Training and talks for organisations
Listening to young people
Building trust and emotional safety through skilful listening
What is Listening to young people?
Young people often say they do not feel truly listened to, and many feel they do not have an adult they can really talk to. At the same time, they are living with increasing pressure and emotional strain, shaped by family stress, school demands, social media and a rapidly changing world.
This course explores what it really means to listen in a way that makes a difference. Not just listening for information or trying to fix things, but listening in a way that helps a young person feel seen, understood and less alone.
Through a warm, reflective approach, participants will develop the skills and confidence to become someone a young person can genuinely turn to. This kind of listening strengthens relationships, supports emotional wellbeing and creates the conditions for more open and honest communication.
What you’ll learn
Practical, down to earth tools and understanding of nervous system responses, co-regulation and relational safety
How current pressures on young people shape what they need from adults
Why feeling listened to is so important for young people’s emotional wellbeing and resilience
How good listening supports safeguarding by making it more likely that young people will share concerns
How to create conditions where young people feel safe enough to speak openly
How listening for connection is different from listening for information or problem solving
A practical skills approach to reflective listening that can be used in everyday conversations
‘It is so amazing to talk to an adult who believes me’
Karla, 17
Who it’s for
This training is for anyone working with or supporting young people, including those in education, youth work, social care, health, community and therapeutic settings.
It is particularly suited to individuals and teams who want to feel more confident in their communication and to build trusting, supportive relationships with young people.
How it’s delivered
This training is experiential and reflective, with a strong focus on practice. Alongside clear and accessible teaching, participants are invited into guided reflection, discussion and practical exercises to develop their listening skills.
The course includes input on relational neuroscience and nervous system regulation, always grounded in real life interactions with young people. There is a strong emphasis on practising listening, noticing what helps and what gets in the way, and developing an approach that feels natural and sustainable.
The training can be delivered as a one- or two-day session, depending on the depth required. It can also be offered as part of a wider programme with follow up sessions to support embedding the learning over time.
About your trainer
I’m Jo McAndrews, a trainer and facilitator with over 30 years’ experience in education, family support and community work. My approach is grounded in psychology and trauma-informed practice, and shaped by many years of listening to what helps people feel safe enough to learn and grow together.
I work with teams across education, health and the voluntary sector to help build understanding and confidence in how we relate to one another. My sessions are engaging, reflective and restorative, helping people leave with both practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose in their work.
This work matters deeply to me. I bring warmth, curiosity and care to every organisation I work with.
Costs
My fees for training include preparation discussions and bespoke design, digital presentation handouts and post event debrief. Travel costs and overnight accommodation where needed will be added to this.
Please click the link below to learn more about costs for teams and organisations.
Let’s discuss your training needs
If you would like a chat about this course, or to discuss how I can meet your team or organisation’s needs, please use this form to get in touch