About Us
C&F Training is a Social Enterprise which was established in 2022. In the core team is Fionnuala O’Brien and Clara Leonard. The model we have developed sees C&F Training working closely with industry experts to deliver training, accreditation, consultation and supervision. We are keen to work with anyone interested in becoming a trainer or assessor for the 5-Step Method in Ireland.
Fionnuala O’Brien
Fionnuala’s has a BSc and MSc in Forensic Psychology from Teesside University. Her background has focused on working with people with mental health issues who are in contact with the criminal justice system. Fionnuala has experience in court liaison and diversion, and pre and post sentencing assessment and intervention embedded within HM Prison & Probation Service in London. In addition to forensic mental health, she has over 12 years’ experience in general mental health, dual diagnosis, mental health rights and restrictions, patient information development and project management for NICE Guidance.
Since returning to Ireland, Fionnuala has focused on developing and delivering training programmes. She has worked with AFINet to further expand the accessibility of the 5-Step Method within Ireland and internationally. Fionnuala has maintained her links with HM Prison & Probation Service and the developments within the area of Chemsex-Related Crime and Vulnerability and Project Sagamore. She is an current member of the Chemsex Crime - Professionals Peer Support Group.
Clara Leonard
Clara has over 25 years’ experience in administration, project management, financial management, event management, training coordination, governance & office and people management. In her last role Clara gained over 10 years’ experience working directly with AFINet and the 5-Step Method and as a result has an in depth knowledge of the training, supervision and support required. Clara holds certificates from NUI Maynooth in Counselling and Addiction Studies and most recently from Open College Ireland in Human Resources.
Through the work in her last role Clara developed a passion for supporting vulnerable people and assisting them where possible to divert to alternative paths in life. This work has identified the need for quality training for individuals working in drug services supporting vulnerable people.
C&F Training
At C&F Training we understand there are many services across the country delivering different models of family support. We have experience working with new and existing services and organisations who provide interventions and support to people impacted by a loved ones substance use or gambling behaviour. We can work with you to ascertain how the 5-Step Method could embed within your current model of family support. We understand there are different interventions for affected family members, and our aim is support practitioners to increase their confidence and competence in delivering evidence based interventions.
Our combined experience has allowed us to develop strong network links with task force coordinators and practitioners nationally and internationally. Through this work we aim to promote effective inter-agency communication of best practice and developments within family support.
C&F Training work closely with Addiction and the Family International Network, AFINet, who have awarded us the sole training and accreditation licence for the 5-Step Method in Ireland. C&F Training form a crucial role in maintaining the evidence base for the intervention. We are one of the primary training providers contracted by AFINet for international training. We will continue to work closely with AFINet and other international partners to further enhance the accessibility of the 5-Step Method while contributing to the success of the intervention globally.
Become an Accredited Practitioner
Complete the 5 Step Method Training Program and accreditation process to become an official practitioner with C&F Training.
Register your interest
We will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your query.