“Yes, Steven is down to earth and a pleasure to listen to.”

“Yes compassion and understanding need to be at the heart of what you do & how you interact, especially when dealing / working with vulnerable people.”

“Yes I will recommend it as the content is excellent, the use of the actors / people has made it very real.”

“Yes definitely, all scenarios and videos were true and that’s what made it more interesting, Also knowing how they are doing in their life now.”

“Definitely! So informative and interesting.”

“Excellent trainer & gives you so much knowledge and understanding.”

“I would absolutely recommend this training, it was thoughtful, informative and not in any way boring.”

“Yes, this truly was excellent I would recommend this engaging style of learning.”

“Yes, informative, entertaining & thorough.”

“Definitely – excellent films to give understanding on how things spiral”

“Yes – absolutely – very well delivered, very knowledgeable trainer, excellent!”

“Yes – Ryan & Charlotte really inspirational (love heart).”

“Yes, not only informative but personable. Real people allow us to relate in a more personalized way. Case studies alone which are made up would not have the same impact, I was moved by their stories, enjoyed the way in which the session was structured not too much of one task.”

“Yes amongst the most enjoyable I’ve had, interesting, engaging, and what would be a tough topic presented in a safe & inclusive way.”

“Yes, well presented & knowledgeable, great stories & case studies. I would absolutely love to have him working with my teams (Ryan).”

“I enjoyed watching the videos especially the case study of Ryan he is an inspiration to others it has made me feel good that positives can happen, Steve you deserve an OBE 😊.”