When: 17th November 2011

Where: Deaf Blind Conference Centre - Peterborough

Guest Speakers: Ruth Pearson and Sue Woolmore each held half day ‘taster’ workshops on working with hostile, resistant and uncooperative families.

How many people attended? There were around 40 attendees for these intimate workshop sessions, and they came from a wide variety of backgrounds, from Business Managers and Training managers down to newly qualified Social Workers. The day was extremely useful for everyone providing a mixture of useful training for front line professionals as well as outlining key training areas for those in charge of training.

What happened? The group was split in to two, with one group spending the morning with Sue and the other group with Ruth, and swapping after lunch.

Ruth conducted an interactive presentation on Working with Hostile or Uncooperative Families. She conducted a role play exercise which encouraged people to consider how their actions can be viewed by families, and how they can create hostility through the wrong approach. The whole group got involved and the session stimulated discussions on different techniques and approaches.

Sue’s workshop was about Working with Resistant Families and was based around a story and reflective discussion. The story emphasised how different agencies can work together to ensure the entire family is safeguarded, and not just a single individual. Sue also highlighted how to recognise when people are either consciously or unconsciously hindering the work of those trying to help, and the possible consequences of overlooking certain signs. It was an extremely thought provoking method of training that was both powerful and effective.

We are currently planning another Working with Resistant, Hostile or Uncooperative Families Event for February in Newcastle, if you would be interested in attending please email: events@safeguardingchildrenea.co.uk