Better conversations with DNA-V is a training program designed for support workers, key workers, social care workers, coaches, psychologists and therapists – anyone who wants to work more effectively with young people aged 16-25, in community settings, and guide them towards thriving and vitality in their life.

DNA-V (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor & Values) is the youth model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a developmental model designed to increase psychological flexibility in young people.

The full training course provides you with an understanding of the DNA-V model, the different approaches within the model and how to use it in practice. The training is delivered experientially so you as a learner will be asked to engage with your own thoughts, feelings, behaviours and values as a way of fully understanding the benefits of the practice.

You will leave with a good understanding of how to be more psychologically flexible in your own life as well as how to enable the young people you are working with to develop psychological flexibility.

Participants will:

• Learn foundational principles of the DNA-V model
• Learn how and why to use Values to guide effective youth working
• Develop an understanding of the Discoverer, Noticer and Advisor skills
• Explore common emotional and behavioural situations in youth working through the DNAV toolkit
• Consider where DNA-V maybe useful in your service

All attendees will receive a DNA-V Toolkit and Values Card Pack in order to embed this way of working in their work with young people and support their continued learning and development post-training.

Course Information

The training consists of four half-day sessions across four dates, listed below. Each day will take place on zoom. The zoom link will be shared with participants ahead of the first session.

• Thursday 3rd March, 09:00 - 13:30
• Thursday 10th March, 09:00 - 13:30
• Thursday 17th March, 09:00 - 13:30
• Thursday 24th March, 09:00 - 13:30

The training will be delivered by Meghan Joyce (Reboot West Manager at 1625 Independent People) and Ashley Ward (previously Learning and Development Coordinator at 1625 Independent People).