This training is designed to assist community organisations, charities and others supporting refugee children and youth in the UK.

Crisis and conflict have direct and profound effects on one's physical safety, well-being and ability to learn. This training explores the causes, consequences and ways to support refugees (at the individual and organisational level) to cope and overcome trauma and toxic stress and rebuild their lives in the UK. The training also covers practical tips on how to embed community building into activities. There is also an optional session on social-emotional learning (SEL) for organisations interested. 

You can either register as an individual for UK-wide sessions or as an organisation for bespoke sessions only for your team. Please read more below.

UK-wide open training sessions

Open training sessions are for individual or small teams who wish to complete the training with people from other organisations. It is a 2-part online training led by an IRC education specialist, lasting roughly 2 hours per session. The sessions provide you with an opportunity to learn about the Healing Spaces trauma-informed approach and to share expertise with other practitioners supporting refugee and asylum seeking children and youth across the UK. 

"The trainer made a massive impact through offering real life examples of the Healing Spaces practice throughout the 2 days of learning. The workbook and slides were easy to read, informative and easy to follow. The breakout room sessions were very useful, especially learning from the different perspectives."

Summer 2024

Series 1: Sign up here

Series 2: Sign up here

"This is an excellent resource that everyone in any organisation would stand well to participate in. Thank you so much, I feel properly equipped to do better for the refugee and asylum seeking students and families at my university in terms of delivering a better student experience."

Bespoke training sessions

This training is especially targeted at those that would like to book a training for their whole organisation or larger team. All Healing Spaces content and resources will be provided as well as a session tailored to your organisation's needs and context.  Please note that this training is for organisations/teams that work to support refugee or asylum-seeking children and youth.

To book this free training, email [email protected] 

The best part of the training was being able to contribute and hear from others working in similar situations. Amazing ideas and advice!
- Volunteer in Suffolk

A teacher and student sit on a colourful flower
“It's about making all children, particularly refugee children, feel welcomed,” says Suzanne.
Photo: Hannah Jacobs and Pal TV for the IRC