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.

trauma, coping and resilience
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
arts-based psychosocial activities
personal motivations for volunteering / working in the field
working with clear boundaries
preventing secondary trauma and burn-out - the importance of self-care
working to personal strengths and limitations
working across cultures, faiths and traditions
working on borders and in hostile environments
adapting work to different settings - such as refugee camps, day centres, safe houses, mobile services
information sharing and networking
safeguarding - working with vulnerable minors and adults
developing a psychosocial toolkit - safe creative practice

EXAMPLES OF RECENT TRAININGS.

2018.

'humanitarian organisations working in northern France' - 6 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.

3 evening sessions, working with new arrivals, Kent, Care4Calais - 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.’

‘Really enjoyed having space to slow down, be in a new space with new people and reflect.’

‘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.’