AN event providing specialist training for 130 professionals from across Cumbria whose work it is to protect those at risk or manage those convicted of sexual offences has taken place in Carlisle.

The psychology and psychological therapies team at University of Cumbria recently teamed up with Probation Service North West and Cumbria County Council to host the event.

Aimed at professional practitioners and students, it took place at the university’s Learning Gateway on its Fusehill Street campus and was led by Sarah Ward from the Probation Service.

University of Cumbria’s principal lecturer for psychology and psychological therapies, Dr Julie Taylor, said: “The programme for the day included talks from Iain McKay from the NSPCC; Paul Whitehouse from the Sex Offending Resource Team and myself.

“The morning’s talks were followed by a range of workshops in the afternoon looking at issues around Child to Parent Violence; Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour and skills for working with offending behaviour.”

“The multi-agency nature of the training was particularly valuable in terms of vibrant knowledge exchange. Participants’ evaluation of the day was extremely positive, suggesting that there is considerable scope to develop further partnership style training events.”

The event was part of continuing Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Cumbria.