CPD Accredited Training & Workshops
Our in-person and remote CPD-accredited training supports professionals working with care-experienced children, young people, and those with a social worker.
Rooted in lived experience and grounded in evidence, our sessions explore the impact of adversity and the power of relational, aspirational care. Each course offers practical tools and reflective learning to inspire transformative approaches, where young people not only recover but thrive.
Core Sessions
Our core training covers essential topics for working with care-experienced children, young people and adults.
Explore topics such as language that cares, trauma-informed practice, participation, transitions, and post-traumatic growth- all delivered with a therapeutic, strengths-based, relational approach.
Sessions can be delivered independently or as a whole programme, for more in-depth development.
We also offer bespoke sessions and programmes tailored to your team’s needs.
01
Let’s Talk Words: Language in Care, Language that Cares
"LAC, Placement, Challenging Behaviour, Reviews, Caseload, Outcomes"
What if the words written about you as a child followed you for life?
This session invites professionals to reflect on the language we use; how it lands, what it leaves behind, and how, with intention, it can become a tool for healing rather than harm. From the words spoken around them to the ones written about them, language shapes how care-experienced children and young people see themselves, and how they are seen. From the stereotypes and statistics that surround the care journey, to the recordings that follow young people into adulthood, we’ll combine lived experience and practical guidance to explore how our words and recordings can reinforce damage or be part of the difference. Participants are supported to create their own principles for reflective, person-centred, and professionally robust recording practice. Key Outcomes: Participants will: Reflect on the emotional and psychological impact of reading their own case files through a lived experience lens Recognise how everyday language can either reinforce stigma or build self-worth Gain practical strategies for using language that supports identity, connection and healing Explore the balance between therapeutic, compassionate writing and professional accountability Begin shaping their own principles for therapeutic, child-centred recording Reconnect with the power of their words and their role in shaping brighter futures
02
Beyond the Score; a Lived Experience Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Behind every “ACE” is a story, and a future still being written.
We’ll look at protective factors, relational healing, and the role of professionals in becoming buffers to harm and bridges to hope. Because ACEs don’t define a life, and the way we show up in our roles can make all the difference. This session brings a human lens to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), one that goes beyond statistics to explore what survival, resilience, and healing really look like. Through the personal ACEs journey of someone who’s lived it, we reflect on how early adversity shapes lives, and more importantly, what can help change their trajectory. This isn’t about what's wrong with children; it’s about what’s happened to them, and what could happen next when the right relationships and responses are in place. Key Outcomes: Participants will: A human, lived-experience understanding of ACEs that brings research to life through story and reflection. Insight into protective factors and PACEs (Protective and Compensatory Experiences) that promote healing. A trauma-informed, strengths-based lens to support children and young people who’ve experienced adversity. Tools to embed relational practice and emotional attunement into daily work. Renewed belief in the power of presence, connection, and the everyday “glimmers” that help children grow beyond what they’ve lived through.
03
The Making of Me; Identity and Belonging in Care and Beyond
Who am I? Where do I belong? What makes me, me?
For care-experienced children and young people, these questions often echo louder, and are harder to answer.
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This session explores what it means to form an identity when your story starts with disruption, loss, or transition. Drawing on lived experience and developmental insight, we’ll look at how care can shape a child’s sense of self, belonging, and future. From the labels given to the roots missing, from the systems they move through to the relationships that truly see them, we’ll explore what helps children hold onto who they are, and feel safe enough to grow into who they’re becoming. Participants are invited to reflect deeply, challenge assumptions, and leave with practical, trauma-informed ways to support identity-building in the lives of those who need it most. Key Outcomes: Participants will: A lived experience understanding of identity formation in and after care—beyond theory, into reality. Tools to support trauma-responsive, developmentally informed identity work with children and young people. Deeper awareness of how systems, labels, and loss impact a young person’s sense of self—and how relationships can repair and rebuild that sense. Skills to create empowering environments where care-experienced children feel seen, valued, and supported to define their own story. Renewed purpose in the role adults play in helping young people in care feel not just placed, but placed with belonging.
04
Amplifying the Child’s Voice: Participation and Meaningful Engagement
This session explores what meaningful participation looks and feels like, from the perspective of lived experience, practice, and policy.
It asks not just whether children in care are being heard, but how, when, and to what effect.
Through real-world examples, research, and lived experience insight, we’ll explore what it really means to centre the voice of the child as a guiding principle in everyday practice. From the barriers and challenges through to creating trusting, safe and empowering spaces, we’ll consider what it takes to move from passive listening to active partnership. This session explores what it really means to centre the voice of the child, not just in principle, but in practice. Through lived experience insights, research, and real-world examples, we’ll explore the barriers to participation, and the moments where voice becomes powerful again. Participants will explore frameworks and tools to support participation and reflect on how to create cultures where children feel safe enough to speak and confident that their voices will shape what comes next. Rooted in theory and rich in practice-based tools, this session invites professionals to create everyday spaces where care-experienced children and young people feel safe to speak, confident they’ll be listened to, and empowered to shape their own stories. Key Outcomes: Participants will: Participants will leave with: A deeper understanding of the barriers care-experienced children and young people face in being heard, and what voice and participation feel like from the inside. Practical, trauma-informed tools for building trust, safety, and connection that support authentic expression and active engagement. Real-world strategies for embedding participation into everyday practice—from conversations to case planning. Insights into the emotional and relational impact of feeling heard, with lived experience reflections that bring the theory to life. Confidence to reflect critically, challenge the status quo, and become facilitators of voice, not gatekeepers.
05
The Journey Beyond: Leaving Care and Interdependence, Priorities and Possibilities
Leaving care may be viewed as the 'finish line', but for young people, it’s the start of an entirely new chapter.
This session challenges the traditional emphasis on independence, offering a new lens grounded in interdependence, recognising that relationships, community, and belonging are vital to navigating life beyond care. Rooted in lived experience and enriched with practical tools, the session explores how to create transitions that are not just planned, but felt; not just functional, but meaningful. Through reflective exercises, research, and real-world examples, participants will explore how to place relational support at the centre of transition planning, equipping young people with both the practical and emotional tools to move forward with confidence. Key Outcomes: Attendees will leave with: A reframed understanding of transition journeys, moving beyond the traditional focus on independence to centre interdependence as a vital foundation for wellbeing and success. A lived experience lens on the emotional, social, and systemic challenges faced by care-experienced young people during transitions—informing more nuanced and compassionate practice. Practical tools and strategies to foster belonging and identity, creating supportive environments where young people feel safe, seen, and supported. Approaches that nurture autonomy, confidence, and self-worth, recognising that young people leaving care need scaffolding, not silence, as they shape their futures.
Social Worker with Blue Sky Fostering,
ACEs training
“Mary-anne's session was engaging, challenging and thought-provoking. The interactive learning style was a fantastic way to explain and explore some of the themes. Mary-anne's varied approach was moving and insightful. I would highly recommend this session.”
Foster Parent, Nexus Fostering, Language that Cares training
I wish I had experienced this session when I first started Fostering. Our training has always been good, however, this subject was only touched upon. Seeing the profound effect of words from the view of a care experienced person can only help caregivers and professionals to elevate children's and young peoples self-worth and confidence and to feel heard, valued and present.”
Practitioner with To The Moon And Back Fostering,
Identity training
“What an eye-opening course. My heart is full of a renewed sense of reminding me of “my why” in order to support CYP entrusted into my care. Really has given me more of an appreciation to support them on their journey in a compassionate and empathetic way. So beautiful”.
Audience
Our training is designed for professionals working with children and young people who have experienced adversity, especially those with care experience or a social worker.
Training sessions are adapted for each audience and are aligned with regulations, standards and guidance.
We regularly work with:
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Social Workers
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Foster Carers
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Leaving Care Teams, Personal Advisors
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Residential & Supported Accommodation Teams
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Teachers and Education Staff, Virtual Schools
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Multi-agency Safeguarding Partnerships
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Charities and Organisations committed to supporting Care Experienced individuals.
If your role involves walking alongside children and young people, our training is for you.
Delivery
Our training is available both in-person and online.
Sessions can be delivered as stand-alone workshops or as part of a wider programme of development. Whether it’s a team inset or multi-agency training day, we create space for reflective, real spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Each session combines storytelling, evidence, and practical tools, always adapted to your setting, your context, and your goals.
Each session is offered with pre-course & post-course prep and CPD-accredited certificates.