Training

Specialist training for children and young people’s mental health professionals
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Empowering the Workforce Supporting Young People’s Mental Health

ADS (Associate Development Solutions) is committed to providing high-quality training and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of mental health professionals working with children and young people. By delivering specialised programmes that combine evidence-based practices, innovative leadership techniques, and robust clinical frameworks, ADS empowers practitioners to enhance their skills and make meaningful contributions to mental health service transformation.

We offer bespoke training to professionals on various subjects related to children and young people’s mental health, including the Whole School Approach principles, identification of mental health and attachment difficulties, and using CBT-informed strategies. Our training programmes are designed to equip your staff with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care and support.

Examples of our training

Explore a diverse range of leadership and management programmes designed to support professionals at every stage of their career. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to refine executive-level expertise, these offerings combine accredited qualifications, neuroscience-based insights, and professional networks to empower confident, effective leadership.

Centrally-Funded CYPMH-Specific Training and Professional Development

ADS provide several centrally funded training programmes on behalf of NHS England across the Midlands and beyond:

Training for Practitioners Working in Inpatient Settings

The Inpatient Training Programme (ITP) is a 12-day, CPD-accredited programme, across a four-month period, comprising ten days online live training and two days e-learning.

There are also opportunities to attend a two-day DBT core training programme, as well as an ILM-accredited leadership and management programme.

Postgraduate Certificate Transformational Leadership (CYPMH)

This postgraduate certificate course is designed to provide leaders and managers in children’s mental health services with advanced expertise in leadership and transformational change.

As part of the national Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation programme, it is funded by Health Education England and the Midlands CYP MH Regional Collaborative.

The course is delivered by ADS and accredited by the University of Northampton.

Key topics covered include transformational leadership theory, various leadership styles, resilience, compassion and organisational culture.

Speak To Us About Funded Training

ILM Leadership Courses tailored around CYPMH

ADS is an ILM Approved Centre and Recognised Provider. This indicates adherence to monitored and supported standards of:

  • Knowledge, skills, and experience of staff
  • Quality of learning materials and lesson plans
  • Training processes, facilities, and learner focus

ILM Level 5 Leadership and Management Programme - Frontline Leadership

This ILM accredited leadership programme aims to enhance leadership knowledge, skills, and confidence, focusing on self-awareness, time management, and effective team and senior management engagement.

Incorporating cognitive neuroscience insights, the programme is suitable for aspiring leaders, project managers, department heads, and those preparing for senior management roles.

ILM 7 in Leadership & Management

The ILM Level 7 in Leadership & Management offers a comprehensive certificate or award programme designed for senior leaders or those aiming to improve their leadership skills.

This course focuses on developing strategic thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and high-performance cultures within organisations.

Enquire About Our Leadership Courses

Fresh to CYPMH

The Fresh to CYPMH Training Programme offers new Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) staff training and support. It aims to help them understand the unique aspects of working with young people facing mental health issues.

The training covers how child development affects mental health and working within systems like family, peers, and education. The programme aims to create more effective clinicians and positively impact staff recruitment and retention.

Find out more

Featured Insights

Understanding Infant Mental Health

Why the First 1,000 Days Matter More Than You Think

Did you know your baby’s brain develops faster in the first three years than at any other time? Discover how secure relationships, early experiences, and emotional regulation shape not just childhood, but a lifetime of mental wellbeing—and what we can do to support every family right from the start.

Find out more

The Power of Routine Outcome Measures

From Gut Feeling to Hard Evidence – Why Routine Outcome Measures Matter

What if we could track a young person’s mental health like a sat nav tracks your journey? Dive into how Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs) are helping clinicians personalise care, improve outcomes, and empower young people to take charge of their own mental health journey.

Find out more

Clinical Supervision in Children and Young People’s Mental Health Practice

Keeping Therapists Mentally Healthy Too – The Power of Supervision

Behind every effective mental health intervention is a well-supported clinician. Explore how clinical supervision boosts skills, safeguards wellbeing, and ensures high-quality care—whether it’s CBT, family therapy, or frontline education support.

Find out more

Enhancing Mental Health Services Through Youth Participation

More Than a Seat at the Table – Young People Shaping Mental Health Services

True participation isn’t just being heard—it’s being taken seriously. Find out how young people across the Midlands are driving change, shaping services, and helping create a mental health system that truly reflects their needs and voices.

Find out more

Transforming Mental Health Services for Children and Young People

From Big Ideas to Real Impact – How the Midlands Is Rewriting the Rulebook

Born out of the CYP IAPT legacy, the Midlands CYP MH Collaborative is leading a quiet revolution in children’s mental health. Meet the people, principles, and partnerships making mental health support more accessible, accountable, and effective for young people.

Find out more

Mental Health Ambassadors

Empowering Students to Lead Change in Schools

The Mental Health Ambassadors Programme empowers students to speak up, tackle stigma, and inspire change. Through training, leadership, and lived experience, young people are gaining the skills and confidence to champion wellbeing and transform school communities.

Find out more