founder of against the odds, wanting to make a change in the youth community
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Trauma-informed school workshops & staff training

Helping schools, PRUs and youth organisations support young people facing adversity through lived experience, behaviour insight andreal-world strategies.

Trauma-informed
school workshops &
staff training

Helping schools, PRUs and youth organisations support young
people facing adversity through lived experience, behaviour insight and
real-world strategies.

Book A Workshop
Trusted by schools & Organisations across the UK
1000+
Students reached
100+
talks Delivered
50+
Schools & Organisations worked with
trauma informed youth speaker delivering school workshops UK
Blue rounded rectangle with a smiling circle character holding a phone, text saying "Reinstate my account" and a blue button labeled "Proceed".

Speaking from real life experiences.

Everything I do is informed by lived experience and lessons learned through real life, not textbooks. That insight allows me to connect in an honest, credible way. I work with organisations to help individuals strengthen resilience, grow in confidence, and develop direction, demonstrating that potential is shaped by decisions, not circumstances.

Read My Story
teaching from lived experience about trauma and resilience

Recent talks and
engagements

founder talking about what trauma taught him about resilience

what trauma taught me about resilience

This talk is about how trauma can influence, behaviour, emotional response and resilience.
Behaviour
Resilience
response
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a talk on how everyday choices can shape outcomes

Choices, Consequences, and Change

A talk on how everyday choices can shape outcomes.
Decision making
Accountability
Progress
View
staff training session on trauma and resilience

Behavioiur is communication

A talk on understanding that behavoir is a form of communication.
Understanding
Response
Relationship
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SERVICES

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01

Raw. Powerful. Honest.

My keynote talks are built to make an impact fast. I speak openly about identity, belonging, choices, peer pressure and breaking negative cycles. Young people listen because they know my story is real, nothing is sugar-coated.

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02

Smaller groups. Deeper conversations. Real change.

My workshops are interactive and straight to the point. I don’t lecture I get young people talking, thinking and reflecting.

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A structured 6-week journey for young people who need consistent guidance.

This 6-week programme supports individuals to develop resilience, confidence, and positive decision-making. Grounded in lived experience, it focuses on real-life challenges, accountability, and practical strategies that encourage long-term change.

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Staff training informed by lived experience.

Staff training informed by lived experience, focused on understanding behaviour, strengthening relationships, and confident, effective practice.

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voices from the community

hear from schools, organisations and individuals who have experienced the message firsthand.
"The feedback we have received has been nothing short of amazing, with many highlighting the lasting impact of his sessions"
Thomas Gleeson
Director/ Founder
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"Attended Joel’s staff training session today and I have to say it was brilliant. From start to finish it was engaging, insightful, and genuinely impactful"
Marcus
Team Leader
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"He's been keen to understand our needs and to ensure that carers will get the most from the sessions"
Cathy Sowden
Fostering Manager for HOME
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"He doesn't just tell his story; he uses it to build bridges of understanding and provide hope for others in similar situations"
Sharon Foster
Experienced Career Coach
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"Due to the positive impact of his work, we now work with Joel on a weekly basis"
Narda Sestanovic
Head Teacher (Oak Heaven school SEMH setting)
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"What inspires me most about Joel is his willingness to be vulnerable and to take what life has presented to him"
Paul Meunier
Executive Director
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FAQs

Q1: Can you support individual behaviour plans or high-risk cases?

A: Yes. I’ve supported young people on behaviour plans and those at risk of exclusion. I work safely within your safeguarding framework.

Q2: How do you get young people engaged so quickly?

A: I don’t walk in as “a speaker.” I walk in as someone who gets it. Young people instantly recognize honesty and trust me because I'm not reading from a script.

Q3: Can your sessions reduce behaviour issues in the classroom?

A: Yes. When young people understand who they are and why they get triggered, they start making better choices immediately.

Q4: How quickly can we book you?

A: I work nationwide. If I have space, I can attend within the same week for assemblies.

Get in touch

Send a message and let's start the conversation.

Joel@againsttheoddsmovement.co.uk
Manchester-United Kingdom
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