Category: Coping with Depression in Young People

  • The Benefits of Training in the Working Things Out Programme

    The Benefits of Training in the Working Things Out Programme

    As a professional working with adolescents, The Working Things Out Programme is a comprehensive training programme which will give you the tools to support teenagers experiencing social, emotional and behavioural challenges.

    This CBT Coping Skills-based programme provides practitioners with strategies to enhance engagement, supporting young people with problem-solving skills, communication techniques, and resilience.

    In the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme training, you will learn how to empower teenagers to improve communication with their parents. Indeed, teenagers are as eager to learn how to get on with their parents just as much as parents are keen to get on with them.

    Below, we will explore some benefits professionals can gain from training in the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme.

    Strengthened Family and Peer Relationships:

    The Working Things Out Programme provides professionals with a comprehensive understanding of conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques to work with young people and their families. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies and practical tools to help children, young people, and families effectively manage and resolve conflicts. The training covers topics such as active listening, assertiveness, negotiation and understanding different perspectives. Conflict within families and among peers can significantly impact a person’s well-being and development. By training in the Working Things Out Programme, professionals gain insights into helping young people cope with family dynamics and peer relationships and promote resilience.

    Skill Development for Effective Communication:

    Effective communication is at the heart of building strong relationships. Through the Working Things Out Programme, professionals gain valuable skills in fostering open and respectful communication, encouraging active listening, and facilitating constructive conversations. These skills enable professionals to support children, young people, and families in expressing their needs, understanding others’ viewpoints, and finding workable solutions.

    Supporting Problem-Solving:

    Problem-solving is a vital life skill that contributes to personal growth and success. The Working Things Out Programme training encompasses a range of problem-solving techniques and strategies. Guiding young people through the steps of problem-solving, to identify and evaluate options, make informed decisions, and implement effective solutions.

    Ongoing Support and Networking:

    Parents Plus ensures that professionals who complete the Working Things Out Programme have access to ongoing support and resources. Practitioners become part of a professional network where they can connect with colleagues from other services, share experiences, and continue their learning journey. They also gain access to a range of resources, including additional training materials and research articles.

    The next Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme training is on the 17th, 18th & 19th September 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm) and will take place online, via Zoom

    If you would like to train in one of our programmes, learn about our group discounts or discover how we can support you to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and families, please contact our Impact Lead, Vicki Byrne, Vicki@parentsplus.ie 

    We also deliver onsite training and supervision of teams (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of our programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery.   

  • Empowering Parents in the Digital Age: The Importance of the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme

    Empowering Parents in the Digital Age: The Importance of the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme

    In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, children are increasingly using technology in their daily lives.

    While technology offers numerous benefits, such as access to educational resources and the ability to stay connected with friends and family, it also brings potential risks. Recent statistics from online safety charity Internet Matters who surveys 1,000 families on their digital habits found parents have growing concerns that time on devices is cutting into traditionally family-oriented time, while 63% of parents asked also said they believe time spent online is negatively affecting their children’s health and 50% said they were concerned that screen time was impacting on their children’s sleep

    This worrying trend of excessive screen time among children can lead to poor sleep quality, reduced physical activity, and an increased risk of obesity.

    As professionals working in community, health, education, and disability services, we play a crucial role in helping parents navigate this complex digital environment. It’s essential to ensure that children’s use of technology is balanced and appropriate, and parents need the right tools and knowledge to achieve this.

    They must be equipped to set limits on screen time and encourage their children to participate in other activities, such as outdoor play and face-to-face social interactions. Moreover, parents should be vigilant about the content their children are accessing online and take steps to protect their privacy and security.

    This is where the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme comes into play.

    This evidence-based programme is specially designed to support families in improving their relationships, communication, and overall well-being. By attending the training for this programme, professionals like you can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively deliver it to families in your communities.

    The programme covers a wide range of topics crucial to parents, including setting up rules around technology use at home. It empowers parents to create healthy and connected families, improving the well-being of everyone involved. In a world where gadgets and screens often dominate family time, this programme offers a vital resource for parents striving to find balance and ensure the healthy development of their children.

    As professionals, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact by promoting and implementing the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme. By doing so, we can help parents build a strong foundation for their children’s future, fostering an environment where technology is used responsibly and healthily. Let’s embrace this opportunity and work together to create a positive change in our communities.