At Respect Training, we firmly believe that the most impactful training programmes are those co-created with individuals who have first-hand experience of restraint.
Training is most effective when it is not just theoretical but grounded in real-life perspectives that reflect the complexities of supporting individuals. That’s why we take a collaborative approach, ensuring our training is not only relevant and practical but also rooted in authentic experiences that truly resonate with those delivering and receiving care.
What do we mean by co-production?
Co-production is more than just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to working in true partnership with individuals who have lived experience. This means actively involving people who have experienced restrictive practices in the design, delivery, and continual refinement of our training programmes. Their insights shape the content we provide, ensuring it reflects real challenges, emotions, and practical solutions. As a result, our training sessions become more relatable, impactful, and meaningful for participants.
Why co-production matters
Co-producing training with individuals who have lived experience brings significant benefits, and not just for the professionals receiving the training.
Ensuring relevance
By working closely with individuals who have been directly affected by restrictive practices, we make sure that the scenarios, strategies, and guidance within our training remain practical, applicable, and effective. The real-world experiences shared help professionals develop a deeper understanding of behaviours of concern and how to respond in a way that prioritises safety, dignity, and respect.
Fostering empathy
Training should do more than just inform—it should transform the way professionals approach their roles. Hearing personal stories from those who have experienced restraint or restrictive interventions first-hand fosters a greater sense of empathy among participants. This not only enhances their ability to respond thoughtfully and compassionately but also encourages them to adopt less restrictive, person-centred approaches in their daily practice.
Driving cultural change
Co-production plays a key role in shaping attitudes and transforming workplace culture. By collaborating with individuals with lived experience, we promote a broader commitment to respect, dignity, and person-centred care—principles that are central to the Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards. This approach not only benefits those in direct care but also strengthens organisational values, ensuring care settings become safer, more understanding, and more supportive environments for everyone.
Our commitment to co-production
At Respect Training, we are proud to be certified to the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards. As part of this commitment, we actively involve individuals with lived experience in key aspects of our training, ensuring that our approach remains ethical, effective, and truly impactful.
We do this by:
- Designing training content - working directly with people who have lived experience to create materials that reflect real-world challenges, emotions, and best practices.
- Continuous improvement – regularly reviewing and updating our training programmes based on feedback from those with lived experience, ensuring ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
The impact
By embedding co-production into our training, we:
- Create engaging and relatable content.
- Enhance understanding of the effects of restrictive practices.
- Promote preventative, person-centred care approaches.
Thanks to the people that take the time to share their experience with us, we are able to make sure that our training is impactful and aligned with the highest standards of respect and dignity.
Discover more about our co-produced, Restraint Reduction Network accredited training here.