Testimonials

“Our team work under significant pressure, in very difficult and even hostile environments around the world. They tell me that Mark’s workshop was not only the best training they had attended together, but was the best day they had spent together. Mark’s insights have had a significant positive impact on the work, and lives, of this small group and for that we are extremely grateful.”
Senior Manager, Oxfam GB

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“Merlin operates in some of the toughest places on the planet, so we brought in Achilles to help prepare some of our staff for the stresses and strains of working in the field. The response from those staff has been overwhelmingly positive – some have said it has made the difference between continuing to stay in the field at all; while more experienced field staff now based in HQ unanimously stated that they wished they’d had it before heading to the field initially”.

“Mark and the team are a pleasure to work with, and create a positive atmosphere for staff to engage”. Francis Woods – Merlin

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“I thought that I was pretty aware of my own resilience levels before attending this training, but I gained so many new insights into my own resilience and how to help others implement strategies so they can prevent and bounce back quickly!” – Stephanie, IAM, Afghanistan

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“For me, the Achilles Training came at the start of my two year contract in Afghanistan. This was perfect timing as I now feel more equipped to deal with the pressures of living/working here and more able to recognize the early signs of burnout in myself and others. At the start of the course I decided to be honest with myself and others about my strengths and weakness, fears (etc) and I am sure I got more from the course as a result. I learned a few techniques for stress management, which I have been practising and which have made a significant difference to my work life” – Joseph, Medair, Afghanistan

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“Just wanted to say thanks again, and to add some more feedback.  I think you’ve put together a remarkable course.  Having been on a couple of stress management courses in previous jobs I was expecting a much lighter touch, the Achilles version was much deeper, more complete and I really feel it has given all of us a lot to work with going forward.  The variation of facilitators is a real advantage.  We all respond to different stimulus and the contrast of you and James, and Shoshana, really covered all the bases. The level of expertise, and real experience you all have meant I felt in safe hands, and really made the course a cut above.

I also wanted to thank you personally for being so open with us.  It made the things you were telling us seem more realistic, and made it easier for me to open up.  It can’t be easy to constantly share personal things with new groups but I think that is part of what makes this course so effective and I really appreciated it. I also feel it has strengthened the bonds between us as a group, particularly with the trainees – we were close before but now we are all quite protective of each other and I think that will be a brilliant resource for me when I’m in the field.  I’ve passed your details on to a couple of people I worked with in previous charities.  They don’t have the same overseas aspect but so many of the things you taught me are valuable for any high pressure situation, and I think your particular course would be well received.

I have actually had to put the diffusing technique to use already.  A friend of mine saw someone fall under a train on her way home from work yesterday and obviously was very shaken.  We went for a walk (not straight to the pub as I might have suggested previously) and she just talked it through, and I was able to prompt her, encourage her to think about how she felt not just what she saw, and advise things she could do to keep safe.  I felt much more able to help than I would have a week ago. Thanks again for a brilliant 3 days, like the others I just wish we’d had more time.  I hope I never have to call from the field in a total panic, though I really appreciate that you offer that for us.  If you’re up in London in the next couple of months do give a shout.” – K, major international NGO, London

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