Last year, CYPHP worked in partnership with Local Authorities in Lambeth and Southwark to develop and deliver a bespoke training course for Personal Advisors (PAs). PAs are key professionals working with care leavers - a vulnerable group who often have unmet physical and mental health needs.
The course was set up in three modules and run over a six month period. It had a large focus on engagement and early intervention work. The first module focused on developing skills around motivational interviewing, improving awareness and identification of mental health issues, and engaging young people with complex challenging lives.
The second module was designed specifically to meet needs identified by PAs, including increasing knowledge about the law, regulations, benefits, childhood development, and supporting young care leavers who have become parents, or who were refugees.
The final module provided an opportunity for self-reflection, and to discuss values and beliefs in day-to-day practice.
The material, group activities, and speakers proved to be valued by the PAs. PAs provided many examples of how the course content would influence their ongoing work with care leavers, and when asked if they would recommend the course, participants said:
- “This course would be very good for new PAs.”
- “Networking, it is important to know and share knowledge, experience and services available."
- “It was good to have time away to reflect upon practice and gain some information which was not known."
How will it help PAs to deliver better services to CYPs?
This course provides PAs with knowledge of holistic health and wellbeing support for care leavers, as well as the necessary practical support for navigating and accessing local services.
Now accredited
CYPHP is excited to announce that this training course has been accredited by King Health Partners Education Academy as an approved short course.
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