Through Platfform’s work, we have heard that a key challenge shared by many is that changing how we work can be hard, and it can sometimes be lonely.
Our Learning Programme aims to make strengths-based working a reality by addressing key priorities. Each session includes learning, sharing and reflection on local challenges.
Strengths-based working: a refresher
This session recapped last year’s strengths-based training programme, exploring what we learned together but also what Platfform has learned over our time working in this way. It introduces the principles behind our strengths-based working approach and identifies how this can be applied in different ways.
Challenging the dominant narrative of mental health
This session talks through the approach Platfform takes to mental health, and how this can be applied to the way we work with people in practice. Exploring the history of mental health, the effectiveness of a medical diagnostic model, and the ways in which our current system makes it harder to work in a strengths-based way, we provideed this space to help people challenge assumptions and explore a different way of approaching mental health.
Working with our communities in a strengths-based way
In this session, we explored the community-based approaches that Platfform has adopted over the years, and what we have learned from that. Whether that is community-based support work, to working with young parents, to community psychology models, and more, we shared our journey and how this could influence practice on the ground.
Storytelling to make changes in the system
Making changes within the system is not easy. One of the most effective ways is through the sharing of powerful stories. If we are to work in a strengths-based way, to make change, we need to understand how we can use stories to unlock and overcome barriers. This session heard from an experienced storyteller, and considered how we can make changes in partnership with people we support, and the communities around us.
Holding boundaries in a broken system: being kind isn’t being nice
Trauma informed approaches, or working relationally, can be easily misunderstood, often practitioners can find themselves stuck in a position where they are trying to be “nice”, or they find providing boundaries, routine and structures very difficult. In this session, we explored in more detail the need for clear boundaries within practice and how that can work within a trauma-informed, strengths-based way of working.
Looking after our wellbeing while supporting others
This session focused on wellbeing, regulation and compassion for those leading teams or working in challenging frontline roles. Sarah Brown shared practical ways to protect your wellbeing and stay regulated, while Phil Richardson reflected on leading crisis prevention and housing teams with curiosity and compassion.
