BPRCVS delivers a wide range of services to support the health and wellbeing of residents in the communities of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.
“I have found the training very useful and insightful and I am excited to carry on delivering this training to others, to develop the understanding and early intervention work that is needed throughout the UK”
What made you decide to get involved?
Wanting to better understand the principles of MECC and being able to pass that knowledge, understanding and experience of MECC on to others who have the opportunity to use and implement MECC on a daily basis.
In your view what is the strategic case for MECC for Mental Health?
There are a number of charity, CIC and faith organisations that could benefit from the delivery of MECC. The initiatives and programmes that they offer are aimed at particular sectors of people who form part of the population where deprivation and illiteracy (across the board) affects engagement with services. They also employ many voluntary staff members who would benefit from training of this nature.
How did you train to become a MECC for Mental Health trainer?
I was able to deliver the training in house to staff and volunteers within the BPRCVS organisation. This enabled me to deliver the training face to face, my preferred delivery method. This enables real engagement with the participants and the ability to assess which parts need more explanation more easily. The feedback given by participants at the end of the sessions was very positive.
How was the experience of organising and delivering MECC for Mental Health training?
Being that I was able to offer the training face to face and that the CVS offices offer a room for training needs, the organisation of booking and arranging dates and times was fairly simple. As this was then offered in small groups (less than 10 participants) it was an intimate experience and enabled engagement and collaboration with the materials. As the training resources are developed, making small changes and delivering this training was very straight forward.
Can you provide a brief description of the group/s you delivered the training to?
The training room at CVS building in Burnley was an ideal setting for the delivery of the training as it offers a central point for CVS staff and volunteers, a large screen television for projection of the resources, large friendly environment and other necessary tools to deliver training effectively. The groups of individuals were made up of CVS staff members and volunteer staff. A total of 13 staff members attended the 2 training sessions offered. The newly appointed staff and volunteers were able to familiarise and develop their understanding of MECC. While experienced staff were able to gather information and knowledge to add to their “toolbox” of information they already use.
Can you provide a brief description of the training programme you delivered?
The training was delivered over 15 training hours split into two, four-hour sessions and one seven-hour session with allocated breaks and lunch times. This was focused on either Social Prescribing, workplace mental health, personal mental health and front-facing staff members that work within the CVS organisation.
How do you think the training has been received by participants?
From the feedback given at the end of the training days the participants found the information very useful and easily applicable. The participants seemed engaged throughout and engaged with the activities throughout the course well, giving valuable insight and application of the training to their particular roles, themselves and work colleagues.
What difference do you think MECC for Mental Health will bring to the people you trained
I think it has made them think about how they use MECC without even thinking about it. The information regarding signposting and the organisations that offer support as well as resources and where information can be found, is very useful and important.
