Advanced Mental Health for Support Workers

This course is designed for housing and support workers. Part 1 will briefly cover the history and development of the Mental Health Act 1983 and the function of the Code of Practice. It also aims to make participants aware of the National Service Frameworks for Mental Health.

Part 11 will focus on the needs of people who suffer chronic, long-term mental health difficulties. Adopting a ‘self-help’ philosophy, it will assist staff in generating ideas of how people can improve the quality of their lives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• The basic principles of the Mental Health Act and the Code of Practice
• The seven standards of the National Service Frameworks for Mental Health
• The role of the ASW
• Valuable support that could be offered to clients by staff
- Developing a ‘crisis card’ with your client
- ‘Signposting’ to both established and new, innovative services.


WORKSHOP CONTENT:

PART I:
This session will increase the knowledge of workers with regards to background legislation effecting the lives of services users.

• What is the Mental Health Act?
A brief history
The current state
The Draft Mental Health Bill (future changes)
• What is ‘Compulsory Detention’?
A brief introduction to the most commonly used Sections
Different levels of observation
• What kind of support can be offered to people who are detained?
Nursing and hospital care
Advocacy
Psychotherapy and counselling
The role of the voluntary sector
• The role of the Approved Social Worker


PART II
This session will look at issues faced by workers which will include:
• Helping people in crisis.
• The ‘Crisis Card’ – what it is and how to create one
• Consider sample of an existing crisis card
• Helping clients to define their use of services
• What services are available for the service user?
• Discovering your local community – a detailed search for new and innovate services.

WORKING METHODS:

• Tutor presentations
• Discussion in large groups
• Small group work
• Flip chart work
• OHP
• Pairs work
• Word storming method