Sharing the benefits of the catalyst course
“Full of rich information and practical wisdom” - course participant
In this blog we share feedback from people who completed the Developing Evidence Enriched Practice (DEEP) catalyst course between April and July 2024.
We think this will help you decide if the course could be useful to you or someone you know.
What is the DEEP catalyst course?
The DEEP catalyst course is a free 10-week online course.
The course introduces the DEEP approach, which helps us:
- gather, explore and use different types of evidence in the development of social care policy and practice
- bring people together to think and talk about different types of evidence
- give everyone an opportunity to share and learn.
“There was a sense of ease and interest that made the sessions a welcome break and a place where you could think freely.” - Becky, member of a community organisation.
Who can attend?
Learners come from a variety of backgrounds and include:
- social care practitioners
- social care commissioners
- NHS workers
- people from community organisations
- community development workers
- academics.
What to expect from the course
Each session is facilitated by an experienced DEEP practitioner. They use supportive and engaging formats to help people learn more about how the DEEP approach can help them in their work.
“Informative and structured but with lots of room for shared dialogue and open discussion […] Everyone was encouraged to share their voice, experience and context.”
- Emma, carer development officer.
Participants enjoy and appreciate the course format:
- “Nick and Gill were great facilitators; it was a supportive, engaging format.” - Karen, social care commissioner.
- “very well facilitated. I really valued going into the separate groups to discuss and reflect.” - Maria, academic.
- “relaxed atmosphere, not rushed.” - Julie, senior social work practitioner.
Learning and putting the approach into practice
The course explores different methods promoted by DEEP. These include:
- storytelling
- Most Significant Change
- Appreciative Inquiry
- Magic/tragic moments.
"I particularly liked the modules around digital storytelling and magic and tragic moments, how they effectively highlight particular feelings, journeys, and accomplishments."
- Robin, community development worker.
The feedback also highlighted how people want to put the DEEP approach into practice and share their learning with colleagues. Some people shared how the course helped them understand the DEEP principles and how they could apply them to their practice.
“I'm confident in starting to use the DEEP approach. I've shared many of the training guides and tools with my team and we’re thinking across our work programme where the approach can add value. We have projects at scoping stage where we hope to use the tools effectively into 2025.”
- Karen, social care commissioner.
Want to know more?
The next catalyst course will run from April to July 2025. Places are limited so it's best to register your interest as soon as possible: https://insightcollective.socialcare.wales/whats-on/events/deep-catalyst-course-10-sessions.
To find out more, you can contact us directly: insightcollective@socialcare.wales.