We have used pupil Motivational Maps as part of our Career Guidance programme at Wisbech Grammar School and also to inform our teaching and learning. The on-line surveys were quick to complete but have a considerable depth to them; the vast majority of pupils agreed with what their Maps suggested were their key motivators. We think that knowing the sorts of activities that will place a pupil squarely in their comfort zone or, equally important, encourage them to deal with learning environments that are challenging, can only foster greater resilience, adaptability and lead to a more productive learning environment. Perhaps the greatest strength of the service provided are the highly personal one-on-one interviews offered with every pupil. In depth discussion of the map, suggested career paths, classroom activities and styles of homework are all followed up. Many pupils appreciated the time spent just on them as an individual such that they could discuss what they struggled to deal with or what they really enjoyed doing. Positive People Solutions were both wonderfully professional and patient as pupils arrived early or late and never seemed flustered. Every pupil felt that they were the focus of a supportive programme and not just one of a batch going through a system.
I began working with Sam with regular coaching sessions when work and life in general became overwhelming. Prior to starting these sessions my confidence in my abilities in my job were rock bottom and I had been feeling unwell. This impacted on all other areas of my life and I had got stuck in a rut. Sam saw what I needed during my first session and patiently and kindly helped me worked through my issues and gave me a number of effective techniques that I could use when things threatened to overwhelm me again. Through our regular sessions my confidence returned which helped me immensely in my working life as well as improving my home life. It was as a result of Sam’s coaching and guidance that I was able to apply for a new job and after a rather gruelling interview process I was successful. I can say, without a doubt, that if it wasn’t for the time Sam spent with me and the help she gave me I would not have had the confidence to apply for the job in the first place, let alone be successful. I will always be grateful to Sam and would recommend her coaching sessions for anyone who needs a bit of help to find their way again and find tactics to cope.
Feedback from staff was very positive and the session has certainly helped open up our conversations. It is useful to have a range of strategies to remind people of and your comments about being professional and recognising that you cannot do anything more will really help some staff.
I can’t believe how accurate I think it is! You said for your own development you’d be curious to know how accurate I thought it was, very accurate is the answer to that. It’s strange because if you had asked me certain direct questions or asked me to write about myself I wouldn’t have necessarily said the things in the report, yet reading them they really hit home.
Positive People Solutions are a pleasure to work with their combined coaching, facilitation, training experience and ability in the areas of Managing Change, Leadership and Management Development together with their innovative and fresh approach to improving employee relations and well-being through stress reduction is a must for anyone wanting to improve the performance of their organisation though their people
"This was a very informative course. Sam was very impressionable the whole 2 days. Her knowledge, attitude and commitment to this subject was clear from the onset. Sam ensured that everyone who attended felt safe and comfortable. I certainly felt able to share things with the group that I had not shared before. A few times our group went off of topic, due to Sam's experience, she managed to pull the group back without anyone feeling that they were not being listened to. I have already recommended this course to a few of my colleagues and I have only been back in the office an hour! I feel equipped to deal with a mental health first aid scenario. Although I may not be 100% confident (yet) I know with experience this will come. Being there for someone, being able to signpost them will be an honour. There is so much more I want to say - the choice of videos, the case studies, the take-away information - all invaluable.""
"I found the course very interesting and informative. Sam was fantastic and I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to know more about mental health."
'Professionally delivered by a very knowledgeable trainer. Allowed us sufficient time to ask questions and discuss issues throughout the programme. Everyone felt at ease to be able to discuss the very challenging topics and I feel I really benefited from taking part in this programme. Thank you."
"The course was delivered with professionalism, sensitivity and clarity. The best presented course I have been on for years."
"The course was very insightful and really helped to better understand the right way to support anyone who is suffering with there Mental Health. Sam was a great instructor who took the time to make sure everyone was happy and knew exactly what they needed to do. She made the environment very comfortable so people could share there own experiences. Making the course all around a great course to take. I definitely think everyone should complete the course not just for MHFA but to gain a better understanding and knowledge of Mental Health"
"Fantastic course, excellent instructor, excellent content. Should be rolled out as wide as possible across the country."
"A real hard hitting subject but I can honestly say I have never enjoyed a course so much. The knowledge , care and understanding of Sam Anthony is second to none. Everybody in my organisation should attend this course."
"Well run, lots of useful information delivered in a relatable manner with a good insight as to how to be successful within the role"
"A very valuable course to gain knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and the support options. Great course and a very good instructor!"
"Sam delivered a really well thought through training session that provided the correct support and environment for people to learn and reflect on mental health. It has provided me with some really useful tools to allow me to better look after myself, my colleagues and my family. Glad I took part and happy to be part of the movement to challenge the stigma around mental illness."
"Sam delivers the course brilliantly, with great professionalism and realism - and no question is disregarded . All comments are acknowledged and respected and Sam makes you feel that your views/comments etc. are valuable. Sam makes me more confident in my ability as a MHFA."
"A superb refresher course providing a much appreciated interactive session covering the basic core elements. A key theme over the course was considering how our interactions with many people have become so much more remote over the last few years and how we can incorporate that into ALGEE. Sam's easy going, encouraging manner made it very easy for the attendees to put their thoughts and beliefs forward without being afraid or hesitant to do so which resulted in the course being even more interactive. Would certainly recommend and I personally will be using the ten keys to happier living more as a tool in the future. Many thanks."
"I have confidence coming into this course of using the skills I reserved from my last course and to share how I use them on a daily basis in my whole time job as well as my on-call fire service duties, todays course was a very good refresher on keeping up my skills as well as listening to the others on how they use their skills and stories that they have come across and their dealing's with other people and how they felt from the outcome, Sam Anthony whom was our instructor was again very professional on how she delivered the course, engaged in the activity's, compact, skillful and very assured in what she was presenting."
