Act Care proudly reinforces its commitment to safety, staff confidence, and professional growth by delivering high-quality CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training as part of its induction and ongoing development programme for all staff.
CPI trainer Phil Durman regularly leads intensive training sessions for both newly appointed and existing staff at Enidaso House, under the supervision of Registered Manager Laura McLaughlin . These sessions equip team members with essential skills and knowledge to manage challenging behaviours safely and respectfully, in line with Act Care’s values and standards of care.
Training Overview
CPI training is delivered over three consecutive days at the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub, running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This extended format allows participants to fully absorb the principles, techniques, and philosophy behind CPI’s approach to crisis prevention and intervention.
A Tiered Approach to Crisis Prevention
Staff are guided through three progressive levels of CPI intervention:
- Foundation Level: Focuses on de-escalation strategies and proactive support
- Advanced Level: Introduces physical intervention techniques for higher-risk scenarios
- Emergency Level: Covers team-based interventions and high-level restrictions for situations requiring immediate safety measures
Each level builds upon the previous, ensuring staff understand not only how to apply the techniques, but also why they are used. The training consistently emphasises dignity, safety, and respect.
Interactive and Practical Learning
Training sessions are highly interactive and include:
- Video demonstrations of CPI techniques.
- Live instruction from Phil Durman.
- Hands-on practice, with participants repeating techniques until confident and proficient.
This immersive approach ensures staff can apply CPI strategies effectively in real-world care settings.
Key CPI Techniques Practised
Here are some of the CPI techniques regularly taught and practised during training:
Supportive Stance
Staff learn how to maintain a non-threatening posture to reduce tension and promote calm interactions.
Block and Move
Used in response to strikes, this technique helps staff safely redirect physical aggression while maintaining control.
Push and Pull Techniques for Safe Disengagement
A core part of the training focuses on the Push and Pull technique, which allows staff to safely disengage from physical contact while minimising harm. This method redirects energy and creates space, helping staff exit potentially harmful situations without escalating behaviour.
Staff practise responses to various physical contacts, including:
- Wrist Grabs: Gentle disengagement using leverage and balance.
- Clothing Grabs: Redirecting grip and stepping away safely.
- Hair Grabs: Stabilising the head and releasing the grip with control.
- Neck Grabs: Protecting the airway and disengaging with minimal resistance.
- Body Grabs: Using body weight and push-pull dynamics to break free.
- Bites: Positioning safely and disengaging calmly to reduce injury risk.
Each scenario is demonstrated and practised repeatedly to ensure staff understand both the mechanics and the rationale behind each technique.
Turning Away Technique
This method teaches staff how to disengage safely through controlled movement. It involves:
- Hold and Stabilise: Securing the contact point to prevent sudden movements.
- Pull/Push: Creating space and redirecting energy.
- Lever: Using body mechanics to break free gently.
Staff practise these movements under close supervision, reinforcing the importance of calm, respectful, and proportionate responses.
Supine Position
An emergency intervention such as the supine position is used only when absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of both the young person and the staff. Staff are trained to support a young person who collapses to the ground by restricting head, arm, and leg movements in a controlled and respectful manner, helping to prevent injury and maintain safety during high-risk incidents.
Low-Level Restrictions (Seated/Standing)
These techniques are used to manage escalating behaviour with minimal force, while maintaining the young person’s dignity and ensuring staff control. Staff are trained to approach a young person (YP) seated in a safe and respectful manner. A key aspect involves positioning to cover the young person’s elbows, preventing them from using their arms to strike or resist. This also protects the assisting staff member on the opposite side, reducing the risk of being struck. The approach focuses on teamwork, safety, and maintaining a calm environment.
Medium and High-Level Restrictions (Seated/Standing)
These techniques are applied in more serious situations and require coordinated team responses to ensure safety.
Team Interventions
Staff practise working collaboratively to manage high-risk scenarios safely and effectively. This includes guiding a young person in crisis into a high-level restriction while standing, and transitioning them into seated or supine positions when necessary. The focus is on ensuring the safety of the young person and those around them, while maintaining control and minimising distress.
Training also covers how to safely transport a young person in a high-level restriction through a doorway, with emphasis on coordination, communication, and positioning to prevent harm and maintain dignity.
Commitment to Excellence
All staff complete CPI training feeling empowered, confident, and aligned with Act Care’s values of compassionate and safe care. The skills gained support them in delivering high-quality care while maintaining safety for both service users and themselves.
CPI training is a cornerstone of Act Care’s commitment to excellence in service delivery and staff development. Every team member, whether new or experienced, is equipped to contribute meaningfully to a safe, respectful, and supportive care environment.
💬 Why Choose Act Care
- Outcome-focused care that reduces dependency.
- Safe, stable placements with therapeutic support.
- Collaborative working with professionals and families.
- Respectful, inclusive culture that values every individual.
📞 Get in Touch
We welcome referrals and enquiries from commissioning teams, social workers, and local authorities.
📞 07401 131547 📧 referrals@actcare.co.uk 📧 info@actcare.co.uk 🌐 actcare.co.uk
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