Navigating how and where to find support can be tricky at the best of times. For people experiencing multiple disadvantage, finding help is often overwhelming, disjointed, and impersonal.
This is where an exciting new approach called My Team Around Me (MTAM) comes in. MTAM challenges traditional models of care by putting the individual at the heart of their own support network.
Rather than professionals working in silos, MTAM encourages collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuity of support. Crucially, it gives individuals the power to choose who is involved in their support – whether that’s professionals, trusted community members, or people with lived experience. This helps build trust and makes it far more likely that any change created will last.
Bespoke MTAM training
Our MTAM training programme introduces this new support approach through real-life client experiences, reflection, and practical exercises. One participant said:
“Client stories really brought the training to life. It was very informative and the team did a great job delivering it.”
Designed with operational staff and managers in mind, the training is also open to strategic leads and community members who want to understand how joined-up, trauma-informed working can help people experiencing multiple disadvantage make lasting change in their lives.
MTAM stands out because it doesn’t just offer one theory or way of doing things. Instead it invites participants to bring their own experiences and challenges into the room. One attendee said:
“It made me see multi-agency working through another perspective. It was really helpful to share experiences with professionals from other services.”
Lasting impact
The impact has been clear. The first round of MTAM training reached nearly 200 people from 33 organisations across Bristol including mental health, domestic abuse, substance use, homelessness, criminal justice and grassroots support. By the end of the second session, 84% of participants rated their understanding of MTAM as ‘high’, compared to just 4% at the start.
If you’re looking for new ways to support the people you work with – or to change the systems around them – this training could be a good place to start.
The next round of MTAM training will take place at St Werburgh’s Farm Community Building during the first two weeks of May. Bookings are now open. Sign up here