Our Approach

Introduction

Hood Lessons Ltd is dedicated to transforming the lives of youth through innovative, research-driven programs in neurology, psychology, and trauma-informed practices. Led by Andrew Fuller, a highly skilled youth and behaviour specialist, our organisation addresses the needs of traumatised children and teenagers, providing them with the tools to build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and forge positive relationships.

Mission Statement

Our mission at Hood Lessons Ltd is to empower youth by addressing the root causes of behavioural issues and promoting holistic development. We strive to create supportive environments where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where all youth have access to the support and resources they need to overcome trauma and lead fulfilling lives. Our goal is to be a leading organisation in trauma-informed care, setting the standard for best practices in youth support.

Our Approach

Trauma-Informed Care

Our programs are built on a deep understanding of the neuroscience and psychology of trauma. We focus on creating environments that are safe and supportive, allowing youth to heal and grow.

  • Understanding Trauma: We educate staff and volunteers about the effects of trauma on the brain and behaviour.
  • Creating Safe Spaces: We design our programs to be physically and emotionally safe for participants.
  • Supporting Healing: We provide interventions that promote resilience and recovery.

Compassionate Support

Empathy and understanding are at the heart of our approach. We believe that every young person deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.

  • Building Trust: We work to establish strong, trusting relationships with the youth we serve.
  • Fostering Empathy: We teach youth to understand and empathise with others, promoting a culture of kindness and support.
  • Providing Consistent Support: Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide consistent, reliable support.

Ethical Practice

We adhere to strict ethical standards to ensure that our programs are safe and effective.

  • Maintaining Boundaries: We train our staff to maintain professional boundaries and provide appropriate support.
  • Ensuring Confidentiality: We respect the privacy of the youth we serve and handle their information with care. 
  • Referring When Necessary: We recognise when specialised support is needed and make appropriate referrals.

Services Provided

Individual Support

We offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of traumatised children and teenagers.

  • Relational and Emotional Support: We address the relational and emotional needs of youth, helping them build healthy relationships and emotional resilience.
  • Healthy Resilience Building: We provide tools and strategies to help youth develop resilience and face the  stress which can lead to risky behaviours. 
  • Positive Relationships: We promote positive relationships with peers, family, and community members.

Organisational Training

We provide training and support to organisations that work with traumatised youth.

  • Educator Training: We offer training for educators on trauma-informed practices and interventions.
  • Mental Health Professional Training: We provide training for mental health professionals on supporting traumatised youth.
  • Community Organisation Support: We work with community organisations to develop effective strategies for supporting youth.

Programmes and Initiatives

Gang and Serious Youth Violence

We address gang involvement and youth violence through targeted interventions and community collaboration.

  • Community Work: We work directly within communities to reduce gang involvement and youth violence.
  • High-Risk Mentoring: We provide intensive support and guidance to high-risk youth.
  • Collaboration with Local Authorities: We work closely with local authorities to design and implement effective interventions.

Parental Support

We offer support and resources for parents of SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) students.

  • Parent Workshops: We provide workshops on trauma-informed parenting practices.
  • Support Groups: We offer support groups for parents to share experiences and strategies.
  • Resources and Referrals: We provide access to resources and referrals for additional support.

Training for Schools and Local Authorities

We offer tailored training programs for schools and local authorities on trauma-informed practices.

• School Training: We provide training for school staff on supporting traumatised students.

Local Authority Training: We work with local authorities to develop policies and practices that support traumatised youth.

Tailored Programs: We design training programs to meet the specific needs of each organisation.

Key Areas of Focus

Root Causes vs. Symptoms

Our programs are designed to address the root causes of behavioural issues rather than merely the symptoms.

  • Understanding Behaviour: We focus on understanding the underlying reasons behind behaviours.
  • Addressing Trauma: We provide interventions that address trauma and promote healing.
  • Promoting Resilience: We help youth develop resilience and healthy coping mechanisms.

Holistic Development

We address various life stages to promote healthy development and supportive relationships.

  • Childhood: We provide support for early trauma and promote healthy development.
  • Brotherhood/Sisterhood: We encourage supportive peer relationships.
  • Fatherhood/Motherhood: We support parents in their role and address generational trauma.
  • Adulthood: We prepare young people for positive adult lives.

Impact

Holistic Approach

By addressing the root causes of behavioural issues, we empower youth to enact positive change in their lives.

  • Comprehensive Support: We provide a range of services to meet the unique needs of each youth.
  • Positive Outcomes: Our programs promote long-term positive outcomes for youth and their families.

Compassion Theory

We foster empathy and understanding, creating safe spaces for healing.

  • Empathy Training: We teach youth and staff to understand and empathise with others.
  • Safe Environments: We create environments that are physically and emotionally safe for participants.
  • Healing and Growth: We support healing and growth through compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Collaborative Efforts

We work closely with local authorities and community organisations to design and implement effective interventions.

  • Partnerships: We build strong partnerships with local authorities and community organisations.
  • Collaborative Planning: We work together to design and implement effective interventions.
  • Shared Goals: We align our efforts with the goals of our partners to maximise impact.

Methodologies

1:1 Behaviour Interventions

We provide individual behaviour interventions to address specific needs.

  • Personalised Support: We tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each youth.
  • Evidence-Based Practices: We use evidence-based practices to ensure effectiveness.
  • Continuous Evaluation: We continuously evaluate our interventions to ensure they are meeting the needs of our participants.

Trauma-Informed Mentoring for High-Risk Students

We provide trauma-informed mentoring for high-risk students to support their development and well-being.

  • Mentor Training: We train mentors on trauma-informed practices and interventions.
  • Intensive Support: We provide intensive support and guidance to high-risk students.
  • Positive Role Models: We connect students with positive role models who can provide guidance and support.

Strategic School Assemblies

We offer strategic school assemblies to promote trauma-informed practices and positive behaviours.

  • Educational Presentations: We provide educational presentations on trauma-informed practices and positive behaviours.
  • Interactive Activities: We engage students in interactive activities to promote understanding and empathy.
  • School-Wide Initiatives: We work with schools to develop school-wide initiatives that support traumatised students.

Hood Lessons "Count the Cost" Programme

Our "Count the Cost" programme focuses on six key pillars: identity/self-worth, CBT, neuroplasticity, systems and new patterns, psycho-education, and futures, careers, and next steps.

  • Identity/Self-Worth: We help youth understand and embrace their true identity and cultivate self-worth.
  • CBT: We teach cognitive-behavioural techniques to help youth manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
  • Neuroplasticity: We educate youth on the brain's ability to change and adapt.
  • Systems and New Patterns: We help youth develop new, healthy patterns of behaviour.
  • Psycho-Education: We provide education on the effects of trauma and strategies for recovery.
  • Futures, Careers, and Next Steps: We help youth plan for their futures and take steps toward their goals.

Focus on Schools, SEMH, and PRUs

Our efforts are primarily targeted towards schools, SEMH, and PRUs, aiming to provide comprehensive support without involving prison systems.

Schools

We work with schools to provide trauma-informed support for students and staff.

  • Student Support: We offer individual and group interventions for students.
  • Staff Training: We provide training for school staff on trauma-informed practices.
  • School-Wide Initiatives: We work with schools to develop school-wide initiatives that support traumatised students.

SEMH

We provide specialised support for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

  • Individual Interventions: We offer individual interventions for students with SEMH needs.
  • Group Support: We provide group support for students to develop social skills and emotional resilience.
  • Parental Support: We offer support for parents of students with SEMH needs.

Alternative Provisions

We work with Pupil Referral Units to provide targeted support for students who have been excluded from mainstream schools.

  • Personalised Interventions: We tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each student.
  • Reintegration Support: We support students in their reintegration into mainstream schools.
  • Collaboration with PRUs: We work closely with PRUs to develop effective strategies for supporting students.