23 September 2008, Edinburgh

This one day workshop will provide an introduction to the new field of positive psychology and its applications in work with children and young people. The workshop will be suitable for anyone working directly with children and young people and also for managers in any sector.

The morning sessions will provide a broad overview of the development of positive psychology and its implications for economics, public policy and health, social care and education. These will emphasise the need for change at three levels: the individual, community/organisation and system. Participants will be able to consider and debate the implications for their own work and organisations in this context.

The afternoon session will explore specific approaches in direct work with children and young people and their families. It will also explore how these may be introduced and supported in specific settings including schools, residential and other care settings including how foster-carers can be supported in adapting this emerging learning.

The programme will include:

• how positive psychology emerged and why it matters
• how it is very different than simple ‘positive thinking’
• the importance and ease of synchrony games with very young children
• how self-esteem emerges from mastery of skills and security of being loved
• how to focus on building character through a focus on strengths
• how to help children learn to manage negative feelings
• how to help children learn how to grow through failures
• the importance of savouring and celebrating.

The tutor:

Professor Angus Skinner is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Masters programme in Applied Positive Psychology studying under Marty Seligman. Previously Angus worked in social work services for over 30 years and from 1991 to 2006 was Chief Social Work Inspector and Chief Social Work Adviser to Scottish Ministers. He has extensive and detailed knowledge of services for children and young people and is now a consultant (co-owner AI Consulting LCC) trainer and coach.

Who should attend:

The seminar will be suitable for anyone working directly with children and young people and also for managers across the statutory, voluntary and independent childcare sectors.