Training for unpaid carers
We work in partnership with Durham County Carers Support to provide training courses and events for unpaid carers.
In response to Covid-19, we have changed the way we deliver training following guidance Skills for Care: Covid-19 - essential training. We will now offer training in a range of ways using digital resources where possible. We continue to offer a range of distance learning courses.
This is a great way for you to gain knowledge and to meet other carers in a relaxed environment.
Courses range from practical help with caring such as Managing Medication, Infection Prevention and Control through to digital skills and areas that focus on your own wellbeing and development.
Durham County Carers Support
Durham County Carers Support also offer a variety of different services to local carers including: Durham County Carers Support
- specialist advice and information
- home visits or meet in a venue more suitable to the carer giving time to talk through the challenges and find solutions
- practical help with completing forms, gaining benefits, grants and other funding
- a listening ear, telephone, email and social media support plus counselling
- support in meetings, referrals to specialist services, find ways through the maze of services
- training, workshops and events promoting opportunities for peer support, gaining skills and knowledge
- ensuring carers have a voice shaping services
Courses for unpaid family carers from Durham County Carers Support
This course is suitable for unpaid, family carers either living in County Durham or caring for someone living in County Durham.
The aim of the course
Is to reduce the risk of infection whilst caring for someone with an illness or disability in their own home or that of the person caring for them.
This course is ideal for family carers where infection risks are present. The course will help carers to understand what the risks are and the different types. Carers will learn how the right personal protective equipment is used to prevent infection or the spread of infection. Not only will this course enable carers to deal with potentially infectious material, but it will help you understand cross infection through both direct and indirect methods, keeping the carer and the cared for person safe.
How and when it be delivered
Please contact us to register your interest in courses starting this Autumn.
It will cover:
- what is, and what are the benefits of, moving and positioning
- practical techniques to assist someone to move
- basic (visual) risk assessment
- posture, anatomy and common injuries
This course is suitable for unpaid, family carers either living in County Durham or caring for someone living in County Durham.
The aim of the course
The course aims are:
- to show carers the benefits of assisting people to move
- to support carers health and wellbeing
- to help carers to sustain a good level of mental and physical wellness.
How and when it be delivered
The next course is due to take place on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 from 9.30am to 2.00pm at Newton Hall Community Centre.
This course is suitable for unpaid, family carers either living in County Durham or caring for someone living in County Durham.
The aim of the course
The courses aims are:
- to help carers to be more aware of the medication they are administering and managing.
- to advise carers on how to store medication safely
- to dispel myths and fears especially around strong pain medicines
- to provide carers with the confidence to approach pharmacy teams with any concerns and questions they may have
- to make sure carers feel part of the 'cared for' medication review.
How and when it be delivered
Please contact us to register your interest in courses starting this Autumn.
Who is suitable?
This course is suitable for home carers and family carers and those working in the care profession.
Learning Methods
The course is delivered face to face by St Cuthbert's Hospice facilitator.
It consists of two sessions of four hours each. You will watch a short video and participate in group discussions. Resources and books will be provided.
Benefits
This course will help carers understand the impact of anticipatory grief and loss and to identify strategies to help them through this difficult time. It will provide knowledge of managing your own grief, focusing on your own needs, and finding a way forward.
What you will learn
- Identifying what anticipatory grief is
- How is it affecting me?
- Talking about its challenges
- Coping with change
- Validating the past, adjusting to the present, redefining the future
- Support services available
How and when it be delivered
Please contact us to register your interest in courses starting this Autumn.
Contact us to register on any of these courses.
Other carer training and support
Free supporting unpaid carers elearning
A free online resource to support the vital care that unpaid carers provide is available to help carers take care of yourself and carry out your day to day caring role. Training is available for anyone who provides care and support to a family member or friend due to their disability, health condition, frailty, mental health problem or other health and care needs.
See Elearning for Healthcare: supporting unpaid carers.
Free BTEC Certification in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) from BILD
BILD support people with complex needs, including their members, universities, government departments, councils, NHS trusts and service providers. They are providing an opportunity for family carers to complete a recognised qualification in PBS. The free spaces are funded by the NHS Covid Recovery Learning Disability & Autism Fund.
This practice based course will allow you to learn with flexible access to course content online, webinars and a dedicated tutor who will offer small online group tutorials and provide one to one support if needed. It involves approximately 150 learning hours and will take six months to complete over three mandatory units:
- understanding behaviours that challenge and the role of Positive Behaviour Support
- developing capable environments
- supporting functional assessment and intervention
The course will start on Monday 28 February 2022. Applications for this close on Monday 14 February 2022. There are limited spaces available.
- County Durham Care Academy
- County Durham Care Academy
- 03000 260 222
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Our address is:
- Durham County Council
- County Hall
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5UQ
