Beyond Resistance A training course for Facilitators in dealing with Resistance (challenging behaviour, disruption and awkward indivduals and groups)

This highly practical hands-on course is particularly suited to facilitators and group leaders who want to acquaint themselves with the challenges involved in working with ‘hard’ groups within prisons, hospitals, probation centre’s, youth clubs, pupil referral units and holiday schemes. You will be able to experience, practise and learn a variety of techniques in managing and dealing with resistance and disengagement in challenging settings.

• The facilitator has to perform radical and innovative functions. It’s different from a theatre director, drama teacher, youth leader, a shaman, cultural activist, therapist or a joker, yet it borrows aspects of these roles.
• The facilitator needs to select the most appropriate games, exercises and techniques to bring out the best of the group, which means looking at the geographical, social and cultural context of the workshop session.
• The facilitator needs to know enough about participants’ situations to reasonably assess how they’re likely to respond to different stimuli.
• How does the facilitator deal with the challenges involved in working with ‘hard’ groups behind closed doors? What does a facilitator do? What are the nuts and bolts of facilitation?

Who is this for?
People who are in related professions such arts practitioners, social care, therapy, mental health, education, community arts or personal development as well as students and trainees in such professions.

Applications are also encouraged from social inclusion partners who are interested in understanding the role and value of arts-based practice to the groups they work with. It is also for Facilitators, artists, teachers, directors, workshop leaders and activists and anyone who works with difficult groups.

The training covers techniques with explanations, instructions and suggestions to help you develop your own style and approach. The techniques can be readily adapted to a wide range of difficult settings with adults and young people.

No experience is necessary however a willingness to actively explore new methods of working is an essential requirement. This will also be an opportunity for professional development, networking and skill sharing so as to enable continued high standards of good practice.

Participants from previous courses

“Having attended many courses, programmes and seminars over my twenty years of employment within various facets of the Criminal Justice System I must say that the course was the most informative, creative and enjoyable event I have ever attended.”

Steve Simpson - Haringey Youth Offending Team

“The course was both inspiring and an eye-opener. Working with other professionals gave us a rare insight into working in this field. I feel more confident and aware of the realities and opportunities available in working with challenging groups, or other groups of vulnerable young people.”

Rachel Headman – Outreach Manager, Prince’s Trust

“Well worth the journey, a fantastic course. Meeting a brilliant group of people and building a pretty awesome network of contacts.”

Janet Campbell – Education Feltham Young Offenders Institute

“I got an in depth insight into the work of the drama facilitator in relation to the theatre work with awkward groups and a fantastic wealth of skills.” Mandy Harman – Multi-Arts practitioner, Haringey Youth Service

“A valuable opportunity to share practices and approach between arts and youth offending professionals.”

Homed Husain – Arts and Community Development Officer, London Borough of Merton

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me, as an activities coordinator, to reflect on how ‘I do’ workshops with awkward groups and individuals – a rare and valuable chance to explore and discuss the dynamics of working with adults & young people and the arts. Go!”

Tricia Fairey – Team Leader Nacro Lambeth

“This training was well focused throughout each day. Tony brings something fresh and unique to the course. Working with him created a powerful experience and allowed me to refine many ideas for dealing with resistance in the future. The training was well thought out, comprehensive and A LOT OF FUN!”

John Ephelin –, Southwark Youth Offending Team Leader

“The course was engaging, informative and has motivated me to want to deal with resistance and awkward groups in more confident ways. Tony was approachable and inspiring.

Sarah Bakerline – Community Projects Director, Refugee Youth London

"Tony can get an entire room engaged and on their feet ready to learn. He is a mentor and an amazing trainer"

Adrian Albarn, Programming Co-ordinator London Youth

"Tony provides simple, practical tools for your toolkit."

Steve Merchant, Catch 22 Exclusion Manager

"Tony is a terrific facilitator, who puts together totally engaging activities that always delivers a true learning experience”.

Paul Jackson, Probation Officer, Essex Probation

See participants feedback here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7auP1CJr4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcRxSLkhcgg&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgIli2AQDf0

This workshop training is dedicated to my long time mentor:

https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/drama-games-for-those-who-like-to-say-no