The interactive training providers taking the social work profession by storm Social workers in attendance at Sanctuary’s CSE training workshop in Bristol were treated to a phenomenal training workshop courtesy of interactive training provider, Loudmouth. We speak exclusively with Chris Cowen, Director of Loudmouth, to discover what sets their training apart from other providers and why they use dramatic performances to underpin their training seminars.
How did Loudmouth’s training develop? Loudmouth was set up in 1994 by me and Eleanor Vale and we’re both proud to still be the Company Directors. We first met as students at the University of Kent and we were interested to learn how drama could be used as a teaching or community tool. Since setting up Loudmouth, the majority of our work is delivered to children and young people although there has always been a training element for professionals. These training sessions usually involve using drama to raise awareness of issues and / or passing on techniques for engaging young people around the issues. Chris Cowen
What made you decide to use dramatic performances within your training? We find that using drama helps trainees to quickly gain awareness and insights into the issues covered; build empathy for those affected and engage with the human or emotional aspects.
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What social workers have to say about Loudmouth: “The training was incredible; it really helped me to be in the voice of the young person and understand what they are going through. It also brought to life how incredibly quickly grooming can escalate.” Nancy, Operational Manager, CAMHS team “The training was completely on-point. It really made you think that you were in the room with that child. It was absolutely spot on.” Karin, Family Court Advisor, CAFCASS “It was absolutely brilliant, really realistic. It was so hardhitting, and although it reiterated what I already knew, it was thought-provoking because it showed how easy it can be done. The question now is, how can we deal with this?” Joanne, Social Care Practitioner
