Leon Ledwidge
Leon primary qualification is in Social Care but her passion for lifelong learning and Continued Professional Development has led her to achieving qualifications in Training Design and Development, Project management and an MA in Child, Family and Community Studies. Leon has worked in the Health and Social Care sector for 30 years. She has extensive experience in the residential care, was a family support worker, and also has worked in the disability sector. For the last 15 years she has worked predominantly in training and education within the Health and Social Care and charities sector. She is also a long serving member of the Board of her professional Body (Social Care Ireland) and currently holds the role of Chair of the Board.
‘Relationships are dynamic and troublesome’
Why I believe this training works: ‘Relationships are dynamic and troublesome’ one of the two quotes from training sessions that have stood the test of time for me as a practitioner. The other is ‘only in a place of relational safety can lasting change occur’ (Dr. Thom Garfat). As a social care worker I know that relationship based practice is the corner stone of my profession. I know I work in the relational space and that relationships matter. Research tells us that our relationships are a key determinant of our health and wellbeing. What they do not tell us is how to build those relationships with the people we work with and what might get in the way of relating in the moment. The ABLE training I believe gives us the key skills of ‘how to’ make moments of meaning and connection even when our time with someone is limited to a few minutes. I use the framework to help me have supportive conversations in all aspects of my professional life whether I have five minutes or fifty minutes. It allows be to tune into the meaning behind the words, the cues and signals from the person and what we might create together in this relational space no matter how short.