Improving practitioner effectiveness via training

Helping families put positive lifestyle changes into practice as part of everyday family life depends on the knowledge and skills of the practitioner.

Research shows that providing information alone is unlikely to lead to lifestyle change.

Our evidence-based practitioner training courses equip health and family support professionals to move beyond giving advice and to provide genuinely effective support for change – helping families adopt and sustain a healthier, happier family lifestyle.

This kind of effective support for behaviour change is vital. Research consistently shows practitioners feel they lack the skills, knowledge and confidence to firstly raise sensitive issues (e.g. parenting, family routines, lifestyle and weight) and then to support the process of behaviour change.

But when practitioners adopt the proven HENRY approach to behaviour change (Bridge & Willis, 2019) families make lasting lifestyle changes. This means working in partnership with families, developing relationships based on trust and respect, and doing things with families rather than to them or for them. Read more about the proven HENRY approach. 

HENRY training helps practitioners to support families because it:

• Integrates evidence-based models to develop motivation and support behaviour change

• Highlights strengths and promotes self-efficacy

• Focuses on solutions

Independent longitudinal evaluation of HENRY training has demonstrated:

• Increased practitioner confidence to tackle complex and sensitive lifestyle issues following HENRY training

• Health Visitors, and family support practitioners continue to use the knowledge and skills gained many years after they complete HENRY training

• Tangible impact of HENRY training on family outcomes

• Practitioners make sustained positive lifestyle changes in their personal lives, which enhances their credibility with parents

• Positive changes to policy and practice in early years settings – including age-appropriate portion sizes, healthy snacks and strengthened team working

The proven effectiveness of our practitioner training in achieving long term lifestyle change means it offers real value for money.

More than 20,000 practitioners have joined HENRY training – health visiting staff, school nurses, midwives, children’s centre or family hub staff, outreach workers, family support workers, nursery staff, childminders and more.

HENRY-trained practitioners help parents provide a healthy, happy childhood – read testimonials from practitioners and parent stories.

All our training is accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and our Core Training is CPD certified.

To discuss or commission HENRY training contact us on 01865 302973 or email info@henry.org.uk .