An interview with Angela, Training Administrator for our online parent/carer programmes

We know that caring for children and young people who experience emotional, behavioural, or additional needs can be incredibly demanding, and at times, isolating. Our eTR-UST and A-ABC programmes were developed with this in mind – offering structured, therapeutic support for parents and carers, along with practical tools and a space to reflect with others who understand.

We spoke with Angela, our Training Administrator, to give an inside look at what the courses involve – and the kinds of changes parents and carers have experienced after taking part.

Meet Angela – our Training Administrator and a vital part of the team behind our online therapeutic programmes for parents and carers. With a calm presence, a friendly demeanour, and excellent organisational skills, Angela ensures every session runs smoothly from start to finish. She’s often the first point of contact for participants and plays a key role in creating the welcoming, supportive environment our courses are known for. Angela’s insight into the programmes, paired with her genuine care for families, makes her an invaluable part of what we do.

Q: Angela, can you give us a quick overview of the two programmes?

Of course! We currently offer three therapeutic programmes – eTR-UST, A-ABC, and our FASD course – all delivered live online via Zoom. They’re designed specifically for parents and carers, and they’re not about telling you how to parent or that you’re doing something wrong. Instead, they focus on helping you understand what’s really going on and how to respond in ways that build connection and trust.

eTR-UST is for those caring for primary-aged children and focuses on emotional regulation, trauma, and how trust and safety impact behaviour.

A-ABC stands for Adolescence, Attachment and Building Connection. It’s aimed at those caring for teenagers, and it’s all about understanding the emotional world of adolescents and how to stay connected through difficult times.

Our new FASD course is specifically tailored for parents and carers of children and young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or who have experienced suspected alcohol exposure in utero. It explores the unique challenges of FASD through a trauma-informed lens, offering practical tools, strategies, and emotional support to help families navigate everyday life with greater understanding and confidence.

Q: What’s it like to attend one of these sessions online?

It’s very interactive and supportive. Sessions are held in small groups and led by trained facilitators who really understand what families are going through.

We do ask that everyone keeps their camera and microphone on during the sessions – this helps create a safe, respectful space where everyone is present and engaged. It also helps the facilitators respond to the group and support people properly.

It’s not formal or intimidating – it’s just about creating a connected group experience, where everyone can contribute.

Q: What kinds of things do people learn over the 8 weeks?

Parents and carers learn to understand behaviour through a trauma-informed lens. That means looking beyond the behaviour itself and asking: What might this young person be feeling or needing right now? We talk about emotional safety, attachment, co-regulation, and how to build trust and resilience – whether that’s with a 6-year-old or a 16-year-old.

Every session includes time to reflect, share experiences (if you want to), and pick up tools you can use straight away at home.

Q: What if someone feels nervous about joining or speaking?

That’s completely normal! A lot of people feel that way at first when they join the sessions for the first time. The good news is, everyone in the room understands – because they often have similar experiences, or have had similar experiences in the past. The presenters are brilliant at helping people feel at ease, and no one is expected to be an expert.

It’s not about “getting it right” – it’s about showing up and learning in a space where you won’t be judged. As the weeks go on, people usually feel more relaxed and even look forward to that weekly space.

Q: What if someone is worried about sharing too much – or not enough?

At the start of each course, we always say that you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. The sessions are very sensitive and confidential, and we never ask anyone to go beyond what they’re comfortable sharing.

Plus, the group tends to build a real sense of trust over the 8 weeks. A lot of people say it feels like the first time they’ve felt like they’re with a group of people who understand them.

Q: Do you need to be “techy” to take part?

Not at all! If you can click a link in an email, you can join the session. We send out clear instructions beforehand, and I’m always on hand to help if anyone gets stuck logging in. We keep it simple and user-friendly.

We also have tech support available during each session, making sure that there is someone on hand to help with any difficulties.

Q: Are the courses practical as well as therapeutic?

Absolutely. While there’s a strong emotional and therapeutic focus, everything is grounded in real-life parenting and caring. We talk about what works in the moment, how to respond during a meltdown, how to manage our own stress, and how to repair relationships after conflict.

Participants often say they feel more equipped, more hopeful, and more confident by the end of the course.

Q: What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about signing up?

I’d say that it’s worth giving it a try! You don’t need to have it all figured out. These courses are here to support parents/carers and give them the space to reflect and grow on their parenting journeys.

It’s also worth saying that parents and carers will be joining a group of people who get it – and by the end of the 8 weeks, most people say they more connected and less alone.

Q: What’s your favourite part of being involved in these courses?

One of the most rewarding parts of these courses is seeing the shift that can happen over the eight weeks. Many parents and carers arrive feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or worn down—and by the end, they often have a clearer understanding of what’s going on and feel more equipped to handle it. We often hear, “I wish I’d done this sooner.”

It’s not about quick fixes or a magic wand – it’s about having the space to be heard, supported, and understood.

How to join one of our courses

Visit our training page to learn more about our eTR-UST, A-ABC or Safe, Seen and Supported therapeutic training courses.

Many of our courses are available to be funded via the Adoption and Special Guardianship Fund (ASGSF), provided you are eligible to access this funding. Please speak to your social worker to find out more. If you need help, please get in touch with us and we would be happy to support you.