"The SPRING team offers a trauma informed weekly group programme in Midlothian as part of the Justice Service. It is designed for women who are struggling with their mental health or substance use. The women may also have experienced trauma and abuse and/or may be at risk of offending or be involved with the justice system.
As part of our psychosocial educational programme, we have incorporated the Decider Skills as part of our delivery – “ Ask the Decider!”
As the occupational therapist in the SPRING service, helping the women to develop life skills is part of my core belief which is why I value the 32 Decider Skills.
I have enjoyed being creative with home-made props and I am always thinking of new ideas to make the decider skills fun, enjoyable and memorable in the hope that our women will be able to find the resilience to stay afloat by putting The Decider Skill into practice. I like to add in some music and wear a real-life jacket.
I use the Decider Skills manual, but I have also written a brief session plan on the reverse of the Decider Skill illustration as my own prompt when delivering the skill."
Below is some feedback from the women who attend the group:
“I think the props would be great for our group and they help you to remember the skill”
“I find it difficult to remember things due to trauma and the props would be a bonus”
“We like doing the decider and you get a laugh”
“I now try to step back and think about my decisions”
“I liked learning about keep calm and carry on”
“Decider is helping me to be more positive, calm and collected”
Louise Paul, Specialist Occupational Therapist, SPRING service, Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership