Intervention - Epione Training & Consultancy

Epione Training & Consultancy

Trauma Responsive Intervention Programme

The Connectere Programme (Latin for join together) is a voluntary trauma responsive intervention programme for men bound within the Justice system. Delivered over 17 sessions, Connectere is a powerful, evidence-based programme which aims to promote wellbeing within communities and break the intergenerational cycle of trauma.

Originally developed in 2022 by Alex O’Donnell and Dr Dawn Harris and now under the aegis of Connectere Interventions, the programme was designed with lived experts with first-hand experience of trauma, recovery and the Justice system.

Moreover, Connectere fully aligns with Community Justice Scotland priorities: to embed person-centred, trauma informed and trauma responsive practices at the heart of justice. As such, the programme also aims to help men with a history of trauma to heal and recover.

The Connectere Programme is multi-model and based upon neurophysiological and neurobiological principles. And, it draws upon the latest research and employs a compassion-focussed therapeutic approach interwoven with best trauma responsive practices for restoring the right sense of safety, trust and connection.

Research consistently shows a strong association between traumatic childhood experiences and survival behaviours which create collisions with the justice system: as Bessel Van Del Kolk states, “Hurt People, Hurt People”. However, we like to say: Helped People, Help People!

The Connectere programme is shown “to have a significant positive impact, and even life changing”. Read the full evaluation HERE.

Also, please see course registration and learning outcomes for our bespoke 5 day training course commencing 4th December 2023. The package will include the Connectere programme, 4 days specialist training by the authors, and a 1 day supervisors course to quality assure delivery. The programme evaluation highlights the need for a minimum of 3 facilitators for resiliency. The training package is designed to equip organisation with the knowledge and skills to implement the intervention for men to support their healing and recovery journey.

The Connectere Programme has featured in the Sunday Post and has been academically reviewed and approved by trauma expert Dr Alastair M Hull MD., FRCPsych and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer. Dr Hull describes the programme as ‘revolutionary’.

Please click on the email address below to contact Alex and Dawn at Connecture Interventions for more information.

enquiries@conectureinterventions.com

Here at Epione, our vision is clear:

to Create a Trauma Informed and Responsive Scotland and beyond.

"As a leader in public services, I have seen the transformation in the organisation, in the growth of strong, trusting relationships between workers and the people they work with and support."

Anonymous, Previous Attendee on Training
"The possibilities are endless!! Little things like how to engage with clients, any priorities, how I would like co-workers to engage with clients. Bigger things: challenging how the organisation looks and feels for the people we serve."

Anonymous, Previous Attendee on Training
“I can still remember my first Epione lightbulb moment, March 2019, everything through their teaching TI lens made sense. Working with Epione to support our transformational plan 3 years on and the bulb is still lighting up! With Epione the TIP principles are always very much alive ‘in the room.’ If as a country, we’re serious about healing and lasting change, everyone needs to get on this training”.

Lorraine McNally, Lead Officer, Policy & Practice Development, East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership
"I have taken a huge amounts from this training. It will inform my work with staff and clients. I'll use this knowledge and build this into organisational changes."

Anonymous, Previous Attendee on Training
"I've found the training to be of a very high standard, relevant, and bang up to date with the current trends. Epione have a wealth of knowledge and experience and their "down to earth" approach makes for a rich and enjoyable learning experience."

Lynne Robertson, Team Leader, Glen Isla Project and Glen Clova Project, Angus Justice Services
“This training allows me to be the compassionate and skilled worker that I always aspired to be, thank you it has been a great training.”

Previous Attendee on Training
Epione practice what they preach and create a safe, welcoming and reflective environment to enable meaningful learning and discussion. They adapted the training to meet our particular needs which far surpassed our expectations. "

Katy Wilson-Scott, Senior Coordinator, Kairos Women+
"This training should be offered to all agencies and organisations that come into contact with local councils and public services."

Previous Attendee on Training
"Epione have supported the delivery of various trauma training, ensuring that our workforce have the expertise and understanding required to achieve our vision. The training delivered by Epione is always well facilitated, inclusive and creates a safe learning environment where practitioners can consider their own practice through a trauma informed lens."

Lisa McCran, Service Manager, Quality Improvement
"I have been fortunate to attend training by Epione Training & Consultancy and would not hesitate to recommend them. They manage a nice balance between theory and skills, which is relevant to both my role and my organisation. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable, are all excellent facilitators, and even manage moments of humour to promote self-care. I look forward to our next steps together as they support our journey in becoming a more trauma informed organisation."

Angie Pinkerton, Trauma Informed Practice Officer, South Ayrshire Council

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