Lifelong Learning & Continuous Professional Development - A Philosophy for Positive Change - Addressing our Thinking, Feelings and Behaviour

Increasing emphasis is being placed upon the engagement and employment of marginalised and historically dysenfranchised groups, with a focus upon the provision and delivery of vocational skills training. Unfortunately, the majority of these individuals often lack the essential personal motivation and sense of self-efficacy to undertake such training. The reality is that patterns of long-term unemployment, anti-social and criminal behaviour can only be interrupted by tackling the underlying causes for such behaviour. That is, until ‘people' are treated as unique individuals and there is understanding that such behaviour is triggered by emotional, human and criminogenic needs not being met, little will change.

Punishment and threats fail to meet these individual and fundamental needs. Rather, they serve to demoralise, de-motivate and depress, thus increasing and re-affirming self-doubt, fear and confusion, perpetuating the existing situation. Without change, social exclusion and re-offending rates are likely to increase with prisons destined to become even more overcrowded. Issues associated with drug misuse, mental health, social and academic exclusion and the fear of young people will continue to drive ever-increasing wedges into the very fabric of our communities. Above all, many individuals will remain net debtors to society and we will continue to waste vast sums of money and human resources that should be utilised in other ways.

At Life Change UK, we believe that everyone has worth and a capacity to change. That said, there are those that need intensive support, guidance and encouragement if they are to realize the often painful process of moving on in their lives. The process promotes an holistic understanding that considers the whole person, reinforcing the links between mind, body and spirit. It recognises that a whole is made up of interdependent parts - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements. What happens to one part has a direct impact upon the others. In parallel with this, the whole person (inclusive of all parts), is constantly having to interact with everything else in his or her surrounding environment. To achieve maximum well-being and an integrative place within society, everything must function at its best.

A lack of family support, poor education, inadequate nutrition, low self-esteem and self-belief often results in young people turning to the very things that keep them from realising their dreams and ambitions. Instead they become trapped in the cycle of drugs and crime, living on the streets, sofa surfing or in prison, often demonstrating a range of anti-social and challenging behaviour.

The Life Change UK training focuses upon the 'tough' soft issues that address such behaviour and motivate individuals to positive change. Our approach provides the essential communication skills and depth of understanding to recognise and consider a person's lifestyle, their perceptions, beliefs and attitudes and why they react and behave as the do.

Importantly, it helps those responsible for promoting change to look at their own perceptions and responses to such behaviour, thus enabling them to approach the task in a more open and congruent way. Through this learning they are more able to guide and empower each individual towards achievable goals and outcomes, encouraging them to celebrate their life rather than lose it. It is an ongoing process which includes personal commitment, accepting responsibility for their actions, choices and overall personal well-being. Temporary setbacks are viewed as just that, with positive reinforcement of their ability to achieve and succeed, with an acknowledgment that mistakes can and will be made and challenges overcome.

At Life Change UK we believe in the dignity and worth of individuals and the importance of human relationships; we value trust, respect and integrity. Critically, we believe that those working with marginalised groups deserve the training and support to do so.