Always Learning at Solas FRC

September and October have been busy months of training for me, and I’ve come away with lots to think about, new skills and plenty of ideas for how I can bring what I’ve learned into my work at Solas FRC.

I’d like to start by saying a big thank you to Solas FRC for the opportunity to continue training and learning. I also want to extend my gratitude to Rhona and Mary from the FRC National Forum for facilitating the Taking Action training—it was a fantastic experience.

I’m a big believer in continuing to learn. No matter how long you’ve been working in education, health or wellbeing, there’s always something new to discover, a different perspective to consider or a skill that might help someone.

Over the past two months, I’ve completed three training experiences that really connect with my interest in whole health and wellbeing, supporting others and helping people feel more confident in looking after themselves.

September – Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing

In September, I completed the Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing core programme, developed by the Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery.

This programme looks at the bigger picture of our health and wellbeing. Not just our physical health, but our mental and emotional wellbeing, our relationships, our support networks and the things that give our lives meaning.

We explored self-care, self-compassion, self-advocacy, sleep, nutrition, connection, meaningful activity and how we can recognise when we’re struggling and what might help us through difficult times.

One of the things I really value about this approach is that it recognises that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing.

We’re all different. What works for me might not work for you, and what we need at one stage of our lives might be completely different at another. It’s about figuring out what works for you, recognising your strengths, knowing when to ask for support and having some practical tools to turn to when life gets a bit messy.

And let’s be honest, life does get messy sometimes!

October – Taking Action Co-Facilitator Training

In October, I took the next step and completed five intensive days of Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing co-facilitator training.

This training builds on the core programme and equips participants with the skills and resources to facilitate wellness and recovery groups in their own communities and organisations. There’s a real emphasis on connection, empowerment, shared experiences and recognising that we all have something to learn from one another.

I really liked that.

Sometimes we can put people in boxes, assume we know what they need or feel that we have to come up with all the answers. But creating the space for people to talk, listen, share experiences and work out what might help them can be just as important. It’s not about telling people how to live their lives. It’s about supporting them to find their own way forward.

I’m looking forward to exploring how I can bring this learning into my community work.

October – Decider Skills Training

My third training experience was the Decider Skills workshop, and I’m delighted to have qualified to deliver Decider Skills training with adults and children.

The Decider Skills use practical, memorable techniques based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help people understand their emotions, manage distress, improve communication and make more considered choices.

What I like about this approach is that it takes psychological theory and turns it into skills we can actually use in everyday life. Because knowing what we should do and being able to do it when we’re stressed, upset or overwhelmed are two very different things!

One line from the training day really stuck with me: “Your emotions have a vote, not the final say.”

I love this!

Our emotions matter. We need to acknowledge them and listen to what they’re telling us. But we can also learn to pause, take a breath and choose how we respond rather than reacting in the heat of the moment. It’s not about being calm and collected all the time. (Sure, wouldn’t that be lovely! 😂) It’s about having some tools to help us when things feel difficult.

And I think these are skills worth learning, practising and sharing with others.

So, what have I taken away from all of this?

Although the three training experiences are different, there’s a common thread running through them.

Connection. Self-awareness. Practical tools. Support. And having the confidence to take action for our own health and wellbeing.

I’m passionate about creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, ask questions and feel a little more confident in looking after themselves. I don’t believe any of us have it all figured out. I’m certainly still learning myself! But I do believe that having the right information, the right support and a few practical tools can make a real difference.

I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned into practice and seeing where these new skills take me.

There’s always more to learn, and there’s always something we can do to take a little action for our own health and wellbeing. ❤️

Keep an eye out for Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing Training in Headford Early in 2027!

Elaine x