My active communication course is attended by support workers from a variety of services including dementia, learning disability and mental health support. They all give it a five star rating and want to do more (as this is only a ½ day course we merely skim the surface!). It is a great chance for them to reflect on their own practice and many admit how much of a difference it would make to use only a few of the facilitation skills.
My induction to being a PA course is much more intensive (3 days) and covers the Common Induction Standards but with lots of creative twists as PA’s are ‘Jacks of all Trades’. Some of the people have never done PA work but want to become one, while others have experience in care but want to learn more or improve their skills as a PA. Great Interactions is the backbone of how I facilitate both Communication and Person Centred Values within this course. PA’s, often have to be far more responsible for ensuring they are understanding and communicating well with their client and by adhering to the 10 facilitation skills they achieve great results.
I have also been lucky enough to give our PA’s and direct employers an opportunity to do a pilot profiling project (based on MacIntyre) and although only in its infancy many are astounded at how accurate the profiling is!
Great Interactions has proved to be a ‘hit’ in East Sussex and I’m happy to say a growing number of PA’s in our community know and use these skills as part of their everyday work life.
Renee Jasper-Griffith
ASC PA Training and Support Consultant
East Sussex