Tag: training

Watch The Presentations From Our ADHD Seminar
We’re delighted to announce that the presentations from our seminar, “Improving Outcomes for Children with ADHD by Empowering Parents,” are now available to watch.

This event showcased insights and practical strategies for supporting children with ADHD. Our speakers, including professionals in child psychiatry and mental health, shared valuable knowledge aimed at enhancing outcomes for these children.

The importance of parenting programmes for ADHD – Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Associate Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry UCD School of Medicine, Dr Blanaid Gavin.

How the Parents Plus ADHD Programme works for Families – Professor John Sharry, University College Dublin School of Psychology, Clinical Director at Parents Plus, and leading innovator in solution-focused practice.

Delivering the ADHD Programme through CAMHS –

Lisa Whitlock Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Getting a Parent Group Started –

Nonsi Mabhena, Nurse Therapist and Rebecca Taylor Registered Physician Associate, ADHD Pathway, Tower Hamlets CAMHS

About the Parents Plus ADHD Programme

The ADHD programme is a new modified version of the evidence based Parents Plus Children’s programme that addresses the needs of parents of children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. The programme is flexible and can be delivered to small groups or with individuals over 8-12 weeks.

Developed with flexibility in mind, the programme can be delivered to small groups or individual parents over a span of 8-12 weeks. It is a tool for professionals supporting families and children displaying ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, inability to concentrate, excessive physical movement, and impulsivity in conversation.

By participating in this facilitator training, professionals will gain a deep understanding of ADHD and its impacts on family dynamics. They’ll learn effective strategies for managing behavioural and emotional problems, boosting children’s self-esteem and confidence, and helping parents reduce their own stress levels. The programme also covers the role of medication and other treatments, strategies to manage homework and educational challenges, and ways to support children in developing friendships and discussing their ADHD.

The five-module training provided equips facilitators not only with the skills to deliver the ADHD programme but also the Parents Plus Children’s Programme. The training emphasises developing a thorough understanding of the needs of families with a child with ADHD, delivering the programme effectively through both face-to-face and online sessions, and building on parents’ strengths to foster ongoing positive changes.

This facilitator training is suitable for a diverse range of professionals, including:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Teams
- Primary Care Teams
- GPs
- Family Support Services
- Early Intervention and Prevention Teams
- Teachers
- ADHD charities
- Child Protection Teams
Feedback from studies in primary schools, mental health, and disability settings has shown that families who complete the programme report significant improvements. These include increased positive social behavior in children, reduced behavior and emotional problems, decreased parental stress, and increased parental confidence

The Parents Plus ADHD Programme is about empowering parents and professionals with the knowledge and tools to nurture resilient, confident children with ADHD, and fostering stronger, healthier family relationships. The next ADHD Children’s Programme training takes place on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th & 27th February 2024 from 9.15am – 1.30pm. Click here to book your place.
Online, Zoom
January 5, 2024

June Master Class in Solution Focused Groupwork

We are delighted to announce after the huge success of our last Master Class in Solution Focused Groupwork we have added a June date.

The central tenet of delivering effective Parents Plus Groups is skilled group facilitation, and in this masterclass, we aim to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective group facilitator.

Solution Focused Groupwork is an innovative and powerful approach to supporting people towards positive change that builds on their existing resources, skills and strengths. Delivered by Prof. John Sharry and Fred Ehresmann, two leading experts in the field, this masterclass will introduce participants to the theory and practice of a strength-based approach to groupwork and will teach practical skills in the following areas

– Establishing client-centred goals to drive the group forward
– Solution-focused group facilitation
– Harnessing group dynamics to create positive change
– Managing group challenges such as dominant members, conflict or scapegoating
– Monitoring group progress to ensure progress

The masterclass is suitable for Parents Plus group facilitators who want to enhance their practice as well as all professionals who work with people in groups, in mental health, education and community settings who want to create transformational change through the power of group work

The Masterclass takes place on 15th June 2023 (9am – 1pm) and costs €125* ( Price includes a digital copy of the professional textbook Solution Focused Groupwork RRP 35*)

BOOK NOW

Through the comprehensive session and interactive training, you will learn how to create an atmosphere of trust and respect in your group, build and maintain positive group dynamics, and effectively communicate with group members to achieve group goals. Our trainers will also share their wealth of experience in managing diverse groups and provide you with best practices for overcoming any challenges that may arise during group facilitation.

We are confident that this Master Class in Solution-Focused Groupwork will be an excellent opportunity for you to enhance your professional skills, knowledge, and competence in group facilitation.
The event will provide you with valuable insights and an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field. We look forward to welcoming you to the event and engaging with you as we explore this critical topic together.

Masterclass Leaders

Prof. John Sharry is founder and clinical director of the Parents Plus Charity, and an adjunct Professor at the School of Psychology in University College Dublin. He is the best selling author of fourteen solution-focused and positive psychology books including Solution-Focused Groupwork, Becoming a Solution Detective and Counselling Children Adolescents and Families that have been translated into ten languages including Japanese, Chinese and Arabic. He is the developer of the award winning Parents Plus and Working Things Out Programmes and a leading innovator in the field of strengths based approaches to mental health services delivery.

Fred Ehresmann is a Senior Trainer and programme leader for Parents Plus. He also works as a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of the West of England, specialising in children and young people’s mental health, and also as He has developed a number of trainings in solution focused practice for a wide variety of contexts including specialist CAMHS, Children’s Safeguarding, Family Support Teams and Schools, He worked for 25 years as a Practitioner and Manager in Health, Social Care, Education and Third Sector settings basing his work on the principles of Solution Focused Practice that he learned while training with Brief in London over a number of years.

May 12, 2023

Parents Plus Programme Information Sessions – May 2023

Parents Plus is an evidence-based organisation that provides a range of services and professionals in Ireland and around the world.

Our goal is to support professionals with the tools to help parents and caregivers in raising resilient, confident, and happy children and young people.

At the core of the Parents Plus approach is a commitment to research and evidence-based practice. We believe that the best way to support professionals is to provide programs that are based on the latest research and best practices in the field of child and family psychology.

If you are a qualified professional working with families and children and would like more information about our programmes, please join us for our online Information Sessions in May 2023. Here you will find out more on our programmes and training from our senior trainers and you will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout.

These are FREE information sessions but you must register to attend, using the specific links below;

Parents Plus Children’s Programme Information Session – May 24th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/Uqe8ELNbHUdBN2Aj7

Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Information Session – May 23rd (10am-11am). Please register here https://forms.gle/37Vhbr4YePFxu5i4A

Parents Plus Adolescent Programme Information Session – May 25th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/YMuEXnERTQcnd9ZBA

Parents Plus ADHD Programme Information Session – May 24th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/Uqe8ELNbHUdBN2Aj7

Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme Information Session – May 25th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/YMuEXnERTQcnd9ZBA

Please find further details on our all of our programme training here https://www.parentsplus.ie/post/calendar-of-professional-programmes-2023/

March 29, 2023

Workshop: ‘Skills in Running Effective Online Programmes’

As we approach the end of January we wanted to help make sure you get the most out of 2023 by inviting you to a FREE online seminar that focuses on running effective online programmes.

The benefits of online parent programmes delivery are multiple, the convenience and accessibility for parents, the support offered by interacting with other parents with similar challenges in the group discussions and breakout rooms, the fact that more couples/parents who are parenting together can attend, good attendance levels overall and the cost-effectiveness of running group programmes online. Though many services have reverted to in-person programmes post-Covid, which is great, it also makes sense to also have an online group offer to draw more parents into accessing this valuable support and parenting resource.

This special practice seminar on ‘Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes’ takes place on 8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.

The session will showcase and support the work of the practitioners and services who successfully deliver the Parent Plus programme online in various settings throughout Ireland and the UK. You are most welcome to attend if you are a practitioner who is already trained in any Parents Plus programme and are delivering or planning to deliver an online group to parents in your service.

Managers who are looking at online delivery for 2023 are also welcome and will benefit.
The seminar is free to attend but you must register below

FREE Seminar: Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes –
Wednesday 8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.

10 am – Opening and Welcome – Dr Eileen Brosnan, Parents Plus.

10:15 am – Delivering services online, advantages and disadvantages. Prof John Sharry, Parents Plus.

10:30 am – Rolling out the Parents Plus Children’s Programme – A hybrid model (online & in person) – The North Somerset experience. Graham Pascoe, Parenting Co-ordinator and Schools Link and Lauren Nurse, Parenting and Early Help Business Support both from North Somerset Council.

10:50 am – Parents Plus Children’s Programme Online – Working with a diverse range of parents and needs – Evija Nwaneri, Parenting Cavan Facilitator and Chairperson Cavan Multicultural Network and Vanda Brady, Outreach Ireland and Cavan Cross-Cultural Community.

11:10 Break

11.15 am – Delivering the Parenting When Separated Programme – A coordinated approach across the mid-west FRC network with referral links to the local Court Services – Pat Fitzpatrick, Northside Family Resource Centre, Limerick.

11.35 am – Breakouts – Overcoming organisational and practice challenges in online PP Programme delivery – sharing learning.

11:50 am – Consolidating skills and learning – Moving forward with the online work.

12:00 – Finish

There will also be a chance to network in breakouts to share ideas on overcoming organisational and practice challenges in online programme delivery

Workshop Registration

Practice Seminar: Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes –
8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.

Setting up and running online groups successfully requires time and planning, as well as effective group session facilitation. To aid you in this we have developed this seminar where we share our collective learning from running the groups remotely over the last three years.
This seminar aims to help you with:
Getting online programmes off the ground and fine-tuning your online delivery skills including:Recruiting parents and pre-programme workSupporting parents’ participation, and the therapeutic elementsDrawing in quieter members and managing those with high levels of needEnsuring all participants gain a sense of connection and can give and receive support from one another.Maintaining the strengths-based practice model while running online programmesEnsuring the programme topics are covered – balancing programme content with parent discussion time. Using ‘breakouts’ effectively for small group work, worksheets and exercises.

Workshop Registration

The workshop is for trained Parents Plus Programme Facilitators and managers and will be taking place on February 8th from 10 am – 12 pm.

To get in touch directly with Eileen Brosnan to discuss delivering online programmes please click ‘Email Eileen’ below

Email Eileen

January 30, 2023

2023 Calendar of Professional Programmes from Parents Plus
Our programmes are for professionals who work in Community, Health, Education and Disability services and they’re backed by over 25 years of research and have proven benefits for families.

In the last 10 years alone, we have supported over 1,000 organisations, in Ireland and internationally, to create sustainable change in their service delivery, strengthening over 100,000 families.

Our suite of programmes’ training and supervision are suitable for a range of professionals working in services such as HSE Primary Care, CAMHS, Family Resource Centres, Disability, Education (EWS, HSCL, SCP, Primary and Secondary) as well as Youth Services.

Below are the programmes available to book from our 2023 calendar of training.

The Parents Plus Children’s Programme

The Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training For Professionals

The Parents Plus Children’s Programme is practical and solution-focused. It will provide you with the essential skills and learning to achieve the best outcomes for the parents and families who attend your services.

The training focuses on the following –
- Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
- Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions, to groups and individual families
- Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
- Building on parent’s strengths as a basis for ongoing change
- Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Dates available in May and October 2023

The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme

The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Training For Professionals

Parents of children with an intellectual disability can face significant challenges, especially during the adolescent years. With our Special Needs Programme, you can support parents to manage these challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents.

The training focuses on the following:
- Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
- Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families
- Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
- Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change
- Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Dates available in May 2023

The Parents Plus Adolescents Programme

The Parents Plus Adolescents Programme Training For Professionals

The teenage years can be a challenging time for many families. Helping parents develop warm relationships with their teenagers reduces conflict and supports them to grow up as well-adjusted and happy adults.

The training focuses on the following:
- Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
  delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families
- Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
- Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change
- Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Dates available in October 2023

Parenting When Separated Programme

Parenting When Separated Programme Training for Professionals

Families going through separation can experience increased isolation and conflict. With our Parenting When Separated Programme, you can help parents to personally cope, and to co-parent effectively, to ensure their children cope and thrive.

The training focuses on:
- Solving co-parenting problems in a positive way which focuses on the needs of their children
- Creating practical arrangements for children that minimise stress and conflict
- Improving parents communication with their children and with their children’s other parent
- Coping with the emotional impact of separation and learn stress management techniques
- Helping their children cope emotionally with the separation
- Dealing with the challenges of lone parenting or being a ‘live away’
Dates available October 2023

Healthy Families Programme

The Healthy Families Programme for Professionals

Children are experiencing increased rates of health problems, such as obesity and higher levels of anxiety. With our Healthy Families Programme you can empower parents to create healthy and connected families and improve well-being for everyone.

The training focuses on:
- Understanding how to improve families health and well-being
- Promoting healthy eating and mealtimes
- Incorporating active play and physical activities into their day
- Maintaining positive mental health and self-esteem
- Establishing good routines for sleep
- Setting up rules around technology use at home
- Building positive family relationships
Dates available in October 2023

To view our complete suite of Professional Programmes click here
January 6, 2023