Save the Date - Think Outside ..... Online event December 11th 2020

SAVE THE DATE - December 11th 2020.jpg

Within the current context of well documented increases in the reporting of youth mental health related issues (Growing up in Ireland Study, ERSI), traditional ways of tackling challenging behaviour and adverse childhood experiences across social care fields have their limitations. To combat some of these issues, fresh and creative interventions to engage children, young people and their families are required. Developmental work through the outdoors is one such innovative approach which has the potential to engage 'hard to reach' young people experiencing disadvantage in a positive and transformational manner.

To promote this approach, and to further engage practitioners, students and academics alike, we will be hosting this interactive online event, exploring contemporary discourse around the topic of youth and family support through the outdoors. This event will provide an opportunity for all key stakeholders and invested parties to gather for a day of learning, upskilling, and information sharing, while also experiencing the power and value that the outdoor natural environment has to offer. While everyone working with children, young people and families are welcome to attend, we are specifically hoping to target social care, family support and youth workers from across the Connaught region, engaging families living in disadvantage or young people with challenging behaviour.

Specific themes on the day will focus on;

  • The holistic health and well being related benefits of spending time in nature

  • The impacts & outcomes nature-based interventions can have on families & young people

  • Creative ways of bringing family support and youth work practice into the outdoors

  • Adventure education, the challenges and benefits of such an approach with at risk teens

  • The importance of engagement and exposure to nature for early childhood development

Information will be delivered in the form of formal presentations, and panel discussions, delivered and facilitated by experienced local practitioners and academics leading best practice on the ground.

Following our event, we plan to offer delegates an opportunity to further explore this topic and approach by participating in a multi day CPD course. This course will provide practitioners with further skills and knowledge, allowing them return to their practice with the confidence to deliver these types of programs on the ground.

Please keep in touch to receive our full program schedule.

Barry Dillon