Mental health communication skills

Who the course is for

This course is for anyone wanting to improve communication with people with challenging behaviour that may be due to mental ill health or mental distress.

People who may benefit from this course include financial capability trainers, generalist advisers, Gateway assessors, receptionists, caseworkers, specialist advisers and advice session supervisors.

This is an introductory course is focused on improving your communication skills and provides a broad understanding of mental health and mental distress and how stigma and prejudice affects people.

The course is not suitable for anyone wanting to develop in depth understanding of the field of mental health or benefits and mental health.

Aims of the course

By the end of the course you will

• Have learned and practiced ways to communicate with people exhibiting challenging behaviour
• Have shared ways of adapting communication styles to suit the individual
• Have learned some facts and dispelled some common myths around mental health
• Learned where to find more information on mental health
• Know where to refer people looking for support on mental health issues

Pre course work

The pre course work will take about 1.5.hours. You will need to

1. Read some background information.
2. Research what happens in your centre or project
3. Complete e-learning training