January 2022
What did Simply Training do in 2021? Over 220 sessions (160+ webinars & 60+ seminars) to over 2600 delegates.
We made some mistakes, learned some lessons and made some new friends helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community along the way, we had a blast!
What's new for 2022? More of the same, but better!
We are currently facing a Global MH crisis, challenges at every turn. When we ask 'how are you?' it's important that we take time to listen and remember; it's ok not to be ok, to trust and be trusted, ultimately to respect others and be respected.
Hope you have a safe and prosperous 2022, give kindness and understanding
We made some mistakes, learned some lessons and made some new friends helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community along the way, we had a blast!
What's new for 2022? More of the same, but better!
We are currently facing a Global MH crisis, challenges at every turn. When we ask 'how are you?' it's important that we take time to listen and remember; it's ok not to be ok, to trust and be trusted, ultimately to respect others and be respected.
Hope you have a safe and prosperous 2022, give kindness and understanding
March 2021...
Proud to be working with The Honesty Jar to produce free Community Mental Health Training in April - look out for booking details soon
www.bearcatcollective.co.uk/training.html
www.bearcatcollective.co.uk/training.html
February 2021...
On 29.3.21, to mark World Bipolar Awareness Day we have been invited to conduct a Webinar for delegates in the UK and USA, it is an honour to be included in a global event such as this and a privilege to be among such esteemed speakers. I'll update you soon and let you know how it goes!
First update for a while, we've been busy training via Zoom and MS Teams, with a few face to face sessions for those in most need (Suicide Rescue and Ligature). We are approaching our 300th online training session, with more face to face bookings in the pipeline, looks like Webinars are here to stay but supported by our real time training.
So, we keep on flowing, training, staying safe.
First update for a while, we've been busy training via Zoom and MS Teams, with a few face to face sessions for those in most need (Suicide Rescue and Ligature). We are approaching our 300th online training session, with more face to face bookings in the pipeline, looks like Webinars are here to stay but supported by our real time training.
So, we keep on flowing, training, staying safe.
May 2020...
It's been a while since we have posted an update......we have been busy, like most people early March saw our business grind to a halt, no onsite visits, no face to face training and no travel.....the cost of this both financially and spiritually could have been catastrophic! But we are stronger than that......we got busy.
Most of our sessions can now be delivered via Zoom, we have purchased licenses and converted our classroom based sessions to be delivered online with maximum interaction and compliance. We are hoping this development will remain within our portfolio of services going forward (not least because less travel is involved and that can only be a good thing) - it also works out cheaper for the client.
We set up a free Messenger based coaching service, for people struggling to make sense of the world and the changes we all have had to make - this has proven useful, uplifting and challenging in equal measure. We will be looking to expand this service in the future - so watch this space!
The NHS have also benefited from some face to face training during the shut down period to enhance the levels of support they can give staff and patients around Suicide Awareness and Ligature Rescue
We will shortly be launching our online Mental Health Support package, which is specifically designed to support the returning to work and some kind of normality (whatever that is!)
The world is a strange place at the moment, with lots of people fearing for their lives, jobs, sanity, homes and families. Now it is more important than ever for us to be kind to one another and for the strong to be strong for those who are struggling. Simply Training will survive and thrive, we will continue to be creative and offer support to whoever needs it.
Most of our sessions can now be delivered via Zoom, we have purchased licenses and converted our classroom based sessions to be delivered online with maximum interaction and compliance. We are hoping this development will remain within our portfolio of services going forward (not least because less travel is involved and that can only be a good thing) - it also works out cheaper for the client.
We set up a free Messenger based coaching service, for people struggling to make sense of the world and the changes we all have had to make - this has proven useful, uplifting and challenging in equal measure. We will be looking to expand this service in the future - so watch this space!
The NHS have also benefited from some face to face training during the shut down period to enhance the levels of support they can give staff and patients around Suicide Awareness and Ligature Rescue
We will shortly be launching our online Mental Health Support package, which is specifically designed to support the returning to work and some kind of normality (whatever that is!)
The world is a strange place at the moment, with lots of people fearing for their lives, jobs, sanity, homes and families. Now it is more important than ever for us to be kind to one another and for the strong to be strong for those who are struggling. Simply Training will survive and thrive, we will continue to be creative and offer support to whoever needs it.
January 2020...
2019, big year for us: Simply Training delivered 164 courses to over 1800 delegates across a range of subjects including: Sexuality in LD, ASD Awareness, Caring For Mental Health, Self Harm & Suicide Rescue
With Aerosaurus, we Launched 50 balloon flights, very affected by the weather!
We also got to cover this wonderful country in the van, visit New Zealand, Turkey and Bavaria, swimming in open water as we went.
2020 promises more adventures, new courses along with development of existing sessions.
We’re off travelling for the next few months, recharging to come back stronger.
Thanks all for your positivity and support, you know where we are if you need us 💚
With Aerosaurus, we Launched 50 balloon flights, very affected by the weather!
We also got to cover this wonderful country in the van, visit New Zealand, Turkey and Bavaria, swimming in open water as we went.
2020 promises more adventures, new courses along with development of existing sessions.
We’re off travelling for the next few months, recharging to come back stronger.
Thanks all for your positivity and support, you know where we are if you need us 💚
February 2019...
You may know that one of the courses we run is 'Rescue From Ligature' where we teach carers how to manage the risk of someone attempting suicide or serious self injury by ligature.
To make the training more realistic we like to demonstrate and assess using real time ligatures so - if you have any belts, phone chargers, leggings, tights, ties, scarves etc you would like to donate to this worthy cause please send a message and we will arrange to collect, or refund postage costs.
Thank You
To make the training more realistic we like to demonstrate and assess using real time ligatures so - if you have any belts, phone chargers, leggings, tights, ties, scarves etc you would like to donate to this worthy cause please send a message and we will arrange to collect, or refund postage costs.
Thank You
April 2018...
We've been busy, developing and delivering.
1. We have delivered dozens of courses to hundreds of delegates, covering our whole spectrum of subjects, including Makaton, delivered by the wonderful Zanna
2. In partnership with BearCat Collective, we have successfully delivered community workshops, with more in the pipeline.
3. We are delivering training in Scotland and around the North of England...
4. Our new website is up and running www.simplytraining.org
We are always looking for new opportunities to deliver innovative and informative training, we are always looking for trainers with a minimum of Level 3 training, a specialism in Social Care is useful but we supply materials and support.
1. We have delivered dozens of courses to hundreds of delegates, covering our whole spectrum of subjects, including Makaton, delivered by the wonderful Zanna
2. In partnership with BearCat Collective, we have successfully delivered community workshops, with more in the pipeline.
3. We are delivering training in Scotland and around the North of England...
4. Our new website is up and running www.simplytraining.org
We are always looking for new opportunities to deliver innovative and informative training, we are always looking for trainers with a minimum of Level 3 training, a specialism in Social Care is useful but we supply materials and support.
November 2017...
We are currently in our busiest period of training ever, which is why we haven't posted on here much recently. November will see us delivering training to an average of 120 people per week with clients from Care Homes, Schools and Local Authorities. All feedback is taken very seriously and considered carefully. Here are a few samples from the last week or two:
'The session made me think so hard about my own life I want to go home an tell my own family that I love them' - Maria from a Home Care Company after a Suicide and Self Harm Session
‘Best trainer we’ve had this year’ – Dan from Drug & Alcohol Rehab after a PBM Session
‘This session has encouraged us to look at our policy, we could do more’ – Claire from a school after a Safeguarding Session
Our core belief in delivering excellence and supporting vulnerable people through understanding their needs and training staff to the highest level hasn’t changed. The current growth of our business has enabled us to bring on more Sub-contractor Associate Trainers, who receive support and coaching where necessary to continue to exceed those standards.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for work with us please get in touch.
'The session made me think so hard about my own life I want to go home an tell my own family that I love them' - Maria from a Home Care Company after a Suicide and Self Harm Session
‘Best trainer we’ve had this year’ – Dan from Drug & Alcohol Rehab after a PBM Session
‘This session has encouraged us to look at our policy, we could do more’ – Claire from a school after a Safeguarding Session
Our core belief in delivering excellence and supporting vulnerable people through understanding their needs and training staff to the highest level hasn’t changed. The current growth of our business has enabled us to bring on more Sub-contractor Associate Trainers, who receive support and coaching where necessary to continue to exceed those standards.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for work with us please get in touch.
April 2017...
We've been busy delivering training and consultancy in lots of locations around the UK, for example:
We've been helping a large Dementia and Elderly Care Home chain re-train staff to work with Mental Health residents, as an increasing number of referrals have complex MH issues alongside the age related challenges.
A collection of Young Peoples LD Homes have been upskilling on CSE/FGM and Safeguarding - using a series of workshops and awareness sessions.
All this alongside our usual planned schedule of PBM, mandatory training and bespoke experiential events- improving workplace conditions for care workers.
Lots of interesting experiences and inspiring people.
We've been helping a large Dementia and Elderly Care Home chain re-train staff to work with Mental Health residents, as an increasing number of referrals have complex MH issues alongside the age related challenges.
A collection of Young Peoples LD Homes have been upskilling on CSE/FGM and Safeguarding - using a series of workshops and awareness sessions.
All this alongside our usual planned schedule of PBM, mandatory training and bespoke experiential events- improving workplace conditions for care workers.
Lots of interesting experiences and inspiring people.
November 2016...
A day in the life of a trainer:
A member of staff from a young adults with LD care home pulled me aside and asked if it was ok to give me some feedback on the training she received in May, she was nervous and a bit emotional.
We found a confidential space (smoking area) for her to share her thoughts. She started with 'Thank you for saving my sons life', I thought 'first aid?' but no, it was Child Protection!
She continued: In the summer her 4 year old son became withdrawn, played with himself in an inappropriately sexual manner, he also refused to bathe with his sibling, again out of character along with a bedwetting incident.
During the training we spoke about spotting changes in behaviour and, however small they may seem, observing and investigating them until you are satisfied that there is no harm, preserving evidence etc. She said this gave her the confidence to find out why the boy was acting strangely and out of character.
We also looked a realistic scenarios where a child may be demonstrating victim-like behaviour that may show distress or worry, also looking at how to support such an occurrence appropriately, ensuring the child feels supported and respected throughout
Her son had been sexually assaulted by an older boy that day and an attempted sexual assault was made on his younger sibling by the same extended family member. Her early intervention prevented further harm to her own children, and correct treatment and support for the perpetrator.
Her children will be ok, it was caught early enough to be a lesson that hopefully won't stay in the young minds forever and the other young person has every chance of education to manage any future behavioural issues.
She hugged me and thanked me again for the training, I reminded her that she did the hard bit and dealt with the situation correctly, I just delivered a training course!
Just goes to show, a course we have delivered 20 or 30 times in the last 12 months can have massive impact on lives, and spurs me on to do the best job we can, regardless of how many times we have delivered it/seen the films/done the exercises/had the discussions, etc.
A member of staff from a young adults with LD care home pulled me aside and asked if it was ok to give me some feedback on the training she received in May, she was nervous and a bit emotional.
We found a confidential space (smoking area) for her to share her thoughts. She started with 'Thank you for saving my sons life', I thought 'first aid?' but no, it was Child Protection!
She continued: In the summer her 4 year old son became withdrawn, played with himself in an inappropriately sexual manner, he also refused to bathe with his sibling, again out of character along with a bedwetting incident.
During the training we spoke about spotting changes in behaviour and, however small they may seem, observing and investigating them until you are satisfied that there is no harm, preserving evidence etc. She said this gave her the confidence to find out why the boy was acting strangely and out of character.
We also looked a realistic scenarios where a child may be demonstrating victim-like behaviour that may show distress or worry, also looking at how to support such an occurrence appropriately, ensuring the child feels supported and respected throughout
Her son had been sexually assaulted by an older boy that day and an attempted sexual assault was made on his younger sibling by the same extended family member. Her early intervention prevented further harm to her own children, and correct treatment and support for the perpetrator.
Her children will be ok, it was caught early enough to be a lesson that hopefully won't stay in the young minds forever and the other young person has every chance of education to manage any future behavioural issues.
She hugged me and thanked me again for the training, I reminded her that she did the hard bit and dealt with the situation correctly, I just delivered a training course!
Just goes to show, a course we have delivered 20 or 30 times in the last 12 months can have massive impact on lives, and spurs me on to do the best job we can, regardless of how many times we have delivered it/seen the films/done the exercises/had the discussions, etc.
May 2016...
Yesterday we delivered a PECS Awareness session in Rochdale and it is course number 70 of 2016!
So what's been happening in our world?
We have been cracking on with delivering mandatory sessions for our existing clients, including Safeguarding and Child Protection, Drugs and Alcohol (including Legal Highs), Attachment and Engagement as well as Physical Intervention and Ligature Rescue. Trying to be both informative and creative, as well as fully compliant with CQC and OFSTED.
We are also proud to announce that we will be working with the following new partners: MCA/DoLS Training for Leicestershire NHS, Therapeutic Environments and Attachment for First Response, also mandatory and induction training for Positive Steps.
I've just finished updating our Child Protection and MCA sessions to include the new Laming Recommendations and am waiting in anticipation of the Neuro Psychoactive Substances (Legal Highs) legislation that comes into force at midnight tonight (Weds 25.5.16) to see what changes need to be made to our existing sessions.
Currently running on about 8 days a week!
With all of this going on, and lots of expressions of interest for new business, we're always on the lookout for new associates and trainers who can add some value to our business and bring new skills to the table. We need a minimum of level 3 qual in any relevant subject and be willing to work on a piece by piece, self employed basis. All you have to do is agree to work to an uncompromisingly high standard consistently, be honest, and deliver a person centred session, as if an assessor were in the room.
So what's been happening in our world?
We have been cracking on with delivering mandatory sessions for our existing clients, including Safeguarding and Child Protection, Drugs and Alcohol (including Legal Highs), Attachment and Engagement as well as Physical Intervention and Ligature Rescue. Trying to be both informative and creative, as well as fully compliant with CQC and OFSTED.
We are also proud to announce that we will be working with the following new partners: MCA/DoLS Training for Leicestershire NHS, Therapeutic Environments and Attachment for First Response, also mandatory and induction training for Positive Steps.
I've just finished updating our Child Protection and MCA sessions to include the new Laming Recommendations and am waiting in anticipation of the Neuro Psychoactive Substances (Legal Highs) legislation that comes into force at midnight tonight (Weds 25.5.16) to see what changes need to be made to our existing sessions.
Currently running on about 8 days a week!
With all of this going on, and lots of expressions of interest for new business, we're always on the lookout for new associates and trainers who can add some value to our business and bring new skills to the table. We need a minimum of level 3 qual in any relevant subject and be willing to work on a piece by piece, self employed basis. All you have to do is agree to work to an uncompromisingly high standard consistently, be honest, and deliver a person centred session, as if an assessor were in the room.
April 2016...
I've been spending time at Overley Hall School near Telford recently. Still owned and run by Mrs Brown, they've managed to create a space that is therapeutic and inspiring for the young people in their care. Some places just feel right and a pleasure to work in. I feel blessed to spend time with the staff www.overleyhall.com
A client has asked me to sit on their Quality Control Panel, as they are the UKs largest provider of Alternative Curriculum Education how could I refuse?
The work involves assessing and mentoring some of the organisation's existing training providers and internal staff. In all seriousness it's a real honour to be asked, even better that the work came about based on feedback from sessions we have delivered over the past two years.
We also have two new Therapeutic Child Care organisations in the diary for sessions over the next few months along with work for our existing, loyal client base. Exciting, busy times for our organisation.
The work involves assessing and mentoring some of the organisation's existing training providers and internal staff. In all seriousness it's a real honour to be asked, even better that the work came about based on feedback from sessions we have delivered over the past two years.
We also have two new Therapeutic Child Care organisations in the diary for sessions over the next few months along with work for our existing, loyal client base. Exciting, busy times for our organisation.
March 2016...
After a few weeks that focused on sex and issues around exploitation it was nice to get back to violence and drugs this week! (just look at how bad that looks out of context!)
So, based in Kent and South Essex this week to facilitate sessions on Substance Misuse and sessions on Physical Intervention for different clients. Two subjects not entirely unrelated, with a very similar message: If you don't deal with the root causes of the abuse (drugs or violence) then they will reoccur and you end up treating the symptom and not the cause. It gives me immense pleasure to hear that a client hasn't had to restrain a child because the young person hasn't become agitated. Showing that the measures put in place to keep the situation calm, and enable the young person to exercise their liberty, have worked.
Lots of new developments and beginnings over the next few weeks, time to stay focused and make them work!
So, based in Kent and South Essex this week to facilitate sessions on Substance Misuse and sessions on Physical Intervention for different clients. Two subjects not entirely unrelated, with a very similar message: If you don't deal with the root causes of the abuse (drugs or violence) then they will reoccur and you end up treating the symptom and not the cause. It gives me immense pleasure to hear that a client hasn't had to restrain a child because the young person hasn't become agitated. Showing that the measures put in place to keep the situation calm, and enable the young person to exercise their liberty, have worked.
Lots of new developments and beginnings over the next few weeks, time to stay focused and make them work!
Another week of Child Sexual Exploitation and Ligature Rescue sessions in some interesting locations; Church Halls, a night club and the lounge of a children's home. The sessions produced some excellent feedback and has given us the opportunity to connect with some really diverse groups of staff, who really make a difference to the lives of young people.
A few notable incidents:
A stand up row between staff at Birmingham City Council - showing real passion and commitment
Feedback stated 'Never been trained like this before - Brilliant!' - the client has enquired about a national roll out of Ligature Rescue training
One of the nations largest providers of Special Needs Education have invited me onto their Quality Assessment Panel - a consultancy position that shows trust and commitment from the client company in the value of innovative training
We're doing ok, heading in the right direction......need to find some more associate trainers, watch this space!
A few notable incidents:
A stand up row between staff at Birmingham City Council - showing real passion and commitment
Feedback stated 'Never been trained like this before - Brilliant!' - the client has enquired about a national roll out of Ligature Rescue training
One of the nations largest providers of Special Needs Education have invited me onto their Quality Assessment Panel - a consultancy position that shows trust and commitment from the client company in the value of innovative training
We're doing ok, heading in the right direction......need to find some more associate trainers, watch this space!
February 2016...
Another busy week: Child Protection followed by a Child Sexual Exploitation session, two days with Birmingham City Council looking at Transition from Care to Independence, finishing with a meeting with a new client to discuss some new business.
We set up this company to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people, inspire people through training and try to make a difference to the lives of some of the nations most disadvantaged citizens. In return I get challenged, frustrated, developed and inspired in equal measure. This week epitomised that.
On Friday I got to spend some time with the managers and leaders of a new client. Their relaxed professionalism and total commitment to the good of the young people in their care was a privilege to witness.
Feeling blessed to be able to do this work
We set up this company to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people, inspire people through training and try to make a difference to the lives of some of the nations most disadvantaged citizens. In return I get challenged, frustrated, developed and inspired in equal measure. This week epitomised that.
On Friday I got to spend some time with the managers and leaders of a new client. Their relaxed professionalism and total commitment to the good of the young people in their care was a privilege to witness.
Feeling blessed to be able to do this work