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Professional Development Courses - General

Training That Makes a Real Difference – Anywhere in Scotland 

At Murray’s Initiative, we deliver high-quality, professional development training to practitioners, teams and workplaces — wherever you are in Scotland. We are committed to reaching you, whether that means delivering training in person at your location, hosting you in our Glasgow-based training suite or providing flexible online options.

What sets us apart from other training providers is our unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience. Our training is practical, evidence-based, and designed to create real-world impact — equipping participants not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to apply it.

Our purpose-built training space in Glasgow City Centre accommodates up to 20 delegates, but we are equally equipped to work with larger groups at your own venue. No matter the setting, our goal remains the same: to deliver powerful, meaningful learning that drives change.

General Courses

These short, 3-hour courses can be delivered as standalone modules, or joined together and tailored to your organisation for a full-day (6-hour) training experience.

  • Explore substance use and dependency through a compassionate, mental health-informed lens. This session examines the psychological and neurological aspects of dependency, the cycles of use and the impact on individuals, families and communities. 

    Participants will:

    • Understand substance use and dependency as a health and behavioural issue

    • Learn about the brain’s role in habit formation and compulsive behaviours

    • Explore stigma and its impact on recovery and support

    • Gain practical guidance on how managers and staff can respond effectively and sensitively

    Ideal for teams in health, social care, education and workplace settings looking to build confidence and competence in supporting individuals affected by substance use.

  • Deepen your understanding of alcohol use in Scotland and its impact on individual and community health. This interactive session explores the effects of alcohol on physical and mental wellbeing, addresses common myths and equips you with practical harm reduction strategies.

    Participants will learn how to:

    • Accurately calculate alcohol units

    • Distinguish facts from misconceptions

    • Promote safer drinking habits in personal and professional settings

    Ideal for anyone working in health, social care, education, or community support roles.

  • Explore what resilience truly means and how individuals adapt in the face of challenge and adversity. This session examines the connection between emotions, motivation and stress, while offering practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen resilience in both yourself and those you support. 

    Participants will:

    • Gain insight into the psychology of resilience

    • Understand how stress affects behaviour and wellbeing

    • Learn practical tools to build emotional strength, confidence and coping skills

    Ideal for professionals working in demanding or high-pressure environments and anyone supporting others through change or difficulty.

  • Gain a clear, up-to-date understanding of drug use in Scotland, including current trends, drug classifications and legal implications. This session also explores practical harm reduction approaches and outlines the support and treatment options available for individuals affected by drug use.

    Participants will:

    • Explore patterns and trends in drug use across Scotland

    • Understand drug categories, effects, and the law

    • Learn practical harm reduction strategies

    • Identify pathways to support, treatment, and recovery

    Ideal for professionals working in health, social care, education, and community services.

  • Understand the importance of maintaining clear, safe and ethical boundaries in professional settings. This session explores the role of boundaries in building trust, protecting wellbeing and upholding professional standards. 

    Key topics include:

    • Professional codes of conduct and ethical responsibilities

    • Navigating confidentiality, social media, and communication

    • The impact of language, tone, and personal presentation

    • Reflecting on personal values, beliefs, and their influence on practice 

    Ideal for anyone working in support, care, education, or community-based roles.

  • Duration:

    • 3 hours

    Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to act. This essential course raises awareness around drink and needle spiking, covering the most commonly used substances, their effects and the broader impact on individuals and communities 

    Participants will learn how to:

    • Recognise the signs and symptoms of spiking

    • Respond safely and effectively if someone is suspected to have been spiked

    • Take practical steps to reduce risk and create safer social environments

    • Understand the legal, social and wellbeing implications of spiking

    Ideal for:

    Staff in hospitality, events, nightlife, student services, security and anyone committed to fostering safer spaces.

Not found what you are looking for?

Please see our range of more specialist courses.

View our Specialist Courses

Our Approach

Our training combines expert-led sessions with interactive, hands-on activities—enhanced by comprehensive training packs and practical resources. Where appropriate, we also offer pre- and post-training consultation to support meaningful implementation. Bespoke training packages are available for organisations with specific needs.

We understand that conversations around alcohol, drugs and mental health — especially in the workplace — can be challenging. That is why all our training includes access to a confidential support and consultation process. This allows participants to ask questions, seek professional guidance and explore personalised next steps through our wide range of follow-up services.


Training Costs

We strive to offer accessible, high-quality training that meets the needs of individuals, teams and organisations across Scotland. All prices include training materials and follow-up resources. We deliver training in person or online.

Standard Rates

Half-Day (3 hours)

  • Individual place: £50

  • Group (up to 12 delegates): £550

Full-Day (6 hours, including a 1-hour break)

  • Individual place: £85

  • Group (up to 12 delegates): £935

Reduced Rates for Charities & Third Sector Organisations

We are committed to supporting the sector we are part of. Discounted rates are available for registered charities and voluntary organisations.

We also offer:

  • Multi-booking discounts for organisations booking multiple sessions

  • Flexible pricing for smaller or grassroots organisations—if cost is a barrier, please reach out. We will work with you to find a solution.

Bespoke Packages

We can design custom training packages tailored to your organisation’s goals and challenges. Pricing will be confirmed following an initial consultation.

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Book Your Training - Make a Difference

When you train with us, you are not just investing in professional development — you are directly supporting our frontline work with individuals and communities affected by alcohol, drug use and mental health challenges.

Every course booking helps sustain vital services and create lasting change. 

Ready to get started?
Contact us today to book your preferred course or to discuss a tailored training package for your team.