Safe Holds
Safe holds training helps your team understand how to handle distressed behaviour safely. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers, with practical work wherever the subject allows.
About the course
Handle distressed behaviour safely
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Identify the key legislation governing the use of restraint and safe holds in care settings
- Explain the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) as they relate to safe holds
- Apply knowledge of the Mental Health Act when considering physical intervention
- Describe health and safety responsibilities when carrying out a safe hold
- Recognise and understand behaviours of concern commonly associated with dementia
- Uphold the dignity and rights of individuals when managing challenging behaviours
- Accurately complete documentation and incident reports following any physical intervention
- Contribute to risk management processes and person-centred care planning to reduce the need for restraint
- Identify different types of challenging behaviour and their potential triggers
- Apply appropriate behaviour management strategies in care settings
- Define and apply the concept of reasonable force in line with legal and professional standards
- Demonstrate effective de-escalation techniques, understanding that safe holds are always a last resort
- Reflect on personal triggers and how self-awareness influences responses to challenging behaviour
- Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to reduce risk and de-escalate situations
- Recognise and respond appropriately to behaviours that may be linked to medication side effects or withdrawal
- Safely and confidently perform breakaway techniques to free themselves from grabs, holds and hair pulls
- Apply breakaway techniques in a manner that minimises risk to themselves and the individual
- Perform a two-person standing safe hold safely, communicating effectively with a colleague throughout
- Safely guide and support an individual from a standing safe hold into a seated position
- Manage transitional holds with care, maintaining control and minimising distress to the individual
- Support an individual safely from a seated position back to standing, maintaining hold and communication throughout
- Apply safe hold techniques whilst supporting an individual during assisted walking, maintaining safety and stability throughout
- Perform a safe hold when supporting an individual during toileting, maintaining privacy and dignity throughout
- Apply safe hold techniques appropriately whilst administering personal care, ensuring comfort, safety and dignity at all times
- Reflect on incidents involving safe holds to identify learning and improve future practice
- Understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to report concerns following a physical intervention
- Articulate the duty of care owed to individuals when physical intervention is being considered
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Day 1: Legislation
- Legalities
- Mental Health Act
- Mental Capacity Act & DoLS
- Health & safety
Day 1: Dementia & Behaviour of Concern
- Understanding behaviour of concern
- Dignity
- Documentation and reporting
- Risk management and care planning
Day 1: Behaviour Management
- Types of behaviour
- Behaviour management
- Reasonable force
- De-escalation and last resort
Day 1: Self-Awareness & Communication
- Self-awareness and communication
- Behaviours surrounding medication
Day 2: Breakaway Techniques
- Breakaway techniques
Day 2: Safe Holds — Standing
- Safe holds standing two people
Day 2: Safe Holds — Transitions
- Safe holds standing to sitting
- Safe holds sitting to standing
- Safe holds assisted walking
Day 2: Safe Holds — Personal Care
- Safe holds whilst toileting
- Safe holds whilst administering personal care
Day 2: Risk, Reflection & Safeguarding
- Post-incident review
- Safeguarding responsibilities
- Duty of care
Keep exploring
Related behaviour management courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Safe Holds course?
It runs as a 2-day – 12 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 12 delegates per session — we keep practical groups smaller so everyone gets hands-on time.
Is there a practical element?
Yes — delegates practise the techniques hands-on during the course, guided by the trainer.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every year.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care, hospitals, special schools & SEN settings, supported living. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Safe Holds training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our behaviour management training range. Also explore mental health training and neurological training.