Training facilitators for nature-based group intervention in five countries

Abstract Background and aims Implementing psychosocial health interventions in new target groups and different cultures requires careful planning. This presentation will describe in detail how professionals’ training of the Finnish “Circle of Friends” (CoF) was adjusted and disseminated as “Friends in Nature” with nature-related adaptations in EU-funded project RECETAS into five other countries and tailored to their local contexts, and specific target populations. Methods The dissemination required several stages of modifications: 1) trainers changing from face-to-face training to online training for key facilitators in each country, 2) key facilitators adapting the training for local group facilitators in each country, and 3) group facilitators altering how they implemented learning outcomes in the intervention groups. Results The CoF training model was modified at each stage, but essential elements of the original model - such as goal-oriented, closed groups, empowering participants, using group dynamics to enhance interaction between participants, facilitators stepping back towards the end of group process and giving power to the group, facilitators receiving mentoring during the process - were largely maintained during the process. However, as loneliness is a stigmatized topic in many cultures, two study sites incorporated reflections on loneliness indirectly through a focus on social connection and friendships, rather than directly discussing it. Some study sites used an adapted version of learning diaries when mentoring their group facilitators. Key facilitators at all study sites brought up the challenges of group dynamics and the demands of being a mentor for the facilitators in the intervention groups. Conclusions We have successfully created a training model for FIN facilitators. This training model can be used in various contexts and cultures. Planned outcome analyses will evaluate whether and how these adaptations influence the efficacy of the intervention.