(Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Our intensive three-day, CPD accredited training course equips frontline workers with the skill, knowledge and resources to facilitate transformational group work with both adults, and children and young people who are who are struggling with their emotions.
We are suffering a mental health crisis with both adults and children in this country, with increased demand for services vastly outweighing resources (NHS Benchmarking Network)
Developed by Sue Penna, the PAACE Toolkit is an innovative, evidence-based group intervention whose underlying methodology is rooted in trauma-informed practice.
The programme is proven to assist meaningful change in both adults and children and young people who have experienced childhood trauma:
- Addressing adverse childhood experiences
- Enhancing emotional resilience
- Improving long-term outcomes – thereby reduce participants' reliance on overburdened statutory services
PAACE Toolkit Overview
The PAACE Toolkit enables facilitators to provide group members with the knowledge that helps them to understand, better manage, and change their experience of living with trauma responses e.g. emotional dysregulation. It also helps participants identify practical strategies which will support them to thrive in their daily lives.
Adult PAACE Toolkit is a 10-week programme that educates and informs individuals about the impact of PAACE on themselves and family members. The programme provides guidance on the protective factors that help mitigate the impact of ACEs, and practical methods for developing resilience, thereby improving emotional and mental health and well-being. This programme can be delivered online through live virtual sessions or in the room.
Children and Young People PAACE Toolkit is an 8-week programme using a combination of creative activities and group working to develop young people’s resilience and gives them opportunity to experience the healing of relational support. It provides information and education that enables children and young people to develop the skills and resilience they need to cope with the adversity they experience and to manage strong and difficult emotions. This programme is designed only to be delivered in the room.
PAACE Toolkit Facilitator Training Overview
This course trains frontline staff to use the PAACE Toolkit to guide clients through the complexities of trauma recovery, fostering sustainable personal growth and improved life chances.
This training is suitable for professional frontline staff and managers who work with clients who are struggling with their emotions. The Toolkit is easy to deliver to groups and we pride ourselves in upskilling frontline workers, so no previous group work or specific mental health training is required.
Key Learning Outcomes
The course explores a wide range of topics essential for successful delivery of the PAACE Toolkit.
- The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Protective factors: Positive childhood experiences that can shield against trauma and promote good mental health
- Trauma-informed approaches: Understand principles and practices to develop resilience using key protective factors
- Neuroscience insights: Gain knowledge of current trauma-related neuroscience research
- Vicarious trauma: Recognize its impact and learn mitigation strategies, including self-care techniques
- Trauma-informed group facilitation skills: How to lead groups using a trauma-sensitive approach using the exercises in the manual
Upon Successful Completion
Participants will receive:
- A license to deliver both adult and CYP programmes
- A comprehensive manual and guidance for structured, effective sessions
- Unlimited access to our online Delegate Zone which hosts a range of resources
- A 30% discount on first set of 15 participant journals
Rock Pool Trainers
This training will be delivered by one of the following sector experts, whose experience in working in this area will bring genuine insight to the training room.
Research findings
Outcomes for parents attending the programme included increased knowledge and awareness of their own and their children’s ACEs, and the impact on children, increased support networks, reduced isolation, improved self-esteem and wellbeing, increased resilience, increased confidence in parenting skills, and improved relationships with their children. Outcomes reported for some children included being happier and more engaged with school.
Course Feedback
Feedback forms from 701 participants found that:
94% rated administration and enrolment as excellent or very good.
Across the 5 core course areas, the average self-score of understanding increased from 6.1 out of 10 pre course to 9.4 out of 10 post course.
95% stated that they understood the principles and practices of trauma-informed approaches.
92% stated that they understood how to successfully facilitate group work for adults and children and young people.
93% said that the training will improve their ability to conduct their day job.
95% said they would inform others in their organisation about the content of the training.