founder of against the odds, wanting to make a change in the youth community

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.

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

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Trusted by schools & organisations across the UK
1000+
Students reached
100+
Talks delivered
50+
Schools & organisations worked with

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 with young people and the adults around them in a way that is honest, real and lasting.

teaching from lived experience about trauma and resilience

SERVICES

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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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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 confidently supporting young people facing adversity.

Voices from the community

Hear from schools, organisations and individuals who have experienced the message firsthand.
"Joel spoke to an audience of over 1,000 staff at The Bedford College Group and he completely captivated the room."
Curriculum leader
The Bedford College Group
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"one of the rawest, real and thought-provoking training sessions we've ever sat through"
Educato Recruitment
Educato Recruitment
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"I invited Joel to speak at our GM Victims Conference and wow, he is an incredibly gifted speaker with a powerful and moving story to share."
Partnerships Manager
Catch22
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"10/10 experience - Thanks Joel."
Director
The Nurturing Edge Consultancy
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"Highly recommend STAY training for residential staff. Absolutely fantastic."
Responsible Individual & Director
Children's homes provider
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"The most powerful and impactful training I have ever received."
Children's Home Manager
Residential children's home
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"The feedback we have received has been nothing short of amazing, with many highlighting the lasting impact of his sessions"
Director & Founder
Educato
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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"
Team Leader
Catch22
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"He's been keen to understand our needs and to ensure that carers will get the most from the sessions"
Fostering Manager
HOME Fostering
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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"
Career Coach
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"Due to the positive impact of his work, we now work with Joel on a weekly basis"
Head Teacher
Oak Haven 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"
Executive Director
YIPA
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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 always work 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 recognise 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.

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. Email or call with your setting, preferred dates, and whether you need a talk, workshop, STAY or SEEN session. I’ll reply with availability and a simple next step.

Joel Tennant — get in touch
joel@againsttheoddsmovement.co.uk
07561 310707
Manchester, United Kingdom
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