Courses for carers

This session is run by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Prevention Lead and will cover:

• 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 and fractures in the future

If you’re a carer, the chances are you’re already juggling so much – the person you look after, your own wellbeing, and often very real financial pressure. In fact, over 1 in 10 carers have already borrowed from illegal lenders. With unpaid carers 50% more likely to live in poverty than non-carers, the strain is real and the risk is too. Our tailored training gives you the tools to:

• Spot the signs of being targeted by a loan shark (or someone you care for being targeted)
• Understand how financial vulnerability can creep in when you’re caring for someone else
• Get ahead of the risk: know your rights, know your options, feel empowered

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:

• Step-by-step instructions on creating a rag wreath
• Techniques for tying and arranging fabric to form a full, textured wreath
• Use of various fabrics, ribbons, and seasonal embellishments provided, but please bring any of your own materials if you would like
• A relaxing, creative environment

What you need to know:

• No prior experience required
• All materials and tools will be provided
• This is a very hands-on Craft with repetitive movement

Join us for a fun and festive craft workshop where you’ll craft a charming spring rag wreath.

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 choices that would influence 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.

A 10-week course

This course offers a gentle, creative introduction to watercolour painting with a 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 – just 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 how a mindful approach to painting can help you relax, reconnect, and explore your creativity

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 to create 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
• 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
• 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.

This course covers the most common emergency first aid situations and provides carers with a chance to discuss their particular needs. The following areas will be covered:

• What action should be taken in the event of an emergency occurring at work
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation methods (CPR) using a Q-CPR Manikin
• How to deal with an unconscious casualty, including the Recovery Position
• How to correctly use AED and DEFIB
• Knowing how to deal with a choking casualty
• Knowing how first aid stocks should be maintained and the contents of boxes
• Knowing the basic action to take on a range of other first aid situations

For further information and to book your place, please visit The Training Suite website.

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 well-being.

“Very enjoyable. Lovely to meet new people and learn something new. Do it! You won’t regret it”

“Helped me be more at ease and relaxed”

“Brilliant, calming course. Really needed”

“Great opportunity to learn something new and meet other carers”

These 3-hour sessions are put on for free by The Training Suite to upskill our communities’ 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

For further information please visit The Training Suite website.

This session is run by a safeguarding expert and will cover:

• Understanding hoarding and self-neglect, and dispelling common misconceptions
• Helping carers to recognise the early warning signs and risk factors
• Guidance on when and how to seek help, and where to go for support
• Exploring practical strategies to safeguard individuals and promote wellbeing
• Strengthening carers’ confidence in responding to complex safeguarding situations

Date and time to be confirmed. Please register your interest and we will contact you with details when we have them.

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 or 01803 666620 and we can work with our expert to provide a more tailored experience.

“Don’t always believe what others tell you. Listen to the professionals”

“Gave me more knowledge for the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late”

“It made me realise that I need to make a will for myself ASAP”

Date, time and location to be confirmed. Please register your interest and we will contact you with details when we have them.

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

Eat That Frog – Digital Drop In

Want to feel more confident using technology? Whether it’s a phone, tablet, or computer, this free digital skills course is here to help you step by step. No experience needed – just bring your curiosity! You must live in Torbay and not be in work or training.

For more information email: info@eatthatfrog.ac.uk or call 01803 551 551

Eat That Frog – Get a CV

For help in creating or updating your CV or for general career advice. Drop-in sessions are held daily 1pm to 4pm, 81 Union Street, Torquay, TQ3 1DG.

For more information email: info@eatthatfrog.ac.uk or call 01803 551 551

Eat That Frog – Maths Tuition

Perfect for those that want to:

• Retake their Maths GCSE
• Are aged 16+ with no maths qualification
• Suffer with number anxiety
• Struggle to help their child with maths homework
• Want to increase their skills for work

For more information email: info@eatthatfrog.ac.uk or call 01803 551 551

Introduction to Pilates for wellbeing

A 5-week course

This short course is designed to help with strength, flexibility, balance, breathing techniques and relaxation. The intention is to help develop better posture through exercise.

This is a social class for your enjoyment and general wellbeing. The only requirement is that you can get down onto 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. The course will cover the 15 main exercises in Pilates, and 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

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. Please note, whilst most of the education advertised below is free to access, there may be costs associated with some of the courses.

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 works 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

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.

To get the most out of this session, you will need a room or place 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, helping to create a greater sense of group coherence with less distraction for your fellow meditators.

Sessions are held online, every Tuesday at 7pm.

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 are fantastic for anyone with a busy schedule, as you can choose your learning environment, whether that’s 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 or allow you 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 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 unique and holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing through our range of varied services, which 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
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust's staff training programmes are accessible to carers, both face-to-face and online training. This includes general training like manual handling or emotional resilience, as well as more tailored training on specific conditions like Parkinson’s or dementia. To access the training offer, please contact Signposts on 01803 666620 or email tsdft.adminteamtcs@nhs.net.

Torbay Learning Exchange is a free and inclusive adult learning programme. The courses are offered by volunteer tutors, who share their skills or knowledge. Anybody over the age of 18 can enrol, without previous qualifications or referrals. The enrolment process is simple. Courses range from philosophy, history, economics, languages, technology, music, arts, and crafts. You can view the courses offered and book directly via their website The Learning Exchange.

We Find Any Learner has 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.