Training

Contribution to Mental Health Training

Some members of SUNS have been trained to take part in the training of local mental health services providers.

Examples of SUNS training:

• Induction Training – A one-day course for all new staff who are working in the mental health sector, within six months of starting their jobs. We spend the day sharing our real life experiences, and once again we have had excellent feedback

• GP Training – A once a year event, but very worthwhile as it allows us to voice our concerns regarding comments we receive from service users. For example, when we see our GP about a breathing problem, we don’t want it automatically put down to being a panic attack. Sometimes it is a real physical problem. We hope that by letting GPs know our concerns, it will help improve the way GPs work with mental health service users in the future.

• Communication Training – This came about through a survey that was arranged through essence of care. There was a discrepancy between what service users and staff said regarding 'meeting and greeting' service users when admitted to hospital. So, it was agreed that Service Users and Avon and Wiltshire Partnership staff would work together to arrange training on this issue.  It was agreed that service users and ward managers come up with a suitable programme, which would include 'meeting and greeting' using role-play and a video on miscommunications. This programme was delivered to all AWP staff at Sandalwood Court.

• Workshops and Seminars – SUNS members attend and organise many workshops and give presentations at seminars both in and out of Swindon.  One of our presentations was published by the Toronto Group 'research as empowerment' - a copy of which you will find on this web site under 'Ann’s Experiences of Involvement' on the Guestbook page.

• Proof Reading – We are often sent leaflets and brochures aimed at mental health service users. We’re asked to check them to see if they are service user friendly. This also enables service users, who don’t like attending committees or training, to have input into the care they receive.

• Mental Health Nursing Degree Training – We now provides life lecturers to the University of West of England to train future mental health nurses, giving the perspective of both mental health service user and carer. This is now part of our long-term plan.

Training Service Users

Our latest training opportunities are:

• Cookery skills - a six week course on how to produce a healthy meal on a tight budget. A lot of Service Users are on benefits and find it very difficult to produce a healthy meal on such a tight budget. This course is usually followed by a fun session or two where Service Users bring in a cookery item and the trainer produces the meal from them.

• Yoga - a six week yoga course, at the moment this is on hold  due to not being able to find a trainer, but we hope this will happen in the very near future.

• Training to be a trainer - because we work closely with AWP and Swindon PCT as well as the University for the West of England, we felt it necessary to arrange training for the Service Users who deliver this training. This course will also enable our Service Users to be in a position to run further training courses for Service Users.