Training

Training

The Support Collective at Project Art Works offers a broad range of training and events in collaboration with trusted contacts and partners. Thanks to our funders we can offer these learning opportunities free of charge to caregivers and personal assistants (employed via a personal budget). All training is bookable via eventbrite.

New training coming Autumn 2025 – bookings now open

Total Communication
Tuesday 9 December – 9.30-12.30
Delivered by: Speaking Space

This course will provide an introduction to using Total Communication to support individuals with complex communication needs. Learn how to use different communication methods (including objects, signing, communication books/ apps) and create a positive communication environment. to maximise opportunities for communication. There will be some theory and discussions/ demonstrations to explore the different methods and how to adapt your communication to support functional and meaningful communication.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/1510193492389

Sensory Integration
Tuesday 20 January, 9.30am-11.30am
Delivered by: Speaking Space

This course is aimed at anyone supporting individuals with sensory differences. It is a highly practical course which offers both theory and practical exercises which aim to increase your understanding of sensory differences. The aim is that you will leave with both increased knowledge and practical strategies. The course is facilitated by a dual trained speech and language therapist and sensory integration practitioner.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/1973141231539

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) – Informed Level
Tuesday 27 January, 9.30am-4.30pm
Delivered by PBS UK

A one-day training session mapped against the 12 Key Components of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) (Gore et al., 2022). Participants will learn what PBS is, how it focuses on quality of life and behaviour analytic processes to contextualise and understand problem behaviour. This course is CPD accredited and is suitable for staff in any role, but particularly staff providing direct support.

Outcomes: To ensure that they key staff understand the values surrounding PBS and some of the key concepts involved in designing behaviour support plans.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/1974121054215

Autism and Mental Health
Monday 23 February, 10.00 – 13.00
Delivered by Lived Experience Trainers

This session focuses on the mental health experiences of autistic people. Including common difficulties and ways to positively support autistic individuals’ mental health.Learning objectives:- Understand key terms and understandings of autism- Gain an awareness of how common features of autism, and their interplay with a non-autistic world can affect mental health- Be able to recall key tips for supporting autistic individuals with their mental health- Be able to analyse your own practice in relation to autism and mental health and consider which tips and adjustments can be used to support autistic people in your context.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975602914499

Understanding Autistic Women and Girls
Delivered by National Autistic Society
Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February, 9.30 – 13.00

BOTH days need to be attended

This course aims to increase delegates’ understanding of autism, with a particular focus on autistic women and girls. Many autistic people present with the less traditionally obvious characteristics of autism, which can mean they are not recognised or diagnosed as autistic, are mis-diagnosed or receive a very late diagnosis. The course highlights some of the potential differences in autistic women and girls, including the reasons why these differences are often missed, the key areas of difference, potential characteristics and common experiences. The emphasis is on providing a range of autistic perspectives to enhance understanding and support good practice.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk

Communication and Behaviour
Thursday 12 March, 10.00 – 13.00
Delivered by Speaking Space

This half day online course will explore the link between communication and behaviours that challenge. You will explore causes of behaviours that challenge, models and strategies to support a person’s communication. Through the use of a case study, you will explore ways to reduce the need for behaviours that challenge by supporting a person’s communication needs. This is a practical course with the aim that you will leave with some practical suggestions and solutions.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk

Makaton level 2
Wednesday 4 & Wednesday 11 March, 9.30-13.30
Deliver by Hastings and Bexhill MENCAP

The Level 2 covers stages 3 and 4 and builds on the skills begun in Level 1 including symbol reading and increasing confidence and fluency. Level 1 needs to have been completed to attend this course.

To book please visit: eventbrite.co.uk

To keep up to date with our training programme subscribe to the newsletter and tick ‘Support Collective’. 

Ongoing

• Independent Lives provides a wide range of funded training aimed at support personal assistants and Direct Payment employers. Find out more here
• Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. Find out more here. They offer free workshops for parent carers of children and young people with SEND book here
• Renaissance Legal specialise in working with families and carers of disabled and vulnerable individuals, helping them plan effectively for the future with Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications and Inheritance Tax Planning. They deliver a range of informative legal webinars.  Find out more here
• Future Learn offer a range of Autism courses and awareness training as part of their psychology and mental health training offer. Find out more here

Lead image by Marion Willis