A Mindful spotlight on training and workshops
Here, Ceri Hodgkiss, Training and Development Manager, shares insights into the training sessions and workshops offered by West Kent Mind.
Can you tell us what training and workshops West Kent Mind run?
We run Mental Health First Aid courses, Mental Health Awareness sessions, Wellbeing Workshops and other short workshops during the year, and try to provide a variety of days, times and venues – including options for virtual training. Sometimes they’re free, for example if we have funding to deliver mental health awareness workshops in the community. We aim to keep our prices competitive and reasonable so that as many people as possible are able to access our training.
We also work with local businesses to deliver training in Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health Skills for Managers, as well as workshops around stress and resilience.
What do these courses involve?
Whether you attend an in-person course or an online workshop, we like to create a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone. Numbers are usually limited so that everyone has a chance to join in the conversation. You can expect a mixture of presentations, short film clips, smaller group conversations and other activities, depending on the type of course or workshop. All learners are encouraged to participate, but to do so in the way that works best for them.
How do the sessions support good mental health and wellbeing?
All of our training and awareness sessions support good mental health and wellbeing, in lots of ways. From spotting signs of poor mental health to encouraging someone to access some extra support when they’re unwell, we can help you understand how to provide safe, effective support for friends, family, colleagues and in your community. Feeling heard and supported can really help someone who’s experiencing poor mental health.
Every session takes some time to focus on how to look after our own wellbeing. Self-care and self-help strategies can play a vital part in recovery and in staying well, and these are especially important when we’re supporting others.
In the workplace, mental health training and wellbeing workshops are a powerful part of a whole-organisation approach to creating a culture of positive mental health, helping people to stay well at work.
Finally, any proceeds that we make from our training are invested back into the charity and help us to continue our support service in the West Kent area, supporting good mental health in the community.
Can anyone attend the sessions?
Yes! Our training courses and workshops are for anyone (18+) who lives, works or studies in West Kent and wants to know more about mental health, about looking after their own wellbeing, or about supporting others in a safe way.
We promote our open-access opportunities through our website. If you’d like to discuss options for your business, voluntary organisation or community group, just get in touch.
What’s your favourite thing about running these courses?
Where do I start?! It’s so rewarding when someone tells me that they’ve been able to better support someone who needed it, that’s the real impact of these courses. I love learning more about mental health myself and then sharing the knowledge, tools and skills that I’ve gained with others. Every session I deliver is different, as every participant brings something of themselves to the group. I learn from my learners all the time, it’s part of what gives me the energy to keep a group inspired and engaged, even at the end of a long day of learning. I’m very lucky to love what I do, and to be able to do it for an amazing charity like West Kent Mind.
