Building Safer Spaces: The Launch of ‘Tuned In’ Online Modules
At Run Against Violence (RAV), we are proud to announce the launch of the ‘Tuned In Building Safer Facilitation Skills with Young People’ online modules, developed in collaboration with the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) and the Australian Catholic University - Institute of Child Protection Studies and seed funding from RAV. This Australia-leading program is designed to equip adults with essential skills to foster safer, trauma-informed environments for young people in group settings. Addressing a significant gap in training resources for facilitators, these modules empower safe and effective conversations with youth, particularly in today’s critical context, where the safety and well-being of young people are paramount.
Bridging the Training Gap with Comprehensive Modules
Despite increased awareness and efforts towards respectful relationship education, such as NAPCAN's acclaimed Love Bites program, there remains a considerable gap in training adults to safely facilitate group work with young people. The Tuned In modules directly respond to this need, providing a comprehensive, self-contained online training solution. Comprising six detailed modules, this program covers essential evidence-based knowledge and techniques to ensure facilitators can confidently manage group settings.
Associate Professor Tim Moore from the Australian Catholic University highlights the importance of feeling safe to reach one's full potential, especially in educational and interactive environments. This principle is at the core of the Tuned In modules, aiming to create spaces where young people can learn and interact without fear.
A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Future
We at RAV are committed to building communities free from family violence and provided seed funding for developing the Tuned In modules. RAV co-founders Brad Smithers and Kirrily Dear attended this event in with Kirrily speaking at the launch, emphasising the urgent need for such training, pointing out that while many adults are eager to engage in meaningful conversations with young people, they often lack the skills to do so safely. The Tuned In modules fill this critical gap, equipping facilitators with the tools they need to create trauma-informed and supportive group environments.
Empowering Facilitators to Make a Difference
Leesa Waters, CEO of NAPCAN, reflects on the value these modules would have added early in her career and expresses hope that facilitators across various fields will benefit from this resource. The program's goal is to build facilitation skills that ultimately ensure better safety for young people during important and necessary conversations.
Run Against Violence: Championing Prevention and Safe Communities
Our commitment to prevention is at the heart of our mission. With family violence impacting 20% of Australian homes and costing the country $22 billion annually in services, our approach focuses on proactive measures to prevent violence before it starts. By promoting caring communities, supporting the normalisation of respectful relationships, fostering healthy self-esteem, and ensuring reliable services, we aim to create environments where family violence can no longer thrive.
Kirrily Dear explains, “Prevention is key. We can create lasting change by addressing the root causes of violence and equipping communities with the tools and knowledge they need. This is why we invest in programs like the Tuned In modules and support initiatives that provide seed funding for prevention services.”
Caring Conversations: The Theme for RAV’s 2024 Event
This year's Run Against Violence event centers around the theme "Caring Conversations." This theme aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Tuned In modules, emphasising the importance of equipping adults and facilitators with the skills they need to have those vital conversations. These programs are about more than just training; they foster a culture of safety, understanding, and support.
Our Virtual Team Challenge, RAV’s signature event, raises funds and fosters community engagement and awareness. By bringing people together during our annual challenge, we are collectively building communities free from family violence. The Caring Conversations theme highlights the power of dialogue in preventing violence and creating a supportive community environment.
A Call to Action for Educators and Youth Workers
The Tuned In modules are invaluable for educators, youth workers, health professionals, and any adult involved in group work with young people. By signing up for the modules, these professionals can take a significant step towards creating safer spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.
For more information on the Tuned In modules, visit the NAPCAN webpage.
The Tuned In modules represent a significant advancement in ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in group settings. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to preventing violence and promoting healthy relationships, NAPCAN, the Australian Catholic University, and Run Against Violence are making a profound impact. By equipping facilitators with the necessary skills, these modules contribute to a future where all young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered.
At Run Against Violence, we focus on preventing violence before it starts. This means creating a cultural shift towards respect and care, supporting, funding, and advocating for prevention services. Our goal is to build communities where family violence is not a hidden issue but a challenge actively addressed and prevented. We want communities free of family violence. This proactive approach ensures a safer, healthier future for all young people, allowing them to thrive in environments free from violence and fear.
Join us in the Run Against Violence 2024 event and be part of the Caring Conversations that can change lives. Together, we can make a difference and create communities where young people feel safe and supported.