Dear Colleagues We have been asked to circulate the following on behalf of NIACE. Apologies for cross-posting. Kindly contact NIACE direct for further details.
In 1996 the
Tomlinson Report concluded that provision in adult and further education for
people with mental health difficulties was patchy in quantity and quality. While
it appears that in 2003 there is improved access and more learning opportunities
for people with mental health difficulties, there is much anecdotal evidence
from practitioners that they still feel isolated in the work that they do and
sometimes unsure of how to ensure the quality of the provision that they
offer.
This
conference is being held following the successful launch of the publication
'Learning Journeys' in Chorley in May last year; a handbook for tutors and
managers in adult education working with people with mental health difficulties.
The handbook has been written by practitioners and tracks the journey that
learners make from being mental health service users into learning
opportunities. It offers tutors and managers the opportunity to reflect not only
on how their organisation supports learning for adults with mental health
difficulties but also how this support can promote good mental health in the
learners and their tutors and managers. The pack contains case studies and
action plans so that staff can use it has a resource to develop and ensure good
quality provision. It also provides exercises and photocopiable sheets that can
be used as a resource for leading staff development sessions for other tutors
and non-teaching staff. Delegates
will each receive a free copy of 'Learning Journeys'.
The
conference aims to:
The conference will be of interest to new and
experienced tutors working with learners with mental health difficulties;
managers of learning provision that includes learners with mental health
difficulties; staff responsible for Disability Discrimination Act compliance;
adult, community and other education providers who wish to set up provision for
people with mental health
difficulties.
For further information and a booking form contact Gurjit Kaur on Tel: 0116 204 2833; Email: [log in to unmask] or visit the website at: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/LearningJourneys.htm
Keynote Address:
Richard Hooper, County Manager, Adult and
Continuing Education, Lancashire County
Council
Workshops:
1) Guidance and working 1:1 with
learners
How do you support individual learners to
access learning opportunities? How do you support adults in recovery and
encourage independent learning?
2) Wider Organisational
Issues
How do you work effectively in partnership
with mental health services? How do you work with other staff in your
organisation (teaching and non-teaching) to ensure a positive learning
environment?
3) Teaching and
Learning
How do you support learning for adults with
mental health difficulties? What models of support work best? And how can they
be used to ensure that learners are successful in their learning and
achievements?
4) Meeting the requirements of the DDA
Part 4
The Disability Discrimination Act Part 4 –
how do you ensure that the whole of your organisation meets the requirements of
the Act with regard to learners with mental health
difficulties?
5) Staff development and ensuring your
own mental well-being
Meeting the emotional need of learners and
the working with the pressures of adult education can be very demanding. How can
you look after your own development and well-being and thereby ensure good
practice.