Nurtured Heart Approach® Training
An Immersive Learning Experience - Certification Training Intensive
February 2-6, 2026 | How Hill House
This training is a 4.5 day immersion into the Nurtured Heart Approach for both personal and professional development. There will be interactive sessions, breakout groups, experiential exercises, social activities and plenty of time to network with others. For those seeking Advanced Trainer certification, there will be additional activities.
This in-person training event will be held in Norfolk, England. On completion of the Certification Training Intensive (CTI) you will become Certified as either 1) a Certified Trainer (CT) if this is your first time completing a CTI or 2) an Advanced Trainer (AT) if you have already achieved CT status. On completion of the training you will walk away with extensive tools to enable you to practice, coach and/or teach the NHA. It is suitable for educators, health care professionals, business leaders, and parents/carers seeking to change their own lives, or inspire others.
Ticket Information
We have a number of different ticket options available – browse below to find out which one is most suitable for you!
Becoming a Nurtured Heart Approach Trainer may not be your reason for attending this training but the booking information classifies you as either attending a Certification Training Intensive (CTI) for the first time or potentially becoming a Certified Trainer (CT) or as a returning Certified or Advanced Trainer (AT).Â
All ticket options include:
- Four and a half days teaching in the Nurtured Heart Approach from Peer Leaders and Advanced Trainers
- Lunch available Monday-Thursday with refreshments served each day
- Gala Dinner on Thursday (early evening)
- Certification valid for 3 years along with access to Licenced Material during this time frame
Should you have any questions, please get in touch with us at events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk
The Venue
The training will be delivered at How Hill House in Ludham and we will have exclusive use of the House for the duration of the training. There are extensive grounds, with woodland and river walks and incredible views across the Norfolk Broads.
There are breakout rooms for participants to use during the training and for relaxation during the breaks, including the Sun Room with breathtaking views across the River Ant, where you can spot all kinds of birds and other wildlife.
There is plenty of parking on site. The closest train station is Hoveton and Wroxham and the nearest bus stops are in Ludham.
Your Trainers
The training will be led by Kirsty Pitcher and Julie Mears from The Benjamin Foundation, a youth charity that has been using the Nurtured Heart Approach in all their services since 2013. Kirsty and Julie have worked closely with Howard Glasser (creator of the Nurtured Heart Approach) for many years and bring unique perspectives from using NHA in work with children and young people, parents, staff teams and whole organisations, as well as in their personal lives.Â
Kirsty Pitcher
Julie Mears
Kirsty Pitcher is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Benjamin Foundation. Kirsty’s professional background was in Education Welfare and later as a qualified Social Worker. Kirsty returned to her home county of Norfolk in 2010 to start working at The Benjamin Foundation as a Parenting Specialist and has embraced a variety of management and leadership roles since then before being appointed as CEO in October 2023.
Kirsty is an Advanced Trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach and is passionate about sharing this approach which challenges people to recognise their qualities of greatness and reframe challenging situations.
Kirsty lives in North Norfolk where she enjoys the vast, often completely empty beaches and the big sky although she does like going to hilly places on holiday
Julie Mears has over 40 years’ experience of working with children and young people, particularly providing emotional wellbeing support. She uses the Nurtured Heart Approach to help children in developing strength-based strategies to manage issues such as anxiety and also to recognise their unique greatness. She is an Advanced Nurtured Heart Trainer within the Benjamin Foundation and a certified NHA Mentor and has trained hundreds of families and professionals, helping them recognise what is going right in every situation and teaching the principles of ‘reset’.
Julie lives in a village just outside Norwich with husband Andy, two hens and their cheeky cocker spaniel who has also mastered the art of ‘reset’
FAQ's
Do I need to bring lunch?
No, we have this covered. This is a fully catered event that is suitable for most dietary requirements. We will check these with you when you book. Daily refreshments, all lunches and a gala dinner on the Thursday evening will be provided.
Where do I stay?
For the best possible immersive Nurtured Heart experience we recommend staying onsite if you can. There are ensuite rooms available at How Hill House where the training is being delivered. Evening meals and breakfast are included for those who book accommodation. Some rooms have multiple beds which means you could share a room with a colleague, friend or family member. Alternatively, there are other local hotels nearby such as a Travel Lodge at Acle.