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
What a fantastic course which was very thought provoking and has inspired me to research and read some more to develop my knowledge and practice further.
Emma Kelly
19 January 2021
Brian was fantastic and it was inspiring to hear of his real-life experiences. Thank you
Sarah Sivers
20 November 2017
A good summary of research and practice suggestions.
KCA Course Participant
21 December 2021
I found the course leader to be friendly and approachable which encouraged participation from delegates.
KCA Course Participant
12 February 2021
Thank you!
KCA Course Participant
24 May 2018
It was really useful training, the presenter was so knowledgeable and inspiring. Thank you
KCA Course Participant
5 September 2021
Kate's real life experiences are very powerful and moving. Really puts theory into practice.
KCA Course Participant
8 December 2017
A really helpful training session. Susan was an engaging, relatable presenter - I felt I learned a lot and hope to embed this learning into my day to day practise so it becomes second nature.
KCA Course Participant
24 January 2022
I found the tutor really engaging and easy to listen to. I really enjoyed this training and will definitely be using what I have learned in my work as a children's social worker
Juliet Thomas
5 November 2020
Great inspiring training and delivered at a pace that engaged
Becky Owen
18 January 2022
I have learnt so much more than I already thought I understood on the subject of Equality and Diversity. This new knowledge will allow me to make a huge difference to society and to my role as a Foster Carer.
KCA Course Participant
29 November 2017
I thought the trainer was wonderful - Kate Cairns was approachable and warm and I was riveted throughout the 90 minutes - best course I have attended throughout my 16 years as a nurse
KCA Course Participant
21 September 2022
Brilliantly presented. Informative. Challenging. Practical applications along with fascinating neuroscience.
KCA Course Participant
27 January 2021
Really well presented and facilitator was easy to engage with.
KCA Course Participant
17 March 2022
It has enabled me to recognise much more clearly how I can support colleagues who are experiencing secondary trauma and the role which I can have as a manager to help them.
Heather Beach
22 June 2019
I thought the delivery was passionately, yet appropriately conveyed. Really enjoyable. Great use of efficient break out groups that were managed really well. Great time keeping.
Peta Mather
18 January 2021
Very funny, which made it more human. I love the use of anecdotes to illustrate points.
Samantha Chinnock , Rednock School
22 April 2020
Excellent trainer and very interesting content, I am inspired to learn more about this subject!
Helen Godfrey
3 March 2022
Kate's words of wisdom and team of researchers need more credit in the world of teaching.
Francesca Preedy , Finlay Community School
25 April 2022
This was such a nicely paced course bringing together attachment matters and the impact on education of those vulnerabilities that affect our children. It is particularly helpful that we can access materials to take away too, many thanks.
Sue Connell , Wandsworth Council
22 January 2018
Totally loved Susan's delivery, style, confidence, knowledge and all round approach to this material. Thank you.
Karen Linaker
3 February 2022
Informative Thought provoking Well-delivered Enjoyable Perfectly-pitched
KCA Course Participant
28 March 2022
Didn't need a whole day, Tom Pyne is such a wonderful speaker it would have been great to hear about another topic too.
KCA Course Participant
26 February 2018
No, Susan is up there with the great trainers on a virtual platform that I have had over the last year
Jules Pigott
14 September 2021
It was informative and very well presented , liked the videos and handouts , and group work
KCA Course Participant
9 November 2018
People we've worked with
