community training

our community based training provides accessible and impactful training that meets the unique needs of our community.

Our training sessions and workshops are interactive with activities, discussion and games and to encourage participants to engage and reflect on the delivery topics.

Heres the details:

  • Our courses are available for non-for-profit community and voluntary sector organisations.
  • We can run sessions for staff or people your organisation supports.
  • Training sessions can range from 1 hour to 1 day, speak to us about your requirements and we are happy to modify based on need.
  • Our sessions can be delivered In-person or Online, and we aim to be flexible with the timings available
  • To ensure our training reaches as many people as possible, we operate a flexible pricing model that adapts to your organisational circumstances. 
  • And when we successfully secure grant funding or donations for a specific training program, we are delighted to offer it to community members completely free of charge, so always keep your eyes peeled on those opportunities.

“Just want to say a massive thank you… The facilitator presentation  ‘being more substance savvy’ was brilliant and the ladies from our Menopause Support Group found it very informative and the tips very helpful. I do appreciate the time Catherine took to make the presentation more applicable to the menopause”. 

Women’s Menopause Support Group, Legahory Centre Craigavon

training topics

We have developed a number of training courses and work with you to create the right training programme for the needs of the people you work with and your organisation. Check them out below:

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

Duration: 3 hours

This session provides participants with an opportunity to consider what we really mean by ‘mental health’ and how we can look after our mental health and strengthen our overall wellbeing.

In this workshop we will:

  • Discuss what is meant by mental health and mental ill-health
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of stress and mental health issues.
  • Gain awareness of common mental illnesses
  • Recognise challenges such as stigma and the effect it has on mental health
  • Explore ways to support your wellbeing and strengthen emotional resilience.
  • Discuss the CHIME Framework in supporting recovery.
  • Provide sources of support and information.

Mental Health in Later Life

Duration: 3 hours

Aging brings unique challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding mental health and well-being. Join us for an insightful training session focused on understanding the mental health needs of older adults. We will explore the common mental health issues that can arise in later years, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, and discuss practical strategies for maintaining mental wellness.

In this training workshop participants will:

  • Develop understanding of key mental health challenges
  • Recognise early warning signs
  • Explore strategies for promoting mental health and well-being
  • Gain insight into approaches that enhance overall quality of life
  • Identify and access appropriate mental health resources and support services for older adults.

Mental Health and Menopause

Duration: 3 hours

Menopause and perimenopause can bring about significant physical changes, yet many women undergoing this stage of life are unaware of its mental health implications. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common but often misunderstood, leading to incorrect interventions.

In this workshop we will:

  • Increase understanding of the different stages of menopause.
  • Explore the importance of addressing stigma
  • Identify common life transitions
  • Discuss the variety of menopausal symptoms and their potential impact on mental wellbeing.
  • Discover methods to help navigate your personal menopausal journey.

An Introduction to Managing Stress & Anxiety

Duration: 3 hours

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety in their lives. However, when it negatively affects your life, health and overall wellbeing, it’s crucial to address it promptly.

In this workshop we will:

  • Explore factors contributing to stress and anxiety
  • Discuss stress and anxiety and how they differ
  • Explore active techniques to reduce stress and anxiety and build emotional resilience

Wellbeing and Lifestyle

Understanding the Importance of Sleep

Duration: 3 hours

Sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing at all stages of life. Yet, in today’s demanding and distracting world, many of us find it challenging to get the quality rest we truly need.

In this workshop we will:

  • Gain an understanding of the impact of sleep on physical and mental functioning
  • Recognise the importance of our sleep environment
  • Explore our own attitudes towards sleep
  • Increase understanding of sleep hygiene
  • Discuss how relaxation and other active techniques can help us improve our sleep quality

An Introduction to Self-Care

Duration: 3 hours

Discover the power of self-care in our transformative training session designed to help you prioritise your wellbeing. Learn practical strategies to manage stress and nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health.

In this workshop we will:

  • Increase awareness and understanding of self-care
  • Explore seven areas of self-care
  • Discuss common barriers and ways to overcome
  • Learn practical self-care strategies to build resilience

Food and Mood

Duration: 3 hours

Join us for an enlightening session exploring how the foods you eat can impact your mental health. Learn practical tips for incorporating mood-boosting food into your diet with an awareness of the role of the gut brain connection in mental clarity and health.

In this workshop we will:

  • Discuss societal impact on how we view food and mood
  • Explore how mood can impact food choices
  • Consider the key foods that increase mental wellbeing
  • Increase awareness of the gut brain axis
  • Explore the role of probiotics and prebiotics
  • Consider some key mental health disorders
  • Explore what can help

Finding the Balance

Duration: 3 hours

Parents lead busy lives, and this workshop will delve into the various roles they take on and how this can affect their wellbeing. An effective way to understand this impact is through the “compare and despair” theory. The training will focus on addressing this theory and highlight ways to promote wellbeing by engaging in effective self-care.

In this training workshop we will:

  • Identify key issues that impact on our wellbeing
  • Discuss how food, comparing ourselves to others and masking our emotions impacts on our wellbeing
  • Discuss easy ways to promote wellbeing

Alcohol and Other Drugs Awareness

Alcohol & Other Drugs (and how to support others)

Duration 3 hours:

In this workshop we will explore the various motivations behind drug and alcohol use, highlight their significant impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing, as well as how to seek support effectively.

In this workshop we will:

  • Enhance our understanding and awareness of alcohol and other drugs, including prescription medications
  • Recognise possible signs of substance use
  • Address the potential harm caused by alcohol and substance abuse on both physical and mental health
  • Gain awareness of available support systems to minimise harm
  • Explore effective methods to support others and referral pathways

Dual Diagnosis

Duration: 3 hours

Dual Diagnosis is the occurrence of a mental illness alongside substance misuse. This workshop will explore the complex, multiple needs of people with mental health issues and problematic substance misuse.

In this workshop we will:

  • Define the term ‘Dual Diagnosis’
  • Understand Dual Diagnosis’s importance within a Human Rights context
  • Explore a range of common mental health issues and factoring in the behavioural impact of these disorders
  • Gain understanding of the potential impacts on someone with diagnosed Dual Diagnosis
  • Learn how to develop an effective strategy for supporting an individual with this diagnosis
  • Identify barriers to collaboration between mental health and substance services and strategies to help overcome them

Specialist Training

Introduction to Neurodiversity

Duration: 3 hours

Neurodiversity is a term that describes the diverse ways in which people’s brain’s function. It refers to individuals whose cognitive processes differ from what is considered normal or typical. In promoting inclusivity, it is crucial to recognise and respect the varied and unique perspectives and interactions neurodivergent individuals have with the world.

This training workshop will:

  • Enhance awareness of neurodiversity
  • Foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity
  • Delve into the medical and social models in relation to neurodiversity
  • Expand knowledge of neurodivergent conditions
  • Develop awareness of some of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals
  • Explore potential workplace adjustments to support the integration of neurodivergent individuals

Suicide Awareness

Duration: 3 hours

Suicide is a growing concern, with preventable deaths occurring daily. Educating ourselves about suicide is crucial in preventing further losses. This training course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist individuals facing suicidal thoughts.

In this training workshop participants will:

  • Gain awareness of the prevalence of suicide and the contributing risk factors
  • Identify warning signs
  • Develop your understanding of key communication skills
  • Learn ways to support individuals in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts
  • Increase awareness of ethical and legal obligations
  • Acknowledge the importance of self-care for emotional resilience
  • Sign-post to support services and resources in your community

Please note that completing the course might be challenging, so having support systems in place is advisable. This course is not recommended for those recently bereaved or are feeling mentally unwell.

Understanding Challenging Behaviours

Duration: 3 hours

Encountering challenging behaviours from others is something we all experience at some point.This workshop is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, techniques, and understanding to comprehend, prevent, and de-escalate challenging behaviours effectively.

This workshop aims to help participants to:

  • Increase understanding of challenging behaviours
  • Recognise the impact of precipitating factors
  • Raise awareness of personal safety for staff and volunteers
  • Build confidence in responding to challenging behaviour
  • Increase knowledge of support available when responding to challenging behaviour
  • Recognise the importance of post incident support

Understanding Hoarding Behaviours

Duration: 3 hours

Begin to unlock the keys to effective hoarding management with our Introduction to Hoarding Disorder course. Designed for mental health professionals, social workers, and care givers, this course delves into the psychology of hoarding. It includes evidence-based intervention strategies and practical tools for supporting individuals in decluttering their lives.

In this workshop we will:

  • Learn the criteria for hoarding disorder
  • Explore common reasons for hoarding
  • Describe the typical profile of someone who hoards
  • Recognise the consequences of hoarding
  • Explore ways to support service users
  • Develop understanding of the importance of language when working with individuals who display hoarding behaviours

Introduction to Compassion/Empathy Fatigue

Duration: 3 hours

Are you feeling emotionally drained from constantly supporting others? Empathy fatigue, also known as compassion fatigue, can impact anyone in caregiving roles. Join our interactive training session to explore what empathy fatigue is, how it affects your wellbeing, and practical strategies to manage and prevent it.

In this workshop we will:

  • Identify key signs of compassion/empathy fatigue
  • Differentiate between compassion/empathy fatigue and burnout
  • Identify the 4 stages of compassion/empathy fatigue
  • Examine personal signs of compassion/empathy fatigue
  • Explore strategies for coping with compassion/empathy fatigue

Not sure what you want or need? Our team are here to work alongside you.

Read about our successful programmes we have delivered to communities across Ireland by clicking on the image below:

Our training in numbers:

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