CASPD News

Practice Consultancy and Development Programmes Department at Salomons

The team are delighted to report that their work with Connexions in Kent and Medway continues and expands into 2007.

Since 2004 we have been providing specialist supervision to Connexions Personal Advisors, particularly those working intensely and over time with young people’s most challenging issues.  This supervision has been provided to individuals and to groups, addressing the working needs of more than 60 Personal Advisors.  The team has found this work with Connexions very rewarding and engaging: the Personal Advisors undertake a key role in supporting and guiding young people at key transitional stages in their lives.  Their work is demanding, responsible and – as many report – very satisfying.  The beneficial impact of their interventions and collaborations with young people is immeasurable; by its very nature it cannot all be captured and reported.  However, through our supervision relationships with them, we can attest to their dedication, commitment and real energy in what can be very challenging situations and circumstances. 

Now we can report that our supervision work not only continues but expands, including twice as many Connexions workers as before with the aim of supporting those in key positions of management and supervision within the organisation.  In addition, we will be providing bespoke training events on supporting the emotional well-being of adolescents: this includes single-day events across Kent and Medway and a recently validated undergraduate module on Adolescent Mental Health.  The latter module is a cross-Faculty endeavour, being part of the InterProfessional Degree framework of the Faculty of Health and Social Care.  The team are looking forward to working with Connexions in the coming year and to breaking new ground with our colleagues in the University.

Dr Margie Callanan
Director of Practice Consultancy and Development Programmes
Salomons