UNISON
Continuing Professional Development Programme 2013
All courses are free and only open to UNISON members unless otherwise stated.
Mindfulness (limited to 16 places)
10am – 3pm, Fri 25th Jan UNISON Derry; 10am – 3pm, Wed 17th April UNISON Belfast
10am – 3pm, Mon 21st Oct UNISON Belfast
The practice of mindfulness emphasises listening to, observing and acknowledging emotional experiences
and enables people to develop a more finely tuned awareness of their inner experiences and to cultivate
an improved regulation of their emotional responses. There is a growing research base indicating its
efficacy to promote physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. It has been used to treat a range of
problems including the management of mood disorders, chronic pain, arthritis, sleep disturbance, stress,
chronic fatigue and professional burnout. It will be delivered by Monique Harte & Greg Kelly, University of
Ulster, OT Dept
Falls Prevention in Residential & Acute Settings
10am – 1pm Tues 29th Jan, UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 1pm Tues 15th Oct, UNISON Belfast
This half day course explores how staff can reduce slips, trips and falls in acute and residential settings. It
will help promote an understanding of the significance and impact of falls and the importance of falls
prevention, facilitate participants to be aware of common risk factors associated with falls and understand
their role in falls prevention, as well as be aware of falls management strategies. Delivered by Leona
Robinson, OT
Capacity & Consent for OTs
10am – 4pm, Tues 5th Feb, UNISON Belfast
This workshop is being run in partnership with the College of Occupational Therapists/ BAOT and will
explore the relationship between capacity assessment and consent and implications for practice.
Participants will also look at confidentiality, human rights law and practice and the legal implication of
assessment and care packages. It will be delivered by Sean McParland, Solicitor in the Mental Health Legal
Unit, Law Centre (NI)
Power of Positive Thinking (limited to 16 places)
10am – 1pm Fri Feb 8th UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 1pm Fri May 10th UNISON Belfast
10am – 1pm Fri 27th September UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 1pm Fri 22nd Nov UNISON Belfast
Has your get up and go got up and gone? This half day course is refreshing and interactive. You will learn
how to motivate yourself and your staff. Learn the secrets of achievement and the power of positive
thinking. Refocus, be focused and see the results. The course would be beneficial to participants on an
individual basis and also in a management role. This course is delivered by Keith Latimer - Life Coach and
NLP Practitioner.
Responding to Behaviours that Challenge in Dementia Care (limited to 20 places)
10am – 4pm Tues 12th February UNISON, Belfast
This course supports care staff to develop practical approaches and skills to respond to behaviours that
challenge in dementia care. The event will include exploration of case studies, the application of personcentred care, developing core skills through understanding why certain behaviours might arise and sharing
interventions that work in practice. It will be delivered by Maria McManus, Dementia Specialist
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Mental Health First Aid (limited to 20 places)
10am – 4pm Thurs 14th & Fri 15th March, UNISON Belfast (provided by ACET)
10am – 4pm, Tues 14th & 21st May UNISON, Derry (provided by Derry Healthy Cities)
This two day course will help participants to recognise the symptoms of some of the main mental health
problems, how to provide initial help to someone with a developing mental health problem or in a mental
health crisis, and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
Who Cares for the Carers?
1 – 4pm, Thurs 21st Feb UNISON Belfast
There is still an assumption in the caring professions that people who care for dying people manage their
own feelings of loss. This workshop will explore this assumption and consider what it might mean to care
for the carers. It will focus on those who work in home care and in acute/residential settings. We will draw
on evidence from research studies, personal and professional experience to consider how to manage the
tension between over-involvement and detachment. We will also discuss strategies for managing this
tension. The workshop in part, will be drawing on participants’ experiences and so will be highly
interactive. It is delivered by Dr. Carol Komaromy, Senior Lecturer in Health Studies, Open University
Breaking Bad News – Basic Skills
10am – 1pm Fri 22nd Feb, UNISON Belfast
This workshop will be focused on how to break bad news and will be relatively basic and practical.
It is a workshop that has been tried and tested for many years with many participants. Participants will be
expected to observe, evaluate and test out the skills of breaking bad news. You will develop a strategy that
will avoid a one-size fits all approach and will enable you to be more effective and compassionate in giving
bad news. It is delivered by Dr. Carol Komaromy, Senior Lecturer in Health Studies, Open University
Infant Mental Health Awareness
10am – 4pm Wed 27th Feb UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm Thurs 18th April, UNISON, Derry
This seminar will introduce the ideas underpinning security of emotional attachment in infancy and in early
intervention. Participants will be introduced to these ideas and will also learn how attachment and baby
brain development are determined by the quality of the parent-infant relationship and the critical
importance for all later social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. This course will be relevant
to any member working in early years but also to members working with older children. It will be delivered
by Eamon McMahon, Association for Infant Mental Health
Suicide Awareness & Prevention (limited to 25 places)
9.30am – 4.30pm Wed 27th Feb, UNISON Belfast ; 9.30am – 4.30pm Thurs 22nd Aug, UNISON Belfast
9.30am – 4.30pm Wed 30th Oct, UNISON Belfast
This is a one day workshop which aims to give participants an understanding of the issues around suicide,
why people consider it, risk factors, why someone may not ask for help, how to communicate safely with
someone at risk; and support networks. This is open to any member who has an interest from a
professional or personal perspective. It is delivered by PIPS, Belfast http://www.pipscharity.com
Desktop Publishing for Classroom Assistants (limited to 10 places)
10am – 1pm Sat 20th April, UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 1pm Tues 27th Aug, UNISON Belfast
This half day workshop introduces classroom assistants to Microsoft Publisher to make banners, posters,
news sheets for a classroom environment. It will include sourcing pictures from the internet as well as
layout and design. A basic level of using a computer is required. It will be delivered by Catherine Couvert,
Communications Officer
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Reflective Practice
10am – 4pm Wed 6th March, UNISON Belfast
Reflection for many people is a difficult concept to understand and relating this concept to real life and
professional practice can be even more challenging. This day will explore reflection as an idea and as a
lived experience. It will be suitable for students and practitioners across health and social care services. It
will be delivered by Dugald McCullough, Open University
Life Skills – Stress Management
10am – 1pm Tues 12th March, UNISON, Belfast ; 10am – 1pm Tues 18th June, UNISON Belfast
10am – 1pm Tues 5th Nov, UNISON Belfast
This half day course will explore anxiety and stress and the impact on an individual’s health. Common
stressors will be identified and discussion will focus on both appropriate and inappropriate coping
strategies. The aim of the course will be to increase awareness of anxiety and stress, highlight support
networks and encourage adaptive coping strategies. It is delivered by Leona Robinson, OT
Managing Difficult Situations (limited to 15 places)
10am – 4pm Thurs 21st March UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm Wed 9th Oct UNISON Belfast
As a manager you are sure to be met with difficult situations, sometimes on a regular basis , whether
this is through staff shortages, ineffective processes, performance or lack of engagement, whatever the
reason the challenges we face as managers are never-ending. Early intervention is imperative if we
want to avoid or at least diffuse some of the conflict we can often face. This one day workshop aims to
help you understand the personal behaviours of both you and your team and the importance that
motivation and adaptability can play in the workplace. There is not a one size fits all approach but this
workshop will help you develop techniques and strategies that will enable you to manage 'difficult'
situations that ultimately support a win : win in the workplace! It will be delivered by Jane Boyle,
Mediator and HR Consultant.
Music Therapy for Children & Young People with Autism
10am – 4pm, Thurs 28th March, UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm Thurs 3rd Oct, UNISON Belfast
This all day workshop is designed to provide you with an Introduction to Music Therapy in practice and its
role with children and young people with Autism . During the morning the difference between music
therapy and music in education will be explored. There will be an opportunity for you to discuss what you
would like from the session and to indicate if there are particular aspects of using music with children and
young people with ASD which you find challenging. The afternoon session will be a hands on experiential
workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn new practical ideas to use in your work. In this
session participants will have an opportunity to explore for themselves how music can be utilised as an
invaluable form of communication. It will be delivered by Karen Diamond from the NI Music Therapy
Trust.
Dementia and Music Therapy
10am – 4pm Thurs 11th April, UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm Tues 19th Nov, UNISON Belfast
During the session the difference between music therapy the allied health profession and music as therapy will be
explored. There will be an opportunity for you to discuss what you would like from the session and to indicate if
there are particular aspects of using music with this client group which you find challenging. The second part of the
session will be a hands on experiential workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn new practical ideas to
run a music programme in your workplace. In this session participants will have an opportunity to explore for
themselves how music can be utilised as an invaluable form of communication. It will be delivered by Karen
Diamon, NI Music Therapy Association
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Transitions in Kitchen Living: The Past, The Present and The Future
10am – 1pm Fri 12th April UNISON Belfast
‘Transitions in Kitchen Living’(TiKL) has been part of the UK-wide New Dynamics of Ageing programme of
research. The project aimed to study people’s memories of past kitchens, how they reflect changes in their
lives, and through understanding how older people feel about their current kitchen to identify adaptations
that people make to enhance their kitchens and therefore aid the design of the kitchen so that it evolves
naturally to meet lifetime needs. This workshop will consider links between past and present kitchens
through oral histories with people living in Bristol and Loughborough, and then consider issues of coping
with and adapting the contemporary kitchen. Discussion will focus on future technological change and
inclusive design in enabling people to ‘stay put’ in their own homes as they grow older. It is delivered by
Sheila Peace, Professor of Social Gerontology, Open University
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
1 – 4pm Thurs 18th April UNISON Belfast ;
1 – 4pm Thurs 16th May UNISON Derry
1 - 4pm Thurs 20th June Lecture Theatre, Enniskillen Hospital
1 – 4pm Thurs 19th Sept Seminar room 2, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine
1 – 4pm Thurs 17th Oct Navan Room, Hill Building, St Lukes Hospital, Armagh
1 – 4pm Thurs 21st Nov Room 2, Downshire Hospital, Downpatrick
Pressure sores are an increasing problem that affect thousands of people unnecessarily every year. They
are painful, debilitating and can be life threatening. This workshop is targeted at care assistants and home
care workers, who can be at the forefront of early intervention for clients/patients on this issue. It will
introduce participants to the various stages of pressure ulceration as well as prevention and treatment.
There will be a particular focus on leg ulcers and skin treatments. It will be delivered by members of the
Tissue Viability Nurses Network
Training for School Support Staff: Engaging with Pupils with Autism
10am – 1pm Sat 20th April UNISON Belfast
This workshop is aimed at school support staff working as catering, cleaners, admin, technical support,
caretakers to give participants a better understanding of pupils with autism they engage with. This training
day will consist of a combination of presentations and a workshop based activity. It will include:
nformation on autism; Background and reasons for using visual strategies; Implications/practical ideas for
working with children and young people with autism. It will be delivered by Lorraine Scott, Middletown
Centre for Autism www.middletownautism.com
Communicating Effectively To Support Staff
10am – 4pm Wed 24th April UNISON Derry ; 10am – 4pm Thurs 23rd May UNISON Belfast
10am – 4pm Wed 18th Sept UNISON Belfast
This workshop aims to support supervisors and managers to look at how communication can support
engagement with staff on a range of issues. It will help participants to understand better how
communication works, the pitfalls and how to improve your own communication skills. It includes
understanding of how communication works and why it breaks down as well as the assertiveness model
for effective communication. It will be delivered by Deirdre Gunn
Learning Disability & Dementia
10am – 4pm Wed 24th April , UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm Mon 30th Sept , UNISON Belfast
This workshop will cover a range of aspects of dementia and how it relates to adults with a learning
disability, including: what is dementia (concentrating specifically on how it affects everyday function for
people diagnosed, using practical, experiential group activities), communication, difficult behaviours,
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meaningful activity, environmental modification/adaptation/design. It will be delivered by Moira Scanlon,
an Occupational Therapist working with adults with a learning disability & dementia
Supporting Clients with their Finances – Best Practice for Compliance
10am – 1pm Fri 26th April, UNISON Belfast
This workshop is open to all including non members. It will explore how those charged with supporting
clients in home care, residential and supporting living settings can ensure that clients’ best interests are
met as well as regulatory compliance. It will cover what is expected by RQIA in terms of regulations and
standards but also will promote good systems and policies organisations can use to protect their clients
and their staff. It will be delivered by Joe McRandle, Finance Inspector RQIA and Fidelma Carolan,
Regional Organiser UNISON
Falls Prevention for Home Care Workers
10am – 1pm, Tues 14th May, UNISON, Belfast
This half day course explores how home care workers can reduce slips, trips and falls in an individual’s
home. It will help promote an understanding of the significance and impact of falls and the importance of
falls prevention, facilitate participants to be aware of common risk factors associated with falls and
understand their role in falls prevention, as well as be aware of falls management strategies. This
workshop is also being delivered within some Trusts as part of the domiciliary care partnership. Delivered
by Leona Robinson, OT
Sensory Processing and Autism
10am – 3pm Fri 17th May UNISON Derry ; 10am – 1pm Sat 21st Sept UNISON Belfast
This training session will examine the sensory processing difficulties frequently associated with ASD and
will demonstrate how these deficits impact upon learning, play, social interactions and behaviour in the
school environment. The training will be divided into the following areas: Sensory processing difficulties
associated with ASD; The impact of sensory processing on learning, play, social interactions and behaviour;
Strategies to address sensory processing issues in the school environment and other contexts
The training session will consist of a combination of presentations, practical activities and case study
discussions and will be delivered by Jill Drysdale, Middletown Centre for Autism
www.middletownautism.com
Positive Behaviour Support for Children & Young People with Autism
10am – 3pm Wed 22nd May UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 3pm Fri 27th Sept UNISON Derry
This session will examine how the core features of autistic spectrum disorders can influence the behaviour
of children and young people with this diagnosis. Finding the function of challenging behaviour will be
highlighted as the starting point of any behaviour support plan. It will be delivered by Leah McKeown,
Middletown Centre for Autism www.middletownautism.com
Effective Competency Based Interviews
10am – 4pm, Mon 17th June, UNISON Belfast ; 10am – 4pm, Fri 11th Oct, UNISON Belfast
Competency based questioning is a technique used by interviewers to assess your suitability to the job you
have applied for, by using questions based on the competencies required to perform the job. This
approach while providing candidates with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their capability, can
also be daunting. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore the rationale of
competency based questions and the types of answers which are positive. It will give you the chance to
develop your own sample answers based on your experience. It will be delivered by Marina McCarney,
Belfast Trust
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Visual Teaching Strategies for Children and Young People with Autism
10am – 3pm, Mon 1st July UNISON Belfast
This training day will consist of a combination of presentations and a workshop based activity. It will
include: Background and philosophy for using visual strategies; Evidence for using visually based
methods; Implications/practical ideas for teaching children and young people with ASD. It will be
delivered by Claire Smyton & Tracy McGovern, Middletown Centre for Autism.
www.middletownautism.com
Life Skills for Children and Young People with Autism
10am – 3pm Wed 21st Aug UNISON Belfast
This training will examine the broad definition of life skills, within the contexts of work, play and personal
care, and how the core difficulties, associated with autism, directly affect the development of life skills. It
will demonstrate how life skills can be improved and facilitated within the school environment from PreSchool onwards. This will include increasing independence in work, the daily routines of the classroom,
play and personal care activities (e.g. toileting). Methods for assessing and teaching life skills will be
explained and practised. There will be a combination of presentations and practical activities throughout
the training session. The training will be delivered by Jill Drysdale, Middletown Centre for Autism
www.middletownautism.com
Life-story Matters for People with Dementia (limited to 20 places)
10am – 4pm Tues 24th Sept, UNISON, Belfast
Life-story is at the core of best practice in person-centred dementia care. This half-day experiential
workshop will support participants to develop awareness and skills for the introduction of life-story in care
settings for people with dementia. Participants will be introduced to practical techniques, for
communication and engagement with people with dementia and their families. It will be delivered by
Maria McManus , Dementia Specialist
Relationships and Sexuality Education for Young People with Autism
10am – 1pm Sat 19th Oct, UNISON Derry ; 10am – 3pm Wed 13th Nov, UNISON Belfast
This session will examine the impact of adolescence on young people with autism. Participants will be
shown how to incorporate behavioural interventions with visual strategies to help teenagers with autism
cope with some of the typical issues of adolescence. The training will provide practical strategies that
educational professionals may use to support teenagers with autism. It will also focus on the delivery of
sex and relationships education for students with autism. It will be delivered by Suzanne McCanney &
Leah McKeown Middletown Centre for Autism www.middletownautism.com
Presentation and Public Speaking Skills (limited to 10 places)
10am – 3.30pm. Wed 30th Oct UNISON Belfast
This workshop is designed for people who lack confidence and/or skills in speaking in public situations. It is
entirely skills focused and participants will have the opportunity to make a brief presentation (putting what
you have learned into practice) and receive feedback in a constructive and safe environment. It is
delivered by Dr Carol Komaromy, Open University
Mental Health and Anxiety Management for Children and Young People with Autism
10am – 3pm Wed 20th Nov UNISON Belfast
This training session will provide participants with information on common mental health challenges that
people with autism can experience. There will be a particular emphasis on the experience of anxiety, this
will include Depression; Anxiety disorders; Cognitive strategies to help manage anxiety. It will be delivered
by Fiona McCaffrey and Frances O’Neill, Middletown Centre for Autism www.middletownautism.com
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UNISON Course Booking Form
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
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Email _____________________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________________________
Workplace ________________________________________________________________
Job Role
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I am interested in booking a place on the following courses
Course Name
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Please Return to Fidelma Carolan, UNISON, Galway House, 165 York St., Belfast BT15 1AL
Fax 028 90327929 or email to Anne Campbell A.Campbell2@unison.co.uk
All courses are free and lunch is provided. There is no travel allowance provided.
The Middletown Centre for Autism provides a range of free courses for education and health
professionals as well as parents. You can check their full programme at www.middletownautism.com
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