Specialist Training Programmes

Professional programmes covering child protection, neurodiversity, trauma-informed practice & more.

Expert-led specialist training tailored to the needs of modern organisations.

At Thrive Minds, we are committed to delivering specialist training programmes that equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to support mental health, wellbeing, and safeguarding across a wide range of settings. Our programmes are designed to address some of the most important challenges faced by professionals, families, and communities today. By combining evidence-based knowledge with real-world experience, our training provides participants with meaningful insights and practical strategies that can be applied immediately in their professional and personal lives.

Our specialist training programmes cover a broad range of areas, including child protection, neurodiversity, parenting, trauma-informed practice, working within the criminal justice system, and family support. Each programme has been carefully developed to reflect current research, legislation, and best practice, ensuring that participants gain relevant and up-to-date knowledge.

Whether you work in education, healthcare, social services, community organisations, or the justice sector, our training is designed to help you better understand the needs of the individuals and families you support.

At Thrive Minds, we recognise that every organisation and group is unique. That is why our training programmes can be tailored to suit the specific needs, roles, and environments of participants. Sessions are delivered in a supportive and engaging way, encouraging open discussion, reflection, and practical learning. Our aim is to create a space where participants feel comfortable exploring complex topics while gaining the confidence to apply their learning in real-life situations.

Led by Andrea Kearns, Thrive Minds brings extensive experience in mental health, training, and professional development. Through our specialist programmes, we strive to empower individuals and organisations to create safer, more inclusive, and more supportive environments where people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Types of Training programmes we Offer

Child Protection

Our child protection training equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns. Participants learn about signs of abuse, legal responsibilities, and best practice for protecting children, helping organisations create safer environments where the wellbeing and protection of children remain a priority.

Neurodiversity

This training explores neurodiversity & helps participants understand & support individuals with diverse neurological differences, including autism, ADHD & dyslexia. The programme promotes inclusive approaches & greater awareness, enabling professionals and organisations to create supportive environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive and reach their potential.

Parenting

Our parenting programmes provide practical guidance and supportive strategies for navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s world. Participants explore communication, emotional development, boundaries, and positive discipline, helping parents and caregivers build stronger relationships with their children while supporting healthy development and family wellbeing.

Trauma Informed Practice

Trauma-informed practice training helps professionals understand how trauma can affect individuals, behaviour, and relationships. Participants learn how to recognise trauma responses and respond in supportive, sensitive ways. The programme promotes safer, more compassionate environments that prioritise trust, understanding, and emotional safety in professional settings.

Working in the Criminal Justice System

This specialist training supports professionals working within the criminal justice system to better understand the complex challenges faced by individuals in the system. The programme explores trauma, mental health, behaviour, and effective communication strategies, helping professionals provide more informed, supportive, and appropriate responses.

Family

Family-focused training explores the dynamics, challenges, and strengths within modern families. Participants gain insight into communication, relationships & conflict resolution while learning practical approaches to support families experiencing stress or change. The programme encourages healthier relationships & positive outcomes for families & communities.

Looking more indepth at some of our programmes

SafeGUARDING

Your safeguarding role and responsibilities
Identifying categories and indicators of abuse
Legislation in relation to safeguarding adults/children at risk
Unocini (Understanding the needs of children in Northern Ireland)
Apply the six principles of making safeguarding personal approach to safeguarding practice
Support from local authorities – i.e. Gateway teams/PSNI/Police Force
How we safeguard
Information sharing and escalation

Trauma informed workshops

Explore what trauma is and what Trauma Informed Practice is
Identify where we do this well already and areas we would like to improve
Communication in trauma Informed practice
Empowerment

Neurodiversity & Parenting

Understanding parenting styles and best to support children
Understanding neurodiversity and how best to support
CAPE framework
Skills based
Self-care

Debt & Mental Health

Debt & Mental Health – the links
Debt support systems
Risk of suicide and debt links
Breaking through stigmas
Referrals and support

Dementia awareness and communication

Understanding dementia and diagnosis
How to communicate effectively
How to support people with dementia

Mental capacity act training

What is mental capacity?
Principles of the Mental Capacity Act
When, how and how should capacity be assessed?
Best interest decision

Think you would like to work with us?

About Andrea

Andrea from Thrive Minds set up the business in X and is one of the leading providers in the delivery of face-to-face and online mental health training offered to participants from a wide variety of organisations including public/private sector, government departments and agencies, post-primary schools, non-profit organisations and community groups.

Our focus is on delivering training tailored to the specific context and needs of participants and organisations.

We specialise in providing mental health training programs for organisations striving to create and maintain a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health wellbeing and encourage those who may be experiencing mental health issues to get the right appropriate help, with the support of their employer, family and friends.

Participants who attend our training events leave feeling more equipped to notice when they and others might be experiencing mental health issues and how to help source the support they or others may need.

Andrea combines her professional expertise with a practical, engaging approach, ensuring participants gain confidence and actionable strategies they can implement immediately, fostering a supportive environment wherever they work or live. In addition to mental health training, Andrea also provides specialist programmes around trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity, child protection, parenting, and working within the criminal justice system. She believes that education and awareness are the keys to building resilience, reducing stigma, and creating safer, healthier workplaces and communities. Thrive Minds is committed to making a real difference, empowering both individuals and organisations to promote mental wellbeing, offer meaningful support, and respond effectively to challenges as they arise.