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Courses for carers

These programmes are available to unpaid carers who live in Torbay and care for someone living here. Unless otherwise stated programmes are provided free of charge.

The course outlines are described below and in our Carers Education Brochure. You can either apply online or by using the application form in the brochure. If you have any questions please contact us at Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620 or our contact form.

The Trust’s staff training programmes are also accessible to carers, both face-to-face training, and online training. If there is training that you think you might benefit from that isn’t available via carers education, especially training that is more medical, please contact Signposts on 01803 666620 or via our contact form to find out more.

In addition to the courses provided by Torbay Carers in Torbay, Devon Recovery Learning Community provides free courses for people with experience of mental health difficulties, their family and friends. For more information please visit https://devonrlc.co.uk.

Review the outlines and available dates by clicking on the course titles below. You can apply for a maximum of 3 courses unless stated otherwise.

    A 3 hour course

    This course has been specifically designed for carers to cover key areas that family carers need to learn.

    The course will be practical and give carers the chance to discuss their particular needs.

    This session covers:

    • Dealing with incidents
    • Basic resuscitation
    • Heart attacks and strokes
    • Burns, scalds
    • Poisoning, choking
    • Shock, bleeding, fractures and management of the unconscious casualty.
    DateMonday 4 December -
    Time10am - 1pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    A handbook will be provided for each participant, that covers the key course information.

    The course is free to carers (NB: This programme is not available to staff working in agencies or care staff).

    A 3 hour course

    Run by Jane Reddaway, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Specialist Falls

    This session covers:

    • The problems of falls in older people and dispelling the myths
    • Helping those who attend to understand the ageing process and how this increases a person's risk of falling
    • Information about fracture prevention and osteoporosis
    • Introducing the falls register
    • Exploring possible strategies to reduce falls / fractures in the future.
    DateThursday 9 November -
    Time10am - 1pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    An 11 week supervised gym programme

    The course will include an 11 week supervised gym programme with a trained fitness instructor, aimed at all levels of fitness.

    A tailored programme will be put together to establish regular physical activity, to improve health and wellbeing.

    Each course will have a small group of carers.

    There will be a £5 charge for this course. Please pay at reception on arrival and take your receipt to the gym area.

    Participants will have an individual fitness assessment prior to starting the programme with the Fitness Instructor.

    DateFriday 15, 22, 29 September, 6, 13, 20, 27 October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November -
    Time2pm - 3pm - First session will include meet and greet, induction – health summary and programme
    VenueTorbay Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Paignton
    Cost£5 for the course

    A 1 hour 30 minutes course

    The aim of this workshop is to explain and offer expert advice on two important legal issues that carers need to consider when planning for the future:

    Wills and Trusts
    Making provision for the future is an issue for many carers, concerned that the person they care for gets the right support and protection they need in the future. The benefits of making Wills and the different types of Trusts will be explained.

    The programme is FREE to Torbay carers. Refreshments will be provided.

    The workshop will include presentations on the law, practical advice and the opportunity to ask questions.

    DateThursday 14 December -
    Time11am - 12.30pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    A 3 hour workshop

    During the session you can either create two small projects (coasters) or a larger one like a house number. You will be given all materials and the project will be grouted on the day. To see what type of projects you can make, please visit:

    Website: www.tesserahub.co.uk
    Facebook: Tessera Hub Creative Design
    Instagram: tesserahubcreative

    DateSaturday 30 September -
    Time10am - 1pm
    VenueTessera Hub, Reddenhill Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3NT
    Cost£5 contribution towards materials

    A 5 week course

    This introduction to beadwork will show you that it is about far more than stringing beads. You will learn how to make beautiful jewellery in the colours that suit you, in your style and to your taste.

    The tutor will have equipment to borrow and beads. Approx cost of the beads will be £3 per session. For photos and more information go to: http://jalsbeads.weebly.com/

    DateWednesday 4, 11, 18, 25 October and 1 November -
    Time10.30am - 12.30pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    A 5 week course

    If you have enjoyed beadwork before this, then this course is for you. You will build on your past experience to make more intricate beautiful jewellery in the colours that suit you, in your style and to your taste.

    The tutor will have equipment to borrow and beads. Approx cost of the beads will be £3 per session. For photos and more information go to: http://jalsbeads.weebly.com/

    DateThursday 5, 12, 19, 26 October and 2 November -
    Time1pm - 3pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    A 3 day course - This course has an emphasis on application and understanding of maths

    Day 1: You’ll have an engagement session where you meet Carol and have a chat about maths, and how the sessions will increase your confdence through practical support around designing a project. You will be learning: shape / space / measures, unit conversions, 4 operation arithmetic, understanding and using scale. This learning can then be replicated with other DIY projects.

    You will be tasked with a project to renovate the upstairs kitchen and to turn the side room into an adjoining dining room, at The Pad in Paignton. You will be required to measure the areas in question using suitable materials and create a scale drawing of the current space. You will then be required to do some research online to create a brand-new kitchen space and adjoining dining room.

    Day 2 and 3: Refect upon ideas from frst session and make any desired changes to plan. Find the quantities and costs of materials that are required for the renovation, using online resources. Maths topics covered: Money / budget calculations, area, fuel / labour costs, using formulae.

    DateWednesday 6, 13 and 20 September -
    TimeDay 1, 10am - 12 noon. Day 2 and 3, 10am - 1pm
    VenueEat That Frog, Paignton, (course is upstairs, with no mobility access)

    A 3 day course - This course has an emphasis on application and understanding of maths

    Day 1 engagement session, introduction and welcome to include:

    • Recognise the difference between metric and imperial measures.
    • Understand the relationship between grams and kilograms, litres and millilitres and be able to weigh and measure them confdently using analogue & digital scales, as well as measuring fuid accurately with a jug.
    • Confdence using analogue and digital time, and time calculations.

    The group will then research suitable recipes for a small slow cooker and decide on a recipe that they can work together on as a group. They will then adapt the recipe to suit the size of their slow cooker. They will do this using proportion methods for scaling recipes up and down. As well as a recipe for a savoury dish, learners will be asked to decide on one easy recipe for a dessert, that will be demonstrated by the tutor in the next session, to show that desserts can also be made in a slow cooker.

    Discussions will take place about the benefts of batch cooking, considering the rise in the cost of living and food prices. The process and benefts of slow cooking will also be discussed, demonstrating how energy and time saving the process is.

    Days 2 and 3 will be more practical, with the frst task being a demonstration by the tutor making a dessert using the slow cooker, stressing the importance of accurate measuring and understanding timings for the dessert.

    The next task will be for everyone to prepare their own ingredients. Use practical skills, peeling, weighing, measuring fuids, preparing meat etc, to create a dish that each person can take away and cook in their own slow cooker (slow cooker provided). Carers will consider how much each dish has cost, but also think about the energy costs. Learners will be given a slow cooker on completion of the course.

    DateThursday 24, 31 August, and Friday 1 September -
    TimeDay 1, 10am - 12 noon. Day 2 and 3, 10am - 1pm
    VenueEat That Frog, Paignton, (course is downstairs)

    2 hour session

    An introductory workshop to aromatherapy: how essential oils can help you live a happier, healthier lifestyle.

    We will be discussing the importance of good quality oils, learn simple self-care tips and how to use the oils safely in your home. If you would like to make your own blend during the session, please bring £5 (all oils will be provided).

    DateTuesday 12 December -
    Time1pm - 3pm
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    A 5 week course - learn to use your sewing machine with a project of your choice!

    • Week 1 - Learn how to use your sewing machine. Bring your own project if you are profcient alternatively you are welcome to join in the class project.
    • Week 2 - Learn appliqué and cut a bag
    • Week 3 - Stitch a bag
    • Week 4 - Cut out and decorate a Christmas stocking / bag / napkin
    • Week 5 - Finish all the projects

    Materials, threads, patterns and different colour swatches for appliqué will be provided, but could you please bring any scraps of fabric to the frst session. Please bring your own machine (there will be 2 spare machines).

    DateMonday 6, 13, 20, 27 November, and 4 December -
    Time10am - 12 noon
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library
    CostA one off £5 contribution

    A 6 week course

    Wet felt making is a creative craft that combines wool fbres to create a bespoke piece of artwork. We will design and produce a piece of felt that can be personalised with embellishment and made into a book cover or tokeep as a piece of art.

    • Gain knowledge of the wet felting process
    • Explore different types of textile decoration and embellishment
    • Produce a fnished bespoke piece of felt
    • Enjoy a relaxed, informal creative craft
    DateTuesday 31 October, 7, 14, 21, 28 November, and 5 December -
    Time10am - 12 noon
    VenueCentre for Health and Care Professions (CHCP), 187 Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7FT

    A 4 week course

    Create a colourful Mandala pebble by painting dots in a simple geometric pattern, with no specialist skills required and full tuition given. Each week you will immerse yourself in the calming process of creating beautiful tactile designs. You will achieve a E3 Craft Qualification.

    DateTuesday 12, 19, 26 September and 3 October -
    Time10am - 12noon
    VenueCentre for Health and Care Professions (CHCP), 187 Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7FT

    A 10 week course

    This fresh approach to watercolour looks first at the process of painting as a means to calm and de-stress. Many people love the idea of painting but hold themselves back from starting because they are worried about not being good enough or not feeling they are creative. This watercolour course is accessible to everyone, you will start by painting very simple lines, patterns, and shapes in calming and dynamic colours, by concentrating each week on brush strokes and techniques. You will build up your skills and gain a Level 1 Qualification in Creative Craft, Art and Design. A small amount of written work will be part of the course.

    DateFriday 15, 22, 29 September, 6, 13, 20, (27 no class) October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November -
    Time10am - 12noon
    VenueCentre for Health and Care Professions (CHCP), 187 Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7FT

    1.5 hour course

    TECS stands for Technology Enabled Care Services. NRS Healthcare are working with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to provide assistive technology to support individuals to remain independent by living in their own homes whilst giving service users and others peace of mind.

    TECS look at a range of technology which can be linked either to a call centre or named representatives who are alerted if a service user gets into difficulty. TECS gives confidence to service users whilst away from the home environment. Carers Services is working with NRS Healthcare in Torbay to provide Technology Enabled Care equipment loans for carers for up to three months free.

    This course is offered in addition to your 3 choices in the Education Brochure.

    Areas covered in the course:

    • What is TECS and how can it help me/my family?
    • What support will I receive in choosing the right equipment?
    • What will it cost or will I be able to get financial support?
    • Who installs the equipment and how is it maintained?
    • Where can I find more information?
    DateWednesday 6 December -
    VenueThe Drummond Suite, First Floor, Paignton Library

    2 hour course

    This course, delivered by a Dental Nurse, talks about the importance of looking after teeth (whether for you as the carer or supporting the person you care for with their tooth hygiene).

    The session will focus particularly on teeth hygiene, the difficulties around decay and gum disease, and will show good brushing techniques.

    DateWednesday 6 December -
    Time10.30am - 12.30pm
    VenuePaignton Carers Centre

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

    A 6 week course – 2 hours per week

    Virtual courses (delivered on Microsoft Teams) are available on the dates below:

    • Chronic Pain and Fatigue: 3rd August - 7th September 2023, 10.30am - 12.30pm
    • Long Covid: 8 August - 12 September 2023, 10am - 12 noon

    Anyone living in Devon, over the age of 18, is eligible to register and they can do so via the website: https://myhealth-devon.nhs.uk then search: ‘Virtual Hope’ or ring 01803 320600.

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

    The course consists of 8 short videos followed by a set of questions on each video to consolidate your knowledge in the subject, should you wish to take them. Learning Outcomes in the following areas:

    • The Mental Capacity Act and You
    • The fve key principles
    • How to determine a person’s ability to make their own decisions (for Professionals)
    • Lasting Power of Attorney
    • How decisions are made for people unable to make the decision for themselves
    • Advance decisions and Advance statements
    • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
    • The role of the Independent Mental Capacity Act Advocate

    Step 1. To gain access to this course you will need to register at https://forms.offce.com/e/v4DNpfArCj

    Step 2. Please enter under external users tab with the login details emailed to you. Should you have any queries, please call Natalie on: 07884 475386

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

    Step One
    Be Well @ Step One aims to help people who may not have support to manage their mental health. Courses include: Anxiety, Coping with Change and Developing Resilience among others.
    For more information go to: www.steponecharity.co.uk

    Devon Recovery Learning Community
    A recovery college provided by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, to support mental health and wellbeing. There are Free Courses and resources available.
    For more information contact: 01392 677067 or email: dpn-tr.drlc@nhs.net or go to: https://devonrlc.co.uk/contact

    Orange Box also known as Learning Curve
    Provide 38 fully funded Level 2 Courses covering a range of subjects from Autism, Health & Social Care, to Counselling.
    To find out more contact: 01492 874530 or go to: www.orangeboxtraining.com
    They do charge for cancellation of a course, should you leave midway: £120 - £140

    Open Learn
    The home of free learning from The Open University. If you are looking for a new topic to explore, or want to dig deeper into something you’ve already discovered. Whether it’s a 60-second animated video, a 24-hour course, or beginners French or Spanish, you will find it on OpenLearn for free.
    https://www.open.edu/openlearn/for-study

    FutureLearn
    FutureLearn have a diverse range of subjects and courses which vary in length. Most are six to ten weeks long, but some are shorter two and three week courses. Courses are free, or you can upgrade, or buy unlimited.
    https://www.futurelearn.com

    Free Courses in England
    Is a directory of courses that are available to anyone to undertake FREE of charge, in order to help people succeed in whatever role they are in. Understanding Autism - this course is suitable for anyone who wishes to develop their understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals to live healthy and fulflled lives (limited spaces).
    https://freecoursesinengland.co.uk/autism-course/


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