Strengthening Connected Relationships
KCA is here to enable people to build and strengthen connected relationships, using evidence from research to improve everyday interactions, everywhere.
We draw on the expertise represented in our core approaches of ‘Five to Thrive’, ‘Mending Hurts’, ‘Holding Together’ and ‘Creating Connections’, whilst including the latest developments from neuroscience.
Find out more about Knowledge Change Action...
Five to Thrive is a way of understanding how connected relationships are fundamental to human wellbeing, helping to build resilient communities, and how we can promote these attachment bonds
Mending Hurts promotes recovery from trauma by enabling people to notice what they, or other people, do in their most effective interactions with people when they are more vulnerable or traumatized. When we notice ourselves doing something well, we become more conscious of our activity and more competent in it
Creating Connections between human beings lies at the heart of individual and community resilience, and, indeed, at the heart of KCA’s work. Our resilience mapping tools open up conversations about the network around people when they are feeling more vulnerable. This can offer insights that guide intervention and support.
Holding Together offers a systemic intervention to build resilience in the team around a child when they are more vulnerable or traumatised
Kate Cairns has a lovely style to her facilitation. I really like someone who can apply concepts to real situations and the stories make it tangible and help integrate it for me. I think Kate does that really well.
KCA Course Participant
19 April 2018
Very calming approach and positive to encourage us that we can make a difference... I thought it was really important to be reminded of children who have experienced previous traumas and the effect Covid 19 may have on them.
KCA Course Participant
14 May 2020
Very interesting and I am now inspired to try new techniques.
KCA Course Participant
31 May 2017
Tom Pyne was an inspiration to listen to.
KCA Course Participant
17 April 2018
Very real and pertinent to the work that we do. Powerful in its directness and ability to stimulate grounded reflection
KCA Course Participant
15 November 2016
Passionate. Exceptional. Inspiring. (Jane Evans)
Thomasina Sargent , Staffordshire County Council
2 March 2018
We are starting baby groups up again and the new training has given me more confidence.
KCA Course Participant
18 January 2021
I feel more confident to explain the benefits of five to thrive to the families I work with.
Cathryne Hildreth
5 December 2017
The quality of the talk, the presentation, the take home booklet: all wonderful!
Hannah Knight
1 October 2019
I really enjoyed the delivery even though it was online, the breakout spaces and time limits kept the content focused throughout.
Kirsty Howarth
20 January 2021
The training was excellent and it was just what we need at this moment in time. The trainer was excellent and very engaging and supportive. It was really helpful to be able to talk about specific difficulties and be given new solutions. Also, having reassurance about strategies used is greatly appreciated.
KCA Course Participant
9 May 2018
Susan is an enthusiastic and energetic presenter who maintained my attention for the whole day, I aspire to be like you Susan thanks for a great day.
KCA Course Participant
3 March 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it inspiring. It has made me rethink the language and approaches we use in our provision. The trainer's evident passion for helping these young people was evident and that is inspiring and motivating - teachers need to hear this proactive and positive talk.
KCA Course Participant
2 November 2016
I was initially a bit unsure of attachment and what it meant and whether it would apply to my class or children in my care, however I am so inspired and now more aware of how it can be shown in so many children in so many different ways. It has made me review my practice and how I will conduct myself in my class.
Lois Ware
19 January 2018
Excellent course. Very interesting and useful. Presentation by Sue was inspiring and motivating.
KCA Course Participant
15 May 2017
It really did go a bit deeper than other training I have come accross. Very much needed.
Kerry Roberts
3 June 2020
This is without a doubt the best quality training that I have attended in terms of content, delivery and being able to apply what has been taught.
Donna Cooper , Surrey County Council
23 March 2018
I found the course leader to be friendly and approachable which encouraged participation from delegates.
KCA Course Participant
12 February 2021
Understanding that young people acting out is not necessarily a bad thing for attention or 'just because' but a reaction to ACE's which has developed over time. Learning to understand this and change the way I view this and react to this verbally and non verbally will help moving forward.
KCA Course Participant
11 February 2021
Was totally engaged by the amazing speaker. Her passion was palpable and the presentation extremely professional.
Claudie Thornewill
6 January 2020
Very good training opportunity for anyone working in education.
KCA Course Participant
20 September 2017
Awesome - lovely balance between the why and the how. Clearly presented in a way that made it accessible yet informative.
Lynette Lewington
4 October 2016
The trainer was excellent and very inspiring
Roisin O'Neill , Barnardo's
27 June 2016
Fab training! A great insight on how the brain works and how we can coach emotionally challenging children in schools. Have recommended the course to fellow colleagues.
Sonam Dosanjh
22 November 2016
The course leader delivered the training in an interesting and enthusiastic way. She used a variety of activities and video clips, and also talked from her own experience. I left, at the end of the day, with a renewed energy, feeling that it was important for others in my setting to develop working more this way, and considering how I can pass on to them what i have learned.
Beverly Keen
21 July 2016
People we've worked with
