Mental Health and Adult Learning and Skills - Introductory Awareness Training

[Background] [Aims] [Outcomes] [Benefits] [Programme] [Application Form]

You will find this course gives you a thorough introduction to the key issues relating to mental health and how you could better support learners with these difficulties

Background

Mental health difficulties are a major reason for ill-health in this country. One in four of us will experience mental health difficulties at some point in our lives and an estimated one third of GP time is spent on mental health issues. People with mental health difficulties still remain one of the most isolated and stigmatized groups in society.

In line with the government's drive for social inclusion and the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), educational organizations should strive to provide an environment that addresses the barriers to learning faced by people with mental health problems. People with mental health difficulties have traditionally been underrepresented in adult education and training and too many people with mental health difficulties spend their days alone and without activity to fill their time. Yet we know that being in work, participating in learning, having friends and being involved in the community promotes positive mental well-being and can be an important part of the recovery process.

Adult learning and skills development can play an important role in tackling stigma and discrimination. It provides opportunities to widen social networks and be with other people. It can lead to improved job prospects and be a means to building confidence, hope and optimism. Learning can be a very valuable part of the recovery process.

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Training aims and content

This interactive one-day training workshop aims to provide participants with an:

• overview of the prevalence of mental health difficulties in society and how these may affect learners
• opportunities to discuss and develop ways of working with people with mental health difficultues with the aim of supporting better and more learning opportunities
• increased understanding of how to create a 'healthy organisation' ethos

The emphasis will be on the social model of understanding mental health difficulties.

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Training outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• understand the difference between mental health difficulties and being mentally healthy
• be aware of some of the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health difficulties and their impact on learners and learning
• identify stratagies to overcome barriers to learning and the learning training environment
• explore what they as an individual and their organisation can do to improve the mental well-being of all learners
• reflect on their current working practice and how they might develop this

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Who would benefit from this training?

The workshop will benefit experienced learning and skills practitioners and managers from a range of organisations, who wish to reflect upon and develop their skills and practice. It builds on the NIACE training courses - Mental Health and Adult Learning and Skills introductory awareness and Mental Health Awareness for Information, Advice and Guidance Providers.

This includes the following organisations:

• Adult and Community Learning
• Careers Service
• Community Groups and Voluntary sector organisations
• Connexions
• Disabilities organisations
• Further Education and Sixth Form
• Colleges
• Higher Education
• Homeless and Housing support sector
• Jobcentre Plus
• Learning Partnerships
• Local Authorities including libraries and museums
• Local Education Authorities
• Neighbourhood Renewal Projects
• Nextstep and other IAG providers
• Prison and Probation Services
• Training Organisations
• Trade Union Learning Representitives
• Work based training providers
• Specialist independent colleges

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Programme

This programme is correct at the time of going to press. The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the published programme in the event of one or more of the advertised speakers being unable to attend. Delegates will have no claim against NIACE in respect of such changes.

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Application Form

(For people not using the online reservation system above.)