Author: Dawn Evans

Life with Autism and Mental Illness – Mair Elliott talks at Mental Health Conference

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Mair is a young patient  activist, speaking openly about life with mental illness and autism.

We are delighted to be including her in the programme of amazing keynote speakers at the Talking Mental Health Conference at Cardiff City Stadium on World Mental Health Day (Thursday 10th October)

Mair’s activism includes public speaking, trying to affect change in mental health and/or autism services by contributing to relevant organisations, panels, committees and executive boards.

“I hope to break down misconceptions, stereotypes and stigma relating to mental illness and autism, and to create a future where mental health services are fit for purpose.”

 

We’re so excited to hear what she has to say at the event.

Tickets are available to book, with early bird prices available until the end of August

Book here

 

The Bipolar Businessman Talks at Mental Health Conference

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Talking Mental Health National Conference will be taking place at Cardiff City Stadium on World Mental Health Day. (Thursday 10th October 2019)

The conference is full of knowledge, inspiration, success stories, all related to mental health conditions.

 

There will be fantastic key note speakers talking through out the day, one of which is Thomas Duncan Bell, otherwise known as The Bipolar Businessman.

 

Thomas is mental health speaker, working with everyone from the Institute of Directors, to Red Letter Days and even Prince William & Harry’s Heads Together Charity.

He also writes a blog called The Bipolar Businessman where he enlightens to others to the fact, that they’re not alone.

“My mission is to change peoples perception of mental health in business… to prove that it’s because of our diversity that we are more valuable assets as human beings… And if in reading my stories, or watching my videos, you find something, of that missing part of yourself, then I’m glad I was there as a catalyst for change…”

His talk is titled “Motivations & Discovery – The Path to Becoming More Human” and we cannot wait to hear his story.

For more information about the event or to book tickets please click here

 

The Importance of Fathers Mental Health

Posted on by Dawn Evans

On Thursday 10th October, we will be hosting Talking Mental Health National Conference, at Cardiff City Stadium.

 

Mark Williams is one of our fantastic keynote speakers and his seminar is titled “The Importance of Fathers Mental Health”

Mark is a keynote speaker, author and International campaigner. Mark has had a journey that will inspire you and that when you are rock bottom there is only one way to go and that is up. While having speech therapy and scared to speak on his school stage, now have spoken around the World at many conferences.

Both Mark and his wife Michelle suffered crippling anxiety after the birth and Mark hit rock bottom when he began to experience suicidal thoughts. And yet the reason for the torrent of negative emotions and spiralling depression had less to do with their son than the mental health issues that were confronting them. In hindsight Mark recognises that he had experienced a condition long recognised in mothers, that of post-natal depression.

The problem at the time was that Mark felt he could not speak to anyone about his stressful condition and ultimately it led to a breakdown. There is still a stigma attaching to men admitting that they have post-natal depression and this makes them reluctant to seek help or even talk to their friends and loved ones about it.

Eventually Mark was put on medication and took a course of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness which turned things around. Now Mark and Michelle are closer than ever as a couple and have a fantastic bond with their son. Mark wants to get the message out about the condition and the help available.

Perinatal mental health issues may arise in the final months of pregnancy and for up to six months after the birth. Today it is estimated that one father in three experiences post-natal depression. In Britain the estimate by the National Childbirth Trust is that 73% of new fathers worry about their partner’s mental health while 38% worry about their own mental health. Mark is committed to raising awareness of mental health issues for fathers and has already spoken at over 100 conferences and events. Mark has delivered workshops and training around the UK and has recently visited Australia before taking his message to New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and #Howareyoudad campaign to make sure all parents are having support for the whole family.

Mark has spoken on television and radio stations around the world and works with Dr Jane Hanley who have both published articles on Fathers Mental Health together. Mark was awarded Inspirational father of the year and local hero at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2012 and was invited to meet The Royal Family on World Mental Health Day in 2016.

You can find out more on his website www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk

To book tickets to Talking Mental Health National Conference please visit Eventbrite here 

 

 

Talking Mental Health National Conference Agenda

Posted on by Dawn Evans

 

 

 

Talking Mental Health National Conference

Taking place on World Mental Health Day

Thursday 10th October

At Cardiff City Stadium

9:00am – 4:00pm

Featuring inspirational and motivational keynote speakers, who will be sharing their knowledge and experience of living with mental health illnesses.

Topics include; Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Suicide.

Speakers will be sharing their journey of recovery and raising awareness about these conditions to help end the stigma against mental health.

There will also be an exhibition area where mental health organisations and businesses will be providing resources, knowledge and advice.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided on the day and included in the ticket and exhibitor prices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda of the event

 

The conference begins at 9am where guests can help themselves to a hot or cold drink and delicious welsh cakes. The exhibition area will be open for guests to find out more from various metal health organisations and businesses.

Everyone (delegates and exhibitors) will be seated at 10:00am for the conference to begin. The host and founder of the event, Dawn Evans will open the conference and the first keynote speaker of the day, Thomas Bell – The Bipolar Businessman will be introduced to the stage to deliver his talk “Motivations & Discovery – The Path to Becoming More Human” This will then be followed by the second speaker, Rachel Kingsbury who will be sharing her story of Surviving Anxiety and Depression before the morning break.

During the morning break refreshments will be available and all guests are given an opportunity, to network with other guests and exhibitors in the exhibition area.

Everyone shall be seated again after the break and we will welcome three more guests to the stage. The first being June Jones who is the Campaign and Strategy Lead of Time to Change Wales. Her talk features the #TalkingIsALifeline campaign, which aims to encourage men to talk about their mental health without the fear of being judged. The fourth keynote speaker of the day is Andrew Dugmore who will be sharing his inspirational recovery story of serious mental illness, “Light at the end of the tunnel” We will then hear from Jeff Smith, founder of the event charity, Big Moose, who provides employment for the homeless at his coffee shop in the city centre of Cardiff.

The conference will then break for lunch, where everyone can help themselves to the buffet area, have an opportunity to network with delegates and speakers, and browse the exhibition stands.

After lunch we welcome two more amazing guests to the stage. Mair Elliott who will be sharing her story of life with mental illness and autism. Followed by Mark Williams, the founder of International Fathers Mental Health Day and the #Howareyoudad campaign after experiencing post-natal depression.

There will then be an afternoon break of hot drinks and a sweet treat before we are all seated back in the conference area for Q&A session where all the speakers will be on stage and delegates are given the opportunity to ask any questions.

It is going to incredible day of inspiration, motivation, knowledge and awareness focused around mental health.

If you would like more information or to book a ticket please get in touch with the team by calling 02920 576883, emailing dawn@ajuda.org.uk or rachel@ajuda.org.uk

Or you can find more details and all booking options on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talking-mental-health-national-conference-tickets-61777247410

Just to let you know that there are Early bird options for delegate tickets and exhibitor stands that end on the 31st August

 

 

Learn new skills this summer at Ajuda Training

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Each month we provide courses at Ajuda Training Academy

June is jam packed with training courses that you can come along to from First Aid to Health, here’s the full calendar for this month

First Aid

This Regulated Qualification is ideal for anyone wishing to become an emergency first aider. This provides learners with skills and knowledge to deal with first aid situations in low risk workplace environments for the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) – 8th July / 5th August

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) – 8th – 10th July / 5th – 7th August

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Refresher (RQF) – 29th & 30th July

 

Book onto a First Aid Course here

 

Mental Health

Do you have a First Aider on site? What about a Mental Health First Aider? Your staff are more likely to encounter or experience mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or depression and need the tools and confidence to deal with these situations. Having a Mental Health First Aider on site will help you to spot the early signs of a mental health problem and encourage people to speak to the Mental Health First Aider and seek help. This will help reduce the effects on the individual, the people around them and encourage a speedier recovery in a supportive environment.

Mental Health First Aid (Wales) (Adult) – 25th& 26th July / 22nd & 23rd August

Mental Health First Aid (Wales) (Youth) – 17th & 18th July / 19th & 20th August

Book on to a Mental Health course here

 

 

Health & Safety

Health and Safety in the Workplace qualifications can be tailored to business and individual needs to make the learning experience relevant and fit for purpose. This course is designed to make staff more aware of Health & safety Issues within the workplace.

Level 2 Award in Health & Safety (RQF) – 2nd July

Level 2 Award in Safe Moving & Handling (RQF) – 13th August

Level 2 Award in Fire Safety and Fire Marshal (RQF) – 12th August

Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene (RQF) – 19th August

 

Book a course

Click here to book on a course online

Or speak to the team on 02920 576883

Stroke Awareness

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, as well as a leading cause of disability. Being aware of the causes and symptoms will help you act fast in a situation where you suspect someone is having a stroke and provide them with the best chance of receiving the treatment they need and minimising the long term impact of the condition.

This course will cover the types of strokes, the symptoms, and risk factors. It will also cover the treatment options and the longer term impact of the condition.

Target Audience
This course is aimed primarily at people working in adult care as they are likely to be working closely with people that are most at risk of having a stroke.

Advantages
Having a knowledge of the symptoms of stroke can equip you to identify these and act quickly if you are in contact with someone who has a stroke. The quicker medical treatment can be administered to the person suffering a stroke the better the
outcome is likely to be.
Online training is flexible, efficient and cost effective meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time, so they can fit the training in around their work and personal life.

Further Progression
There are a lot of courses in our health and social care suite that would make great follow ups to this course and if you are in the adult social care sector then they would all provide valuable additions to your knowledge.
Specific topics that compliment this directly are Diabetes Awareness, Dementia Awareness and Epilepsy Awareness as these are all conditions that can either increase the risk of having a stroke or develop after someone has had a stroke.

Number of modules: 4

Course Duration: 55 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £25

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Sharps Awareness

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

There is a common misconception that sharps injuries are only of concern to medical and care staff. However it is not uncommon for people in other industries such as waste disposal to come into contact with used sharps.

In this course we’ll start by looking at some statistics relating to discarded needles, then define ‘sharps’ and look at the different types that can be found in ‘sharps litter’, ranging from needles, syringes and scalpel blades to broken glass, knives, scissors and nails.
It then covers the primary and secondary risks from sharps. It’ll look at the responsibilities of employers and how they must use risk assessment to ensure workers safety, as much as possible.
Then, the course will take a detailed look at Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Tetanus.

There’ll be a section on the Chain of Infection, helping you to understand how an infection gets passed on, and what steps can be taken to break the chain and stop the process.
It’ll look at the probability of picking up an infection from a needlestick injury, and the factors that can affect this.
It’s important to always handle discarded sharps safely so the course will take you through the equipment you need, including litter pickers, forceps, disinfectant sprays and gloves, along with the correct techniques you should employ to avoid injury. This subject will be further expanded on by detailing the correct sharps handling procedures, including how to dispose of discarded sharps safely, how to remove disposable gloves to minimise cross-contamination, and correct hand washing procedures.
Finally, it’ll cover how to report discarded sharps and the correct procedures to follow if you’re unlucky enough to receive a sharps injury.

Number of modules: 6

Course Duration: 55 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £25

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Developing Good Employee Relations

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

Effective businesses encourage the development of positive relationships between managers and employees, as well as amongst co-workers. Establishing and maintaining good work relationships is the key to a positive workplace, and it doesn’t
have to take a lot of time.

This course will define employee relations and cover the many benefits good relations can bring to an organisation.
It’ll explain how to build confidence in management, including sharing the company vision, building strong teams and the importance of employee feedback.
It’ll examine how a proactive HR presence benefits employee relations. Then look at employment contracts and the role of the Employee Handbook.
The course briefly discusses Performance Management including information on motivating employees and how best to show your appreciation of their contribution to the company.
Finally, it’ll show you how to deal effectively with complaints, discipline and how to combat negativity.

Number of modules: 7

Course Duration: 45 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £35

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Managing Sickness and Absence

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

Employee absence can be costly in terms of both lost time and money. It impacts businesses, managers, and colleagues in ways that range from them having to take on extra work or undertake additional training, to experiencing additional stress and a drop in morale.

This course will help you to understand the different types of absence and Identify ways of measuring absence. It covers why you should complete return-to-work forms and how to conduct effective return-to-work meetings. The course finishes off by explaining the formal processes involved in managing absence and how to apply appropriate policies.

Number of modules: 3

Course Duration: 30 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £35

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Managing Meetings

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

I think everyone would agree that poorly called or run meetings waste valuable time for any organisation. This course will show you how to run meetings effectively and improve your ability to instigate actions that are quick and efficient.
The course starts with some basic definitions and statistics that outline how important running meetings effectively can be.
It examines factors that make meetings great, and some practical steps you can take to ensure everything runs smoothly and successful outcomes are achieved. It also covers some of the ways you can handle any problems that may arise.
Finally, it looks at different decision-making approaches you can use and finishes off with some notes on keeping a learning log to help you learn and grow, ultimately becoming a more confident and effective participant or chairperson.

Number of modules: 6

Course Duration: 60 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £35

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Autism Awareness

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people around them. According to the National Autistic Society, autism affects about 700,000 people in the United Kingdom, which equates to 1 in 100 of the population and the number of children being diagnosed with the condition is continuing to increase.

This course will provide you with an understanding of what autism is and how it affects a child’s daily life. It will touch on what factors contribute towards a child developing autism as well as some of the typical behaviours associated with it and how you can provide effective support for those with the condition. It also discusses what happens during the diagnosis process, some of the intervention methods that can help manage the condition and suggests some simple adaptations you can
make to improve a child with autism’s day to day life.

Target Audience

People working in adult and child care environments.
Those working in all areas of care may come into contact with people who has Autistic Spectrum Disorders ASD. Although the course focuses on children with autism, having an awareness of the condition and how best to provide support to
someone with ASD will be of use to anyone who interacts with and cares for children and adults as part of their work.

Advantages
Having a knowledge of the typical behaviours and challenges associated with ASD can equip you to identify these and act in a supportive way.
CPD approval means that this course can be used by those that need to prove they are continually developing themselves.
Online training is flexible, efficient and cost effective meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time, so they can fit the training in around their work and personal life.

Further Progression
There are a lot of courses in our health and social care suite that would make great follow ups to this course and if you are responsible for the care of adults or children then a wide range of them would provide valuable additions to your knowledge.
Specific topics that compliment this directly are Introduction to Early Years Foundation Stage, Equality and Diversity and Mental Health Awareness.

Number of modules: 4

Course Duration: 30 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £35

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Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Posted on by Dawn Evans

Course information

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. Experiencing sexual harassment can be one of the most difficult situations a worker can face, however it should not be happening and all workers are protected by law from sexual harassment.

Handling accusations of sexual harassment can be difficult, and if not done correctly can lead to the company being held liable along with the perpetrator of the harassment.

This course will start by defining sexual harassment and explaining how protection comes from both employment law and criminal law. You’ll see from workplace statistics how widespread and serious the problem is, and how the management response to concerns raised is often poor or non-existent. It also addresses how allegations should be handled, explains the importance of having clear and robust policies and the role line managers tend to take when it comes to dealing with these situations.

The course also coves investigation from the employer’s perspective, the role of employment tribunals, and concludes with some case studies that will give further insight into what constitutes harassment and the outcome of cases where the businesses did not act appropriately to deal with this behaviour.

Number of modules: 7

Course Duration: 55 Minutes 
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)

Course Price: £35

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