Welcome to the January Learning and Development Partnership Officer newsletter and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Although we are still only half way through winter, I have just heard on the news that the flu cases in West Sussex hospitals have dropped - so fingers crossed that with each sunny day, there is just the slight glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.   It has been a particularly challenging time for health and social care this winter with the 'Quad' epidemic  in addition to all the routine conditions that hospitals are having to manage.    Care services too have really felt the challenge but I have just left a managers forum and the morale was remarkably high - which demonstrates the passion and dedication that you all have and I am proud to be part of.

Training providers are also looking towards spring and planning their training events for Spring and Summer, so I hope you are able to find something in this months newsletter that catches your eye.    

Nicci Stringer - Learning and Development Partnership Officer.    nicci.stringer@westsussex.gov.uk.    03302228074.   Mobile: 07739906065

Normal Working days : Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Charging Policy

Learning & Development will be reviewing and resuming the cancellation policy (the policy is outlined on the L&D Gateway and users accept this when they create an account) from 1^st April 2025.  This was temporarily halted due to the Covid epidemic in 2020.   Learning & Development make this cancellation charge in order to recoup a proportion of the overheads incurred.  Late cancellation by delegates means that it is not possible to fill spaces on events in time and can impact the viability of an event actually going ahead.  If delegates don’t turn up to events they’ve booked or cancel within 10 days this impacts Learning & Development future provision of further events.

Suicide Prevention in the Context of Domestic Abuse Training (Half Day, Online)

 Domestic abuse and suicide are interconnected, as victims experience profound psychological distress and emotional trauma. Sadly, for some, this can lead to an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Evidence suggests that women who have experienced domestic abuse are three times more likely to die by suicide, and those who have experienced sexual abuse in a relationship, seven times more likely to end their own lives. Providing support at the right time to prevent these tragedies is essential.

Recognising the warning signs of suicidality and identifying periods of heightened risk can be lifesaving. This half-day online session is open to all West Sussex professionals who want to help those affected by domestic abuse. Participants will learn important skills to identify the signs of suicidal thoughts, times of heightened risk and how to provide support to individuals . By increasing knowledge and training, we can create a safer and more hopeful environment for those experiencing domestic abuse.

The last few dates of this training are now available for booking: WS Suicide Prevention in the context of DVA | Eventbrite

Tuesday February 14^th 13.30-17.00 Online

Wednesday February 26^th 13.30-17.00 Online

Monday March 10^th 13.30-17.00 Online

Wednesday March 26^th 13.30-17.00 Online

Conversations to reduce harm and support alcohol behaviour change. 

Public Health West Sussex can provide a short (3hour approx.), skills-based workshop to teams and individuals who work across West Sussex, to upskill professionals and workforces to have simple, but focused, conversations about alcohol.

MECC enables workforces to develop the basic knowledge and skills to initiate and have conversations about alcohol with the people they work with, help them consider positive change, and when needed, to access appropriate, specialist support, before they develop chronic health problems.

 Workshop aims.

1. To understand what MECC conversations about alcohol are, and why they are important.
2. To increase basic knowledge about alcohol to help others to consider change, and to reduce the harms associated with their drinking.
3. To develop the basic knowledge and skills to deliver very brief interventions for alcohol (ask, advise, assist) routinely and opportunistically.
4. To develop the basic knowledge and skills to deliver brief interventions for alcohol (use of open-questions, evidence-based behaviour change techniques, and referral to specialist services) as part of everyday practice.

To book onto a session visit the Learning and Development Gateway or to arrange a session for your team, contact PublicHeath@WestSussex.gov.uk.

Oliver McGowan Face to Face Tier 2 Training

Runway Training are providing a FREE introductory offer of 1 fully funded place for 30 social care organisations on their new Tier 2 Oliver McGowan face to face training. In return for a free place, attendees will be asked to complete an evaluation at the end which will help them to assess this new program.  Attendees will receive the accredited Oliver McGowan certificate.

All applicants need to have completed their Tier one training, which is available free on-line.

Places will be offered on a first come first served basis but are limited to one person per organisation.

Training to support people make plans for later life.

Training places still available in February: 2 x 90 minute online sessions with free Handbook. My Future Care offers free online training and ongoing support, enabling groups and organisations to help their members / patients / customers make plans for later life, future care and end of life, including free My Future Care Handbooks for each person supported. Training dates are now available for Spring 2025.  For further information see  https://myfuturecare.org/or email info@mycarematters.org.