On 19–20 February 2026, the CARES project successfully delivered its online Training of Trainers (ToT) on Face-to-Face (F2F) Delivery Techniques, bringing together trainers and partner representatives to strengthen practical delivery skills and ensure consistent training quality across countries.

The two-day ToT focused on how to deliver CARES training modules in a simple, practical, and efficient face-to-face format, regardless of trainers’ prior experience. The agenda was designed around a repeatable and trainer-friendly structure — short demonstration → guided practice → ready-to-use output — enabling participants to immediately apply what they learned in future local training sessions.

🔹 Day 1: Building Quality and Practical Delivery Skills

The first day established a common quality baseline for face-to-face delivery. Participants explored minimum delivery standards and trainer protocols to ensure consistency across partners, using CARES modules on Social Entrepreneurship and Green Skills as concrete examples.

Practical micro-teaching sessions followed, allowing trainers to observe short demonstrations and then practise delivery themselves with peer feedback. Modules on work-life balance, learning how to say no, and healthy lifestyle habits & psychological first aid were used to model interactive techniques that are easy to replicate in local contexts.

Later sessions focused on facilitating case discussions in a physical training room, including how to guide group dialogue, manage timing, and maintain participant engagement. Additional skill drills addressed stress management and recognising emotional and stress levels, reinforcing the CARES principle of combining skills development with caregiver well-being.

🔹 Day 2: Safe Facilitation and Implementation Readiness

The second day addressed the delivery of more sensitive content. Trainers explored safe, non-therapeutic facilitation techniques for modules related to trauma, fear, and emotional regulation. Emphasis was placed on grounding exercises, structured facilitation, and maintaining professional boundaries — without requiring personal disclosure.

The final block focused on implementation readiness and quality assurance. Partners worked together to identify a default 8-module CARES training package, ensuring that all future face-to-face sessions meet agreed standards while remaining adaptable to local needs.

The training concluded with the presentation of a one-page delivery template, providing trainers with a practical tool to prepare and document sessions consistently.

✅ Outcome of the Training

By the end of the ToT, participants were equipped with:

A shared understanding of CARES face-to-face delivery standards

Practical facilitation techniques applicable across all modules

Ready-to-use delivery structures and templates

Increased confidence to implement CARES training at local level

This Training of Trainers marks an important step toward the practical rollout of CARES learning activities, supporting high-quality, consistent training for caregivers across Europe.