Below are five sections all containing information on training courses
that could be beneficial to you and/or your organisation.

This page will be regularly updated so keep an eye out for new training opportunities!

Local

LSCB

The LSCB delivers multi-agency training to achieve better outcomes for children and young people through:

• A shared understanding of the tasks, processes, principles, and roles and responsibilities
• Improved communication between all members of the Children's Workforce
• Effective working relationships, including an ability to work in multi-agency disciplinary groups or teams
• Sound decision making based on information sharing, through assessment, critical analysis and professional judgement

LSCB Training Calendar

This programme comprises events being directly provided by the LSCB together with safeguarding themed courses that are being organised by the Learning and Development departments of Bedford Borough Council (BBC)and Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).

To apply for a place on any course both you and your Manager must complete, sign and submit the LSCB Approved training application form’, available through the LSCB Training Programme or their website:

• www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk prior to the closing date. 

Courses are often over-subscribed, therefore where possible please specify your second preferred date. All applications forms received will be acknowledged. Applicants MUST have a confirmed place before attending.

• LSCB Training Programme 2012

If you have experience of delivering training and would like to be part of the LCSB training team please contact Eileen.Moran@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

**Did you know that Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Local Safeguarding Children Boards have recently launched the web publication of the Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton Interagency Child Proection Procedures, presented in a unique web enabled format created and powered by Tri-x-Childcare.

Please refer to the 'Quick Guide' for information about the structure and navigation of the procedures; and the timetable for planned updates. You can access this chapter by using the button on the left hand side of the first screen. It has a ‘ add to favourites’ feature on the top right hand side for your convenience. Please forward the above link to colleagues.

These procedures replace the PDF version of the Interagency Safeguarding Procedures that you would have previously accessed at http://www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk/.

You will now find in their place on the LSCB's website the new online procedures hyperlink above which also includes all the local policies, protocols and practice guidance. It is FREE to access and, as always, we are 100% committed to keeping it up to date and to responding to suggestions or ideas for improvement. If you have any queries then please contact the Safeguarding Children Board’s Business unit on 0300 300 6676 or email LSCB@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.**

Upcoming LSCB Training Courses

TRAINING UPDATE

**This is to update you on changes to our procedures and to advise you of the variety of ways in which you, your colleagues and team members can enhance your skills. In future all application forms for courses must clearly state the manager’s name, where applicable, and a record of the applicant’s previous training. Where the applicant has had no previous training this should be clearly stated. Failure to complete these boxes will cause a delay in the administration process.

Several agencies appear confused regarding updating/refreshing staff’s safeguarding knowledge. Where staff have completed our 2 day Safeguarding Children and Interagency Working course they are usually expected to update their knowledge every 2 years. This doesn’t mean repeating the same course again. The LSCB offers a variety of courses either on-line or face to face. Click here to view the face to face courses which can be applied for as an update or refresher training opportunity. There is also a wide selection of safeguarding e-learning courses are also offered by the LSCB. The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect courses can be used for new joiners or as refresher course if it has not been previously completed. Several of the courses offered are designed to extend and deepen knowledge of aspects of safeguarding such as Risk Assessment and Sexual Exploitation. A flyer regarding these courses is attached to this email.**

Parental Substance Misuse and the impact on babies/children and young people

The aims of this course are to raise awareness of parental substance misuse with particular reference to alcohol abuse and to consider the impact of alcohol misuse on the children living in the family. By the end of the course participants will be able to discuss substance abuse and consider the differences between drugs and alcohol, identify when/at what point alcohol consumption becomes misused and describe  the effects, physical and emotional, of alcohol misuse in an adult and consider the effects of parental substance

• Date: Wednesday 11 January 2012
• Time: 9.15am-1.00pm
• Venue: Dunstable Fire Station, Dunstable, Beds

This course is for all those staff and volunteers who are in regular contact with children and young people, and with adults who are carers. These people are in a position to identify concerns about maltreatment, including those that may arise from using the common assessment framework (CAF).

Elearning Launch Event

The launch will start off with a light lunch @ 12.00pm and then a brief presentation which will include Agency uptake of training to date by the Elearning provider followed by a question and answer session. We anticipate to finish at about 2.30pm. This  event will be particularly useful for any training managers and others who have a responsibility to ensure that colleagues are adequately prepared and trained to undertake their safeguarding role. The system allows for monitoring of progress and successful completion for any worker in the chosen setting and can therefore helpfully contribute to Induction and other programmes. 

• Date: Monday 12 January 2012
• Time: Lunch @ 12.00pm-2.30pm
• Venue: Bedford Golf Club , Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, Bedford  MK404FF

Click here for an application form.Please return the attached application form to sue.fanthorpe@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk by Wednesday 4 January 2012. These courses are FREE to all those working in partner agencies and any volunteers.  Private and Independent Organisations are charged. More information on the courses available can be found below.  

Parental Mental Health and Safeguarding Children **Places still available**

The aim of this training course is to promote the confidence and skills of staff working in adult mental health and child welfare services. Encourage more effective agency collaboration for the benefit of mentally ill parents and their children.

• Date: Thursday 2 February/ Thursday 15 March 2012
• Venue: Bedford Golf Club , Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, Bedford  MK404F/ Dunstable Fire Station

Domestic abuse: The impact on children and young people **Places still available**

The aim of this course is to develop awareness of, and the ability to act on concerns about, the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people. Participants will be able to outline the national and local context of domestic abuse in relation to safeguarding children and the course will raise your awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people and assist you in assessing how parenting capacity is affected by domestic abuse

• Date: Wednesday 8 February 2012
• Time: 9.15am-4.30pm
• Venue: Dunstable Fire Station, Dunstable, Beds

This course is for all those staff and volunteers who are in regular contact with children and young people, and with adults who are carers. These people are in a position to identify concerns about maltreatment, including those that may arise from using the common assessment framework (CAF).

Constructive Challenge and Safeguarding Children and Young People (1 day inter-agency course for Group 3 practitioners) **Places still available**

This one day multi agency course has been specifically commissioned to support frontline practitioners and others in order to ensure that we work together in a spirit of open enquiry and debate to keep children and young people safe. The aim of this course is to enable and support key personnel to work together in a spirit of open enquiry and debate to keep children and young people safe. Click here for further information.

• Date: Thursday 9 February 2012
• Time: 9.150am-4.30pm
• Venue: Great Denham Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, Beds

Safeguarding Children Knowledge and Practice Half day Refresher

The aim of this course is to update and refresh knowledge and explore changes in practice in relation to keeping local children safe. By the end of this course participants will be able to review recent changes to legislation and practice guidance and discuss how this legislation and practice guidance can assist in the improved safeguarding of children and young people

• Date: Wednesday 29 February 2012
• Time: 9.15am-12.45pm
• Venue: Dunstable Fire Station, Dunstable, Beds

This course is for all those staff and volunteers who are in regular contact with children and young people, and with adults who are carers but who have not undertaken any multi-agency safeguarding training in the last 2-3 years. You will have trained previously to a minimum of ‘Basic Awareness’ safeguarding training or similar. Ideally you will have previously undertaken a 2 day course either ‘in house’ or with the LSCB.

Safeguarding Disabled Children **Places still available**

This course aims to increase knowledge and awareness of the particular safeguarding responsibilities for all staff when providing services to deaf and disabled children, young people and families.

• Date: Wednesday 7 March 2012
• Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine

To book on any of the above courses, please complete the application form and return it to Sue Fanthorpe, 7 Stephenson Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford, MK44 3WJ.

For more information contact Sue Fanthorpe, LSCB Secretary:
tel: 01234 276797, email: sue.fanthorpe@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

LSCB Training

We have had a reminder from the LSCB regarding delegate non attendance.

If you have a confirmed place on a LSCB training course a cancellation within 5 working days of the course or failure to attend will mean the LSCB will apply a failed booking fee for the full amount of the place.

**Payment: Courses are charged at £60 per delegate, per day when Agencies have pre- purchased (see details in next section) and £75 per day for other partners. For profit organisations are charged at £120 per delegate, per day. Delegates from the Voluntary sector are free of charge. Should you receive a confirmed place but then cancel within 5 working days of the course or fail to attend, LSCB will apply a failed booking fee for the full amount.*

LSCB New E-learning packages Free Of Charge

There are a number of e-learning courses available for organisations from the LSCB. These courses are FREE and include topics such as parental mental ehalth, safeguarding and awareness of child abuse and neglect. Click here for a promotional poster which contains full details of all courses available. Why not print out a copy to advertise within your organisation and raise awareness?

To apply for one of the e-learning courses, please visit the LSCB website and complete and submit the e-learning application form.

Central Bedfordshire

1) Strengthening Families 10-14

This course aims to help your family work together by understanding your teen and their behaviour for parents and teenagers aged 10-14. The course aims to reduce behavioural and conduct problems, prevent anti-social behaviour, increase self esteem and confidence and improve parent child relationship and
communications

• Date: The course runs for 7 weeks from Monday 9 January to Monday 27
  February
• Time: 5.30pm – 8.00pm (Buffet tea included)
• Venue: Downside Children's Centre, Oakwood Avenue

To book a place please email CBLDC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or ring on 0300 300 8131.

2) Benefits Awareness Training

A one day course specially prepared to help those dealing with clients who have young children. At the end of the course you will have a better understanding of the benefits system, be able to have more informed conversations with clients and understand how maximising entitlement can make a real difference and be able explain to clients what extra money they might receive if working.

• Date: Monday 16 January 2012
• Time: 9.30am-3.30pm
• Venue: Downside Children's Centre

• Date: Tuesday 31 January 2012
• Time: 9.30am-3.30pm
• Venue: Maple Tree Lower School

• Date: Monday 6 February 2012
• Time: 9.30am-3.30pm
• Venue: Downside Children's Centre

To book a place please email CBLDC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or ring on 0300 300 8131.

3) Carers Awareness Training

The training covers the rights of carers, legislation, carers assessments, services and understanding the needs of carers. 

• Date: Wednesday 29 February 2012
• Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
• Venue: Priory House, Chicksands, SG17 5TQ

Central Bedfordshire Council staff can book on via the Bedfordshire Academy on the intranet.  External colleagues and volunteers can use the booking form.

4) Management and Leadership Qualification

The Children's Trust Strategic Workforce Group identified a need for a leadership qualification for those aspiring or new in post middle managers across the children's workforce. Central Bedfordshire Council have therefore commissioned an ILM Leadership QCF Award at Level 4 with progression to QCF Certificate at L5 if wanted. 

There are 20 FREE of charge places for members of the children's workforce for those who wish to develop themselves in this way. Click here for more information about the qualification. If the first delivery is successful, another group will be run around March 2012. If you have a member of your team who would like to apply for this learning, please could they return the completed application form to Debbie.Crawford@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

5) Online Learning Opportunities with Central Bedfordshire Learning and Development Centre

These FREE of charge learning opportunities are provided to Early Years and Children’s Workforce to enable learning to take place, at a time convenient to you.  There is no cost to apply to do the courses, but we do request completion within 6 weeks of access.  Failure to complete could result in a retrospective charge. Course include Preventing Unintentional Childhood Injury, Observing to Inform in Childcare Settings, Early Child Development and much more! Click here for a full list of learning opportunities.

To access any of these courses please complete and email the application form or cut, paste and complete it into an email and send to CBLDC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.  You will receive a confirmation email confirming your login details to access the course you have chosen. Should you have any problems or wish to discuss any of these courses please telephone 0300 300 8131.

6) Parenting Programmes in Central Bedfordshire

Parenting programmes enable parents to build on what they already know and to do the best for their children. They do this by providing opportunities for parents to gain new knowledge, skills and confidence to support their children and strengthen relationships within the family. All programmes are suitable for mothers, fathers and other primary carers. Central Bedfordshire currently offer a wide range of Parenting Programmes and have recently released their April -July 2011 timetable for both Mid and South Bedfordshire. Click here to download.

7) Central Bedfordshire Children's Workforce Development Programme

Please find a list below of courses below with places available. There is no cost for course attendance. These courses are applicable to the whole children's workforce and are from the generic training programme. The Generic Children's Workforce Directory for Spring 2012 is now available. Click here to download. A number of online learning opportunities are also available to at the end of the document. Courses are available to all Children's Workforce staff located in or delivering services in to Central Bedfordshire. There is no cost applicable to access these courses or online courses. 

February 2012

Bookings should be emailed to CBLDC@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk giving details of attendee, workplace and department and full contact details.  Further information on these courses can be obtained by visiting their website.

8) Bedfordshire Adult Skills and Community Learning Programme: Family Learning Programme 2011-2012

Bedfordshire Adult Skills & Community Learning works with local communities and partners to promote a range of high quality learning opportunities for adults that support family, employment and improve the quality of life and enhance the character of our communities. The service is part of the Sustainable Communities directorate, hosted by Central Bedfordshire but, as a shared service, delivering learning opportunities to the residents of both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough. Click here to download. If you are interested in workshops or courses for family groups you work with or support or if you are supporting a parent who would benefit from the programme please contact Mandy Bates, Family Learning Programme Manager for Bedfordshire Adult Skills & Community Learning on 0300 300 6497 or email mandy.bates@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Exploring the Wild Course for Adults

The Greensand Trust is based in Bedfordshire and has been awarded funding from Central Bedfordshire’s Adult Skills and Community learning to run a course of 6 sessions entitled ‘Exploring the Wild'. Exploring the Wild is a course designed to introduce people to their local environment, create a positive experience for them, and help them to build confidence in exploring the countryside and green spaces on their doorstep through the development of relevant skills. 

It is particularly suitable for parents, grandparents and carers looking to develop the skills and confidence to take families outdoors and try different activities for themselves, and pass that confidence on. No previous experience is required, however parts of the course will be taught outdoors and participants should be prepared to spend time outside.

Participants will learn a number of basic skills which will help them to build confidence in the outdoors, and have the opportunity to practice and develop these with the support of an experienced tutor.  They will learn map skills and navigation, basic digital photography, wildlife identification and surveying.  They will also be introduced to bushcraft skills which may include building shelters, lighting fires safely, green woodworking and cooking over a campfire.

• Date: 6 sessions run on Tuesdays from 7 February to 8 May 2012
• Venue: Rushmere Park, Heath & Reach

The course is FREE but a refundable deposit of £10 will be required to reserve a place. Places must be booked by Monday 16 January 2012.

Bedford Borough

1) Bedford Borough Learning and Training Development Programme for Adult Services 2011-2012

The Bedford Borough 2011-2012 Learning and Training Development Programme for Adult Service is now available to download here. The programme comprises of a brief schedule of training followed by training events with aims, objectives and delegate target group. If you are unsure about any of the events please or have any other training needs specific to you please make contact Christine Phillips, Learning & Development Adviser for Adult Social Care on (01234) 228236 (internal ext. 42236) or email christine.phillips@bedford.gov.uk.

(This course will cost £55 per delegate for Bedford Borough Schools and £65 per delegate for Academies and Private Schools)

Supporting Families Through Integrated Working (2 day course)

This training results from the review of the Common Assessment Framework in Bedford Borough. The two day programme covers Assessment skills; The Lead Professional role and Information Sharing. It also introduces the newly developed Vulnerability and Resilience tool. The aims of this course are for practitioners to understand how the Common Assessment Framework informs Integrated Working and to enable practitioners to be able to identify and support the different stages in the framework; assessment, planning, delivery and review, whilst ensuring the child and family remain fully involved throughout the process.

• Date: Tuesday 7/Wednesday 18 February 2012
• Time: 9.15am-4.30pm
• Venue: Kempston Youth Centre, Kempston, MK42 8QP

• Date: Tuesday 6/Wednesday 7 March 2012
• Time: 9.15am-4.30pm
• Venue: Kempston Youth Centre, Kempston, MK42 8QP

Use of Therapeutic Play

This course will give delegates an understanding of the theory and practice of this non-directive therapy approach. This course is almost completely experiential.  Participants are requested to dress comfortably as there will be much floor work undertaken.

• Date: Tuesday 7 February 2012
• Time: 9.15am-4.30pm
• Venue: Room TH205, Technology House, Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9QQ

The Impact of Loss, Separation and Bereavement

This training event will explain the process of grief and explore how other cultures deal with loss. In this session, you will practice some techniques to help children manage loss, consider the link between loss and disability.

• Date: Wednesday 22 February 2012
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Venue: Bunyan Room, Borough Hall, Bedford

Interviewing Service Users Across Cultures

This training event will provide practitioners the opportunity to self assess their current levels of cultural intelligence and discuss the differences between professional ‘interviews’ and other kinds of conversation. You will also have the opportunity to consider a range of common dilemmas and misunderstanding in cross– cultural interviews.

• Date: Wednesday 22 February 2012
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Venue: Bunyan Room, Borough Hall, Bedford

Hall and Outdoor Games

Games are useful if not essential for development of children and young people and their acquisition of a variety of skills and attributes e.g. communication and movement skills. These skills enhance good and healthy relationships whilst at play.  Games can also be a way of introducing other activities and knowledge but the most important thing is that they are played for the sheer fun of it!

• Date: Monday 27 February 2012
• Time: 9.15am-11.30am
• Venue: Bunyan Room, Borough Hall, Bedford

First Aid at Work (3 day course)

This course complies with the HSE 1981 "First aid at work" legislation for a first aider in the workplace.  Each course is adjusted to suit the needs of the students.  The course is of 3 days duration.  A short oral test will take place during the last session of the course. A certificate which is valid for 3 years is awarded to successful students.

• Date: Friday 27 January/ Friday 3 February/Monday 6 February 2012
• Time: 8.45am-4.30pm
• Venue: Committee Room 1, Borough Hall, Bedford

This course is also repeated on:

• Date: Thursday 15/Friday 16 and Friday 23 March
• Time: 8.45am-4.30pm
• Venue: Committee Room 1, Borough Hall, Bedford

This course will cost £200 per delegate for a cohort of 10, therefore places are limited, so please book early. To book onto this course please complete an application form and submit to caron.montague@bedford.gov.uk.

Refresher First Aid at Work

This course can only be undertaken by first aiders whose first aid certificate has NOT EXPIRED. There is a 3 month window before the expiry date of the first aider’s certificate and once a new certificate is achieved it will keep to the original dates. i.e. if you refresh in March and your certificate runs out in May, your new certificate will start from May. A qualified first aider also has 28 days after the expiry date of their certificate to refresh before they need to redo the qualification in full. Click here for full details.

• Date: Thursday 1/Friday 2 March 2012
• Time: 8.45am-4.30pm
• Venue: Committee Room 2, Borough Hall, Bedford

This course will cost £130 per delegate for a cohort of 10, therefore places are limited, please book early. Click here for an application form. To book onto this course please complete attached application form and submit to     caron.montague@bedford.gov.uk.

E-learning modules

E-learning modules are ideal for anyone who can’t find the time to attend a traditional learning event or for those who wish to engage with a different style of learning. They’re great introductions to a subject or an excellent refresher course to bring learners up to date. Available from the RIP website, there is an ever-growing range of topics to choose from, to sign up for the research in practice website, please visit the website to enter your email and follow the instructions in order to create your account.

For any of the above training, please click here for an application form. Application forms should be returned by fax to 01234 276278 or emailed to caron.montague@bedford.gov.uk. Bedford Borough Council Staff can also book via MyView.

2) Working with Children and Young People

Choices in Childcare workshops

A FREE workshop ideal for people who wish to explore their options and find out more about local jobs and training working with children or young people.

• Date: Tuesday 17 January 2012
• Time: 10.00am-12.30pm
• Venue: Queens Park

• Date: Wednesday 18 April 2012
• Time: 10.00am-12.30pm
• Venue: Queens Park

Level 1 Step into Childcare

This course will run from Wednesday 18 January 12.45pm – 15.00pm in Queens Park for 10 weeks. Bedford Borough Council are also planning an additional Level 1 starting after half term in February on Monday afternoons, details to be announced shortly via the website. This is an ideal starter course for people who wish to work with children in pre-school or lower schools. This course costs 40.

3) Bedford Borough One Children's Workforce Integrated Learning and Development Programme 2010/2011

The Bedford Borough’s Integrated Learning and Development Programme is accessible to staff working in the local voluntary and community sector, as well as those working in the Bedford Children’s Trust partner organisations, subject to agreed agreement. The aim is to provide cost effective and creative learning solutions and to make sure that everyone who works with children and young people – whatever their role – has the skills, knowledge and motivation to do the best job they possible can. Click here to view the 2010/2011 training programme.

Copies of this programme can be ordered in CD format from nicki.healey@bedford.gov.uk. This programme contains details on all the learning and development opportunities available to staff working in Bedford Borough Council Children's Services Schools and Families.

4) Bedfordshire Adult Skills and Community Learning Programme: Family Learning Programme 2011-2012

Bedfordshire Adult Skills & Community Learning works with local communities and partners to promote a range of high quality learning opportunities for adults that support family, employment and improve the quality of life and enhance the character of our communities. The service is part of the Sustainable Communities directorate, hosted by Central Bedfordshire but, as a shared service, delivering learning opportunities to the residents of both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough. Click here to download. If you are interested in workshops or courses for family groups you work with or support or if you are supporting a parent who would benefit from the programme please contact Mandy Bates, Family Learning Programme Manager for Bedfordshire Adult Skills & Community Learning on 0300 300 6497 or email mandy.bates@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Luton

1) Alcohol Awareness 2011-2012 Training Programme

The aim of the Safer Drinking team is to reduce the harm associated with alcohol and other drug use by raising knowledge and awareness of alcohol and drinking throughout Luton. Their 2011-12 training programme covers a variety of alcohol specific topics for professionals working in the Luton area. Click here to download.

All courses are FREE for those working within Luton, and £30 per person for all other areas. For more information, or to book a place on any of these courses, please contact Jen Robus on 01582 506305 or email jennifer.robus@alcohol-services.co.uk.

Training forYoung People

1) The UpRising Leadership Programme

UpRising was developed and launched by the Young Foundation in 2008 in East London. UpRising has worked with over 200 young adults over the past three years in London and expanded to Birmingham in October 2010. They are now expanding into Bedford in September 2011 and are recruiting for their programme which starts in October 2011. They are looking for young people who are enthusiastic, passionate and committed to changing their communities for the better.

• Are you an enthusiastic 19-25 year old committed to changing your community for the better?
• Do you live, work or study in Bedford?
• Do you want to make change happen?

UpRising opens up pathways to leadership for talented young adults by equipping them with the life skills, knowledge, networks, confidence and power to transform their communities for the better. UpRising is a part-time leadership programme that requires commitment from you. Included in the programme are:

• Leadership retreat
• Social Action Project
• Learning sessions
• Learning visits
• Leadership opportunities
• Networking
• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Alumni network

Click here for an application form and to find out more. Spaces are limited. The selection process will take place in September and the programme will start in October. For more information please contact Adiva Kestenbaum on 020 8709 4826 or 07508 454 993.                 

Bedfordshire NHS

1) Young Parents To Be

Bedfordshire NHS is providing a new programme for pregnant teenagers and young parents which is starting in January 2012. This programme offers FREE places to parents and expectant parents aged 16 to 18 years, taking them thougn the journey of pregnancy and the early months of their child's life.

• Date: The course begins on Monday 9 January 2012
• Time: 1.00pm-3.00pm
• Venue: Bedford Children’s Centre, Greyfriars, Bedford

If parents who wish to attend the programme need childcare to atten, please signpost them to Alison Mooney at Alison.Mooney@ncma.org.uk as they can get funded through Care to Learn.

2) Public Health Improvement Training: Level 2 Health Champion

This course if for anyone interested in learning about Public Health Improvement. You do not need any qualifications as the training course is available for anyone who wishes to gain a good understanding around Health and local communities. The training will cover areas of understanding health, eg healthy eating, etc, understanding different health needs and achieving SMART targets. In Bedford there is an opportunity for 3 young people to gain a 3 month work placement for two days per week, within one of 3 NHS Services, including, Stop Smoking, Alcohol, and Sexual Health. These are paid placements, for 15 hours per week, so no benefits are lost.

Click here for a course overview. This training will hopefully commence week commencing 6 February. For more information, please contact Aruna Sharma Balls on 01234 897158.Voluntary and Community Sector

Voluntary and Community Sector

1) Bedford Race Equality Council FREE Self Development course

This is a Community Leadership Programme funded by Bedford Borough Council. Discover an exciting opportunity to develop your skills to ensure you
can have a say in decisions that affect you or your families lives. Join lively sessions and learn how to develop your self confidence, have greater choices, opportunities and skills in dealing with others. This course will be of benefit to job seekers, volunteers or anyone who feels they would like to be more involved in their community. This project is open to all people who want a better voice in society. The 5 session Programme will commence February 2012 in Bedford Town Centre (the venue will be notified once number of applicants identified). If you would like to find out more or book your FREE place, then contact BREC on 01234 350459 or email bedfordrec@btconnect.com.

2) Voluntary and Community Action

Getting the most from your PC

Always wondered what is inside that computer case? Want to know how to solve basic problems on your computer? This half-day workshop will look at what components make up a computer and introduces participants to some of the basic principles of how a computer works and how to solve some common problems. This course is FREE.

• Date: Tuesday 7 February
• Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
• Venue: Voluntary and Community Action, Bossard House, Leighton Buzzard

Finding the Right Funder

Funding may be available from a variety of sources. However, the first step to successfully secure funds is to identifying the right funder(s) who would be willing to support your project. Finding the Right Funder looks at the range of funding bodies and how best to identify the right funders for your project. (Voluntary Sector – Members £10, Non Members £15, Public Sector – Members £15, Non Members £22)

• Date: Thursday 23 February
• Time: 10.00am-1.00pm
• Venue: Voluntary and Community Action, Bossard House, Leighton Buzzard

Making Successful Funding Applications

This workshop will not only talk about how to write and submit a successful grant application, but will talk about tips to beat competition by creating an application that wins high reviews. You will also learn how to better understand the grant review process. So stop being left behind, reduce your stress and improve your financial standing when it comes to finding, writing, and winning funding opportunities! (Voluntary Sector – Members £20, Non Members £30, Public Sector – Members £30, Non Members £45)

• Date: Thursday 1 March
• Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
• Venue: Voluntary and Community Action, Bossard House, Leighton Buzzard

Emergency First Aid at Work – Three dates during 2012

This workshop will provide you with an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, valid for three years, as a nominated person to take charge in an emergency. It is suitable for small organisations that require a member of staff or volunteer to have basic lifesaving skills.

• Date: Thursday 8 March/ 9 and 16 June 2012
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Venue: Voluntary and Community Action, Bossard House, Leighton Buzzard

(Members £65, Non Members £85)

Introduction to Safeguarding

This course will cover;

•    how to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse
•    what to do if abuse is suspected
•    how to prepare a safeguarding policy
•    tools and resources to help you improve practice in your group

• Date: Tuesday 27 March
• Time: 10.00am-1.00pm
• Venue: Voluntary and Community Action, Bossard House, Leighton Buzzard

(Members £15, Non-members £10, but the fees will be refunded upon attendance). If you would like to attend any of the above courses, please complete a booking form and return it to Kim@action-centralbeds.org.uk.

3) Counselling Skills for Non Counsellors (OCN Accredited)

We all use Basic Counselling Skills on a day-to-day basis when we communicate with
others, but if we refined our supportive skills we could achieve so much more …..
Come and join Relate Bedfordshire and Luton for 4 days of experiential, invaluable learning, in a safe and caring environment, where you’ll hone your talents to be even more effective in your working and personal life. This training is essential training for line managers and supervisors

• Date: Thursday 23 February to Thursday 15 March 2012
• Time: 10.00am-1.00pm
• Venue: Downside Neighbourhood Centre, Oakwood Avenue,
  Dunstable, LU5 4AS

The cost is £350 per place. Contact training@relatebedsandluton.org.uk or phone 01234 342503 for further course information and a booking form.

4) Parent Group Leader training by Family Links 

Family Links offers a four-day training to facilitate the Nurturing Programme for Parents. The overall aims of the training:

• A thorough introduction to the Nurturing Programme and
  how to use it to support parents, carers and yourself
• Ways of working more effectively with groups and
  individuals
• Essential skills and knowledge for working with parents and
  families
• The training includes all Programme resources: handbooks
  for facilitators, The Parenting Puzzle book and animated
  DVD for parents and games for families

The Parent Group Leader training takes place over 4 days within 2 weeks, to equip you with the knowledge and skills to deliver the Nurturing Programme to groups of parents. To be recognised as a PGL, you must attend all 4 days.

• Date: Tuesday and Wednesday 6,7,13,14 March 2012
• Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
• Venue: Best House, Samuel Whitbread College, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5QS

Click here for futher information. The cost of the course varies between £615 and £820 depending on numbers. Please contact Catherine Williams, as soon as possible if you would like to attend this course on 01462 615115 or email cwilliams@shefford.cbeds.co.uk.

5) Do you want qualifications but don't want college? Want to get back on track?

Intraining offer a peaceful and modern training facility to help you learn and achieve at your own pace. They believe small sessions with lots of tutor support are the best way to learn; with dedicated tutors to assist in achieving your goals, the potential for success is within your grasp. Intraining are a specialist English and Maths Functional Skills provider who also offer the opportunity to gain Btec qualifications in a variety of work related topics.

Intraining provide:                   

• Qualifications up to Level 2 
• Relaxed learning environment
• Travel expenses             
• Voucher scheme
• Trips

If you are interested and wish to find out more please contact Andrew or Jing on 01234 344013. Alternatively drop in at Intraining, 49 Mill Street, Bedford. MK40 3LB.

6) NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Employability

The Certificate in Employability is your opportunity to prepare for employment, engage in voluntary work or undertake longer term education. The course consists of a 20-week training programme (a 2-hour session once a week), preparation for employment, one-to-one tutor guidance and access to one-to-one mentoring. The aim of the Employability course is to increase your interpersonal skills as well as build confidence and assertiveness in order to equip you with skills to access education, volunteering opportunities or education.

The course can be delivered across Bedfordshire Individuals must commit to the required learning for the course and be prepared to undertake some home study. For further details, contact Bedfordshire and Luton Mind on 01525 844160 or email training@bedsandlutonmind.org.uk.

7) WorkShop in Mind: Bedfordshire and Luton Mind

WorkShop in Mind is an agency that will match a Support Assistant's skills to your individual needs, safeguards and facilitates flexible working partnerships, including service agreements and payments and provides training, ongoing support and development for people returning to work after recovery from mental health issues. Service include support to acess community activities, help and support with general household tasks and specific household services. This service is for people over 18 who have lived a mental health experience and are ready to return to work on a support self-employed basis. If you would like more information or to discuss joining or using the service, please contact Bedfordshire and Luton Mind on 01234 343869 or email claire@bedsandlutonmind.org.uk.

Training in Bedfordshire

1) Relate Bedfordshire and Luton

Relate Bedfordshire and Luton are proud to introduce you to new workshops and courses designed for the general public, professional, parents, prisoners and schools. Relate have been delivering a range of courses for over 15 years and have a team of experienced trainers who are enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in people’s lives.  Several of their courses are OCN accredited and they can customize courses to meet your specific needs.

Relate has a great reputation for providing high quality, affordable training to individuals and organisations. Our commitment, through Education and Learning, is to promote healthy relationships, better working environments, and happier families. Click here to view their latest training leaflet. If you would like more information on any of the courses advertised within this leaflet, please contact Sue Walker on 01234 342503 or email training@relatebedsandluton/org.uk.

Young Parents To Be

Relate, in partnership with NCLP, is offering free places to young parents and expectant parents aged 16 to 18 years to join the YMTB ‘Parents To Be’ programme. The YMTB programme is a set of units aimed at pregnant teenagers and young parents, taking them through the journey of pregnancy and the early months of a child’s life. The programme units are:

• Understanding antenatal development
• Develop knowledge and understanding of caring for a young baby
• Understand a parents role in child development to create a strong parent/child bond (Program duration is 60 hours, 2 hours a week)

• Date: The course begins on Monday 9 January 2012
• Time: 1.00pm-3.00pm
• Venue: Bedford Children’s Centre, Greyfriars, Bedford

For more information, please contact Relate Education and Learning on 01234 342503 or email at training@relatebedsandluton.org.uk.

National

1) Understanding the teenage mind

A workshop for parents and adults working with teenagers to help them be more aware and supportive of young people’s needs. Adolescence can be a turbulent and confusing time for teenagers as well as for the adults who care for them.  This workshop will:

• Help you understand adolescence as a stage of development
• Highlight stresses and anxieties which arise in adolescence
• Help you read the signs and symptoms of common issues, such as self-harm, eating disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts  etc.
• Offer ideas on how to communicate more effectively with this age group
• Become more aware of what is helpful and what is unhelpful when supporting teenagers

• Date: Thursday 23 February 2012
• Time: 7.30pm-10.00pm
• Venue: St Mary’s Hall, Watford High St, London

The workshop will be run by Rayna Shock (BAHons, PGCE, DipC&P, Dip Supervision), who is Director of Metamorphosis Therapy Centre, Chair of Signpost and works in both primary and secondary schools as a therapist, trainer and consultant.  As a teacher of over 30 years, she now trains school staff across the UK in all areas of pastoral care.  She is currently completing a Masters in Child, Adolescent and Family Psychotherapy. To book your place, please call 01923 239495 or email signpostcounsellingagency@gmail.com.

2) CWDC Offers Online Training on Child Poverty

CWDC has published a new online training module for any practitioner wanting to expand their skills and expertise around child poverty. Understand, recognise and respond to child poverty is suitable for practitioners across the children's workforce wanting to increase their knowledge in this area. Users may also find it helpful in identifying any training and skills gaps they might have. 

The module is not accredited, but line managers and supervisors may want to use it as a continuing professional development opportunity for colleagues. Alongside the module, the CWDC are co-ordinating the development of a learner resource, which should be available on our website in the autumn.

The resource will act as a starting point for anyone expanding their knowledge on child poverty. It will provide supporting notes, useful tools and suggested activities for enquiry based learning. CWDC are currently working with a stakeholder expert reference group to develop this support tool. If you or any of your colleagues would like to be involved please get in touch. To get involved in the stakeholder reference group email parentsandfamilies@cwdcouncil.org.uk.

3) Research in Practice: Children's Workforce Integrated Learning and Development Programme 2011 /2012

The Children's Workforce Integrated Learning and Development Programme 2011/2012 are offering FREE training opportunities for staff in Children's Services during October and November.

Children in Out of Home Placements: Managing effective contact with birth families Research Messages Workshop

This practical workshop is aimed at social workers, social work assistants and all social care staff with a remit for managing and monitoring supervised or unsupervised contact. It looks at the different approaches required to manage supervised and un

4) Raising Awareness of Sexual Exploitation with Young People

In response to demand, we are pleased to announce eight new dates for our "Train the trainer" one-day course for professionals working directly with children and young people. The course is targeted at PSHE teachers, Youth Workers, YOT's, Sexual Health Teams, School Nurses and CSE Project Workers with a direct role in helping young people to develop an awareness of safe and healthy sexual relationships.

• Date: Tuesday 10 January
• Venue: Derby/Nottingham

The aims of the course are to:

• Explore the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Introduce a framework for raising young people's awareness of CSE
• Become familiar with relevant resources and how to use them in group work with young people
• Identify good practice on how to respond to concerns

The course uses the UKHTC's excellent DVD and resource pack "My Dangerous Loverboy" together with other complementary resources developed from the work of Safe and Sound in Derby and other similar projects around the UK. Package includes one day training event with lunch, one copy of “My Dangerous Loverboy” with resource pack and other complementary handouts. Price per delegate: £175+VAT. Group booking offer – five places for price of four. 10% discount for Registered Charities and Social Enterprises. For more information, and/or to book your place, please visit the website.

5) Roma Support and Engagement Programme

The Roma Support Group is a Romaled grassroots organisation established in 1998 who now work with over 900 Roma families in London. They have developed their expertise through front-line work with the Roma community, research, cultural events, publications, lobbying and policy influencing work.

The Roma Support & Engagement Programme is their response to a growing need amongst service providers to ensure specialist and cost-effective interventions for Roma families across the UK. The Programme offers a variety of services to statutory and voluntary organisations working with Roma refugees and migrants

They can tailor their training to your services and needs to cover subjects such as Roma culture, awareness, rights to welfare, housing and social care, access to health and education, capacity building and community empowerment, etc. Costs for half-day training start from £325 for statutory organisations. If you are interested in learning more about the Programme, please contact email rsep@romasupportgroup.org.uk or telephone 020 7511 8245.

6) National Childminding Association Training Workshops

The National Childminding Association offers a wide range of training workshops throughout both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. Click here for a full list of courses provided and for a booking form.

Useful Training Links

1. Voluntary & Community Action: click to view their Training and Events Calendar, booking forms and Training E-Bulletin.
2. Community & Voluntary Service: click to view their Training and Events Calendar and further information on their extensive range of Fundraising, Quality & Best Practice and Procurement & Trading Workshops.
3. Voluntary Works: click to view their Training and Events calendar, and for further information on their extensive range of workshops.