Protecting Wellbeing when Working with Distressing Topics and Content (DToC) (Online)

Learners will understand what DToC is and how it affects them. They will be supported to reflect on their individual characteristics, social networks, work and home environments culminating in a bespoke wellbeing plan.

The course is structured into three weeks of learning starting with (1) understanding exposure to DToC, moving onto (2) strategies for protecting wellbeing, and then (3) planning for prevention and protection.

This course:

• takes a preventative approach to working with DToC
• will draw on the latest research on exposure to DToC and protecting wellbeing
• was co-created by subject matter experts, and practitioners and researchers with lived experience
• culminates in a individualised wellbeing plan based on continuous reflection prompted and supported throughout the course

The course is an online, self-paced course hosted by FutureLearn. The course is structured into three weeks' of learning but which can be completed at the learner's own pace. During the course, we will cover the following topics:

• What terms like “distressing” and “emotionally demanding” mean, who works on such material/topics, and what motivates us to work in these areas
• How experiences of what is distressing or emotionally demanding change over time and can differ between individuals
• The impacts of exposure to DToC on individuals, teams, and organisations
• How exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and other practices can be beneficial to your personalised wellbeing routine
• The components of healthy professional relationships and healthy working environments
• What reflective practice is, why it is important, and how to do it individually and as part of a wider team or organisation
• What wellbeing strategies work best for you
• How to create, continually develop, and use a personalised toolkit to support your wellbeing

This course is developed and hosted by the Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB). Centre-UB is part of a national investment in behavioural research capacity and capability by the ESRC, and that was launched in 2023. Centre-UB deliver training in behavioural research across the UK to doctoral and post-doctoral students, and for professionals working in government and across the public and private sector.

The topic of working with emotionally demanding material and topics has been identified as a key priority area for training. This course was subsequently co-produced and developed with experts working in this area and is designed to enhance behavioural research capacity and capability.   

This course is designed for anyone who works with DToC, or who is exposed to it as part of their work or studies. The course is applicable to many professions, including content moderators, those working in policing, law enforcement, and justice settings, health and social care workers, civil servants, researchers, charity workers, and clinical and forensic practitioners. Content is designed to be relevant to staff at all levels, those who have been in their role for some time or who are new recruits, and those responsible for the wellbeing of staff under their management. The course is online and self-paced to enable learners to fit the course around work and personal life commitments.   

Fees for 2025/26 entry

Non-credit short course: £100

To register your interest in the course or to discuss discounts on bulk seat purchase, please email cpd-centreub@contacts.bham.ac.uk

To register your interest in the course or to discuss discounts on bulk seat purchase, please email cpd-centreub@contacts.bham.ac.uk