With the aim to enhance the rehabilitation of offenders in probation, Council of Europe kicked off the first specialised training of trainers on the Holistic Coaching and Mentoring Programme. Participants from all the regional offices of the Probation Service and the “Centre for Legal Education and Rehabilitative Programmes” (SNCO) were equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them as future trainers.

The programme offered a comprehensive concept of rehabilitation work with the beneficiaries and included such important topics as Risk and Need Assessment Tool, Working Alliance, Pro-social Modelling, Problem Solving and Cognitive Behavioural Interventions and Self-talk combined with practical exercises of role plays and simulations. The participants evolved in-depth discussions and had a chance to give and receive constructive feedback to enhance their understanding of the material presented and enabling them to apply new techniques confidently and strengthen their commitment to continuous improvement.

A key feature of the programme is the pilot phase that where the trainees will put their newly acquired skills into practice, contributing to the overall objectives of the Armenia's Probation Service towards achieving more effective rehabilitation practices. The Programme will be not only applicable in the further work with the beneficiaries, but also to coach and mentor other colleagues engaged in this work.

This training is part of the Project “Further strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia”, funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing probation services and effective rehabilitation practices in Armenia