PSYCHOSOCIAL TRAINING
& CONSULTATION
UK & International
TRAINING.
We provide tailor-made arts-based Psychosocial Training for organisations in the UK and internationally, helping to support other workers on the ground in different contexts. These trainings are offered face-to-face, online and can straddle the two.
The training sessions are based on both research and practice, and all have a collaborative and participatory approach. They combine elements of practice (work on the ground) with robust evidenced theory and experiential learning (art making and discussion). The trainers draw upon their extensive experience in the field bringing historic and live case material into the discussions. Participants are invited to share scenarios and reflect on their own experiences. Recognizing the complexity of the changing political and social landscape, topics are open to adaptation depending upon the group’s needs and new challenges faced.
We use a psychosocial approach in all our work, which recognizes the influence and impact of the psychological and social situation on people’s psychological health and wellbeing. Our trainings offer a holistic approach to working creatively and all our trainings are underpinned by principles of safe art practice. Careful thought and consideration is given to the complexities of intercultural differences and creative concepts are explored as to how to work with these.
CONSULTATION.
We offer Consultation and Supervision to individuals and organisations working in contexts of humanitarian and crisis support work. These take place either face-to-face or online.
EXAMPLES OF SESSION TOPICS.
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trauma, coping and resilience
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Psychological First Aid (PFA)
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arts-based psychosocial activities
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personal motivations for volunteering / working in the field
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working with clear boundaries
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preventing secondary trauma and burn-out - the importance of self-care
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working to personal strengths and limitations
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working across cultures, faiths and traditions
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working on borders and in hostile environments
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adapting work to different settings - such as refugee camps, day centres, safe houses, mobile services
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information sharing and networking
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safeguarding - working with vulnerable minors and adults
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developing a psychosocial toolkit - safe creative practice
EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS TRAININGS.
2018.
'Humanitarian organisations working in northern France' - Six half day sessions, Calais
2019.
'Trauma, Coping & Resilience', The Big Local / Brixton Mothers Group - Brixton
2020.
'Working with teams online during the Covid19 pandemic' for BAAT - Zoom
'Psychological First Aid' - socially distanced, Calais
'Trauma, Coping & Resilience', Sound Waves, Brixton - Zoom
2021.
Three evening sessions, working with new arrivals, Kent, Care4Calais - Zoom
2022.
'Trauma-Informed Training', Projekt Europa, via Zoom
Two sessions, South London
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) arts-based trainings across staff groups - Zoom
Trainers
The training group is made up of experienced art therapists and refugee artists who form the core Art Refuge team. Interpreters are discussed on a case-by-case basis, alongside other local needs.
Costs & contacts
We offer a sliding scale in terms of costs, and depending on the size of the group, location and so on.
For further information or to discuss your training or consultation needs, please email:
FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS.
‘Really good course, learnt so much and reconfirmed a lot of what I do, but learnt more skills and ideas that I can use.’ ‘Massively reassuring and motivating.’
‘Thank you for supporting the creative process and emotional stability of everyone here in Calais.’
"We found Art Refuge's trauma-informed training inspiring, illuminating and deeply affecting. We look forward to carrying the ideas and principles from the training into our own practice."
- PROJEKT EUROPA, 2022
‘What I found the most interesting today was more in your attitude, the atmosphere you manage to create than in your words and theory. It's certainly the best way to help us to figure how it happens in your real world of therapy with the refugees.’
‘Really enjoyed having space to slow down, be in a new space with new people and reflect.’