ReRooted staff residential
What a way to kick off our new programme!
We have just recovered from an amazing two-day residential for staff participating in our new programme: ReRooted. With support from UK Youth's Thriving Minds fund and CHK, the programme focuses on building staff capacity to work with young people facing multiple challenges in their lives, specifically around their mental health and wellbeing. This residential was our kick-off event with many more to come before May 2025.
31 members of staff from 20 Foyers in our network travelled to the beautiful Keele Hall, for two days of connection, learning and fun. From Bodmin to Doncaster and everywhere in between!
What happened?
The starting point in planning the two days was to offer staff opportunities to connect, share and build positive relationships, which would support not only their practice but also their wellbeing. Each attendee was paired up with a ‘Comrade’ from a different Foyer in a similar role as an opportunity to learn about their work, set goals and reflect on learnings. The residential provided multiple opportunities for connection, from interactive learning activities to the hotly contested quiz! Many fed back that these relationships were the most valuable part of the two days.
“I have had the most enjoyable, enlightening experience with the most amazing group of people.”
A vital outcome for the programme is to develop staff skills, confidence and knowledge. On the first afternoon the group began with a training session on Trauma-Informed Practice and reframing challenging behaviours. Using interactive activities, discussions and reflective opportunities, the group explored the central importance of trauma in young people’s ongoing life experiences. On the second day, we were joined by States of Mind for interactive training on their Selfology resource, designed as a practical wellbeing curriculum for young people to take ownership of their mental health. Attendees gained practical tools and resources to take back to their Foyers to use with their young people.
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you, you helped make those two days such an enjoyable experience. The topics, the food, the venue, it was all so brilliant, and you delivered it in a fun and relaxed way, which really helped us all feel comfortable and start building relationships with each other."
What’s next?
Luckily this is just the beginning and our ReRooted learning cohort of Foyers will continue to meet, learn and reflect together!
Our next event is another residential, this time for young people from the 20 Foyers to learn and connect. We hope that they will become advocates for positive approaches to support wellbeing, for themselves, their peers and their Foyers. The residential is booked for August and a team of young people are already hard at work planning another fabulous two days. We can’t wait!
"Thank you so much… for creating such an inspiring, motivational, friendly environment for us all to learn in. I had a fantastic time and met such a wonderful bunch of people who I will definitely be keeping in touch with."
Staff and young people’s feedback from the two residentials will shape the direction of the rest of the programme. Find out more about the ReRooted’s aims here and thank you to everyone who attended.