Courses for carers

During this session carers can utilise our trainer and her knowledge. You are invited to come prepared with your questions, which will be addressed in an informal group environment. The trainer has skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Health and social care
• Pressure sores and personal care
• Dementia awareness
• Moving and handling
• All aspects of first aid
• Mental health and wellbeing awareness
• Paediatric first aid
• Medication management

A 6-week course

This course introduces you to the expressive possibilities of both charcoal and pastel. You’ll explore a variety of drawing techniques using these versatile materials. By the end you’ll have created rich, dynamic artwork full of contrast, depth, and colour.

In this hands-on course, you will have an introduction to charcoal and pastel materials and techniques, including:

• Reductive drawing method with charcoal.
• Shading, blending, and layering with pastels.
• Combining both media for mixed-media effects.

What you need to know:

• No previous experience is necessary, though basic drawing skills can be helpful.
• This is an informal and stress-free course, suitable for all abilities.
• Charcoal and pastels can be messy—please wear old clothes or an apron and bring wet wipes for cleaning-up.
• You will need to bring a watercolour sketch book.
• All other materials and equipment are provided.

Enjoy a calming and creative learning experience as you explore the bold, tactile nature of charcoal and the soft vibrancy of pastels.

A 2-week course

Create a charming and unique rag wreath. Using recycled fabric strips, ribbons, and other decorative elements, you will craft a one-of-a-kind wreath.

What to expect:

Join us for a fun and festive craft workshop where you’ll craft a charming Christmas rag wreath, perfect for celebrating the season.

An interactive workshop with subject matter experts. This session will provide a basic overview of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Wills and the Court of Protection. This will be an interactive session with the opportunity for carers to ask questions.

If you have specific topics you would like discussed at this workshop, please let us know. Email tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net or call 01803 208 455 so we can work with our expert to provide a more tailored experience.

A 3-week course

In this hands-on workshop: you’ll use a variety of materials such as acrylic paints and fine pens to create intricate, geometric patterns on natural pebbles or stones. The process of making these beautiful designs is both meditative and rewarding.

What you need to know:

• No prior experience is required.
• This is a relaxed and informal session with no pressure or performance expectations.
• All materials and tools will be provided.

Come and enjoy a peaceful, creative experience that nurtures both self-expression and wellbeing.

A 10-week course

This course offers a gentle, creative introduction to watercolour painting. It will focus on the calming benefits of the process, rather than artistic outcomes.

Painting is a form of creative escape that can lift your mood, ease stress, and bring a sense of calm and focus. This course provides a space free from pressure or judgement. It is an opportunity to explore, unwind, and enjoy the process.

• No prior experience or skill is necessary.
• This is a relaxed, informal course open to everyone.
• You will need to bring a cold pressed watercolour sketch book on week 2 tutor will discuss types in week 1.
• All other materials and equipment are provided.

Experience a mindful approach to painting. This can help you relax, reconnect, and explore your creativity through watercolour.

One of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s specialist parkinsons nurses will provide a tailored training session for carers. This session will offer practical advice on the resources and information available to carers. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

If you have specific topics you would like discussed at this workshop, please let us know. Email tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net or call 01803 208 455 so we can work with our expert to provide a more tailored experience.

Asking ourselves ‘What matters to me?’ helps us to plan for the future.

Our answers could be about family, jobs, holidays, education, where we live, what we eat, what we love to do, what we don’t want.

Considering the choices about how you live with significant illness or at the end of our lives has many benefits.

This training will introduce you to available resources to help you talk about, plan for and record your wishes for the future.

This will initially be a group session for 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a break and then a chance to speak to our experts on a 1 to 1 basis.

A 10-week course

This course builds on the skills and techniques learned in the 'Paint yourself calm – an introduction to watercolour course'. This improvers course is designed to deepen your understanding of watercolour painting. It continues to focus on the calming, meditative aspects of the process.

This course will help you refine your watercolour skills by exploring more advanced techniques. The course is perfect for those looking to expand their creativity and technique in a relaxed, supportive environment.

As you build on your previous experience, you will further develop your ability to focus, relax, and create with intention. This course emphasises the joy of painting without pressure or expectations. It offers a creative space to refresh and recharge while improving your technique.

What you need to know:

• This course is for students who have completed the 'Paint yourself calm' course.
• You will need to bring a cold-pressed watercolour sketch book.
• All other materials and equipment will be provided.

Please note: this course starts outside of the July to December timeframe for this education brochure. We have included it due to the early January 2026 start date.

A 6-week course

Discover the tactile and creative world of wet felt making—a traditional craft that blends wool fibres to form unique pieces of artwork.

In this hands-on course, you will:

• Learn the fundamentals of the wet felting process.
• Explore needle felting and decorative embellishment techniques.
• Create a bespoke felt piece, which can be turned into a functional item like a book cover.

What to expect:

• No prior experience is necessary.
• Some physical effort is involved in the felting process.
• Please bring a small towel and consider wearing an apron, as soap and water are used during the session.
• All other materials and tools will be provided.

Enjoy a calming and creative experience where you’ll leave with both new skills and a unique handmade creation.

The following courses are applied for directly on the details provided below and will not be counted as a part of your 3 choices.

Dementia awareness – entry level

The dementia awareness course provides an introduction to and increased understanding of dementia. This course uses interactive learning and case studies to bring a more personal approach to dementia. In Torbay, dementia awareness is becoming more important due to the growing ageing population. Dementia affects millions of people and their families worldwide. This makes it crucial for caregivers and healthcare workers to grasp its nuances. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This ensures you are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals living with dementia.

No formal qualifications are required to complete this course.

This course runs monthly from South Devon College’s Paignton Campus. You can book the demetia awareness course online, or by calling 08000 380 123.

Devon Partnership Trust - Stronger Together

If you are living alongside or supporting someone who self-harms or is experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions, you will want to know the best ways to support them. You may feel you are managing high levels of risk without support or adequate skills and knowledge.

You may feel frustrated by the way services engage with you. STRONGER TOGETHER is a series of two workshops which offer an opportunity to explore and discuss the challenges of supporting someone at risk of serious harm and suicide. You will be able to discuss your situation openly and safely, in a small group. The group will provide you with coping skills and tools to help manage risk in the person you are supporting. It will also help you to look after yourself and build your own resilience.

Workshop 1 – Family, Friend and Carer Empowerment - Carers Only

You can expect to gain an understanding of:

• What we mean by suicidal experiences, self-harm and risk.
• Strategies to help keep people and ourselves safe.
• How to respond, support and help when risk is increasing.
• How to care for and nurture yourself when feeling overwhelmed and ‘burnt out’.

Workshop 2 – Family, Carers and Practitioners Working Together

Aims of the day are to:

• Identify, understand and build on shared experiences of different roles.
• Empower those with caring responsibility to feel confident in sharing information.
• Empower practitioners to listen, hear and value the voice of the Carer.
• Develop an understanding of consent and sharing information.
• Understand, develop and champion a collaborative approach to care.

To find out more information or to book, please contact Deborah Love: deborah.love@nhs.net

Please note, these courses are all online. If you would like to attend these courses but do not have the required online access, please contact us at 01803 208455 or tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net. We will endeavour to provide a space in Paignton Library for you to log in and attend.

Introduction to Pilates for wellbeing

A 5-week course

This short course is designed to help with strength, flexibility, balance, breathing techniques and relaxation. With the intention of helping to develop a better posture through exercise.

This is a social class for your enjoyment and general wellbeing. The only requirement is that you are able to get down on to the floor and back up again.

The main part of the session is taught on an exercise mat with instruction/demonstration from the tutor at the front. We will cover the 15 main exercises in Pilates. Alternatives will be offered depending on your ability.

You will need an exercise mat, water to re-hydrate and comfortable stretchy clothes.

To book onto this course, please contact Helen at acladmin@southdevon.ac.uk

Unpaid carers – bespoke day

These 3-hour sessions are offered for free by The Training Suite to upskill unpaid carers.

During this session Carers can utilise the trainer and their knowledge. You are invited to come prepared with your questions, which will be addressed in an informal group environment. The trainer has skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Health and social care
• Pressure and personal care
• Dementia awareness
• Moving and handling
• All aspects of first aid
• Mental health and wellbeing awareness
• Paediatric first aid
• Medication management

Dates for September to December are still to be confirmed. For further information please visit The Training Suite.

Yoga for anxiety and depression

A 4-week course

Do you suffer from anxiety and depression? Join this gentle trauma-informed, free 4-week yoga course to learn tips to manage your mental health and promote a sense of wellbeing into your life.

Book your space directly by contacting Georgie at georgie.brown@shekinah.co.uk or call 01803 203895 / 07847 244810

The following courses are applied for directly on the details provided below and will not be counted as a part of your 3 choices.

Digital Skills Drop in Sessions – Eat That Frog
Eat That Frog believe that digital inclusion for all is of the utmost importance in this day and age. Devices are used to keep in communication with loved ones, apply for jobs and use necessary online services. You can make doctor’s appointments, apply for a new disabled badge or access benefits. Eat that Frog hold regular free drop-in sessions from their Torquay centre in a bid to combat digital exclusion.

FutureLearn offers you the ability to choose from thousands of online courses from top universities and specialist organisations. The courses have a set start date and are accessed by learners around the world at the same time, enabling there to be additional peer support from other learners.
Visit: FutureLearn

The HOPE Programme work to support people with long-term health conditions to build confidence and learn how to manage their condition. Courses are available virtually or face to face. You can find out more from their website at MyHealth Devon - HOPE

The Learning Exchange is a free and inclusive adult learning programme. Courses are offered by volunteer tutors, who share their skill or knowledge. Anybody over the age of 18 can enrol. No previous qualifications or referrals are required. Enrolling is simple. Courses include philosophy, history, economics, languages, technology, music, arts and crafts. You can view the courses offered and book directly via their website The Learning Exchange.

Open Learn is the home of free learning from the Open University. There is a huge range of courses available from short animated videos to level one and two qualifications. Find out more at Open Learn

Sharpham Trust – Weekly Online Meditation
This online session is for people with all types of meditation experience, from beginner to experienced. Anyone who would like to connect with their practice in the supportive company of others can attend.

To get the most out of this session you will need a space in your home where you will not be distracted by other people or sounds.

To join you will need to be fully available for the duration of the session. This creates a greater sense of group coherence with less distraction for your fellow meditators.

For further details, including the themes of each session and how to join, please visit The Sharpham Trust website, or call 01803 732542.

South Devon College – free online courses
Online courses work for anyone with a busy schedule as you can choose your learning environment. This may be at home, out and about or in your work environment.

There is a range of teaching materials to work your way through, and at the end of each section you will complete a short assessment. The courses are broken down so that you can complete small sections even if you only have a short amount of time.

Online courses can also provide you with the perfect stepping stone before beginning another course. They give you the opportunity to find out more about a specific subject area of interest.

If you’re looking to access higher education online, you can start any of the courses listed online now! Most courses range from between 10 hours to 50 hours to complete, depending on the level of the qualification.

Visit South Devon College – access to higher education, or contact us at Signposts 01803 666620 or email tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net for more information.

Step One empowers people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and neurodiversity in Devon to achieve their goals and live more independently. They offer a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing through a range of varied services. This include access to various training sessions.
For more information go to their website: StepOne

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust – staff training for unpaid carers
The Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s staff training programmes are accessible to carers. This includes face-to-face training and online training. This includes general training (e.g. manual handling or emotional resilience), as well as more tailored training (e.g. on specific conditions like Parkinsons or Dementia). To access the trust’s training offer, please contact Signposts on 01803 666620 or email tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net.

We Find Any Learner have a wide range of level one and level two qualifications available to access for free on their website. Examples of courses available include; dementia care, nutrition and health, understanding learning difficulties, understanding autism, mental health first aid and many more. Their full range of courses is listed on their website We Find Any Learner.