Course Description
This course builds on existing knowledge and experience and is aimed at providing the student with advanced knowledge, skills and competences required to work and progress in the caring profession within a mental health setting. The Award provides a specialist work-related programme of study that offers both breadth and depth of and understanding with the practical skills required in the mental health sector. The overall objectives of the Award are to engage students in learning that is relevant to their profession and to further develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes necessary for a successful career. The course has been developed by Learning Works in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course programme, students will be able to:
- Understand the context of mental health.
- Understand the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion.
- Understand the context of supporting skills for everyday life.
- Understand principles for supporting independence in the tasks of daily living.
- Understand the role that leisure activities play in a mental health setting.
- Understand the role of learning and development activities in meeting the needs of a person with a mental health problem.
- Understand the importance of reflection on, evaluation and improvement of personal and professional practice.
- Use effective communication and build relationships in mental health care.
- Support individuals to identify and plan for leisure activities .
- Facilitate learning and development activities with individuals.
- Support individuals to manage their finances.
- Effective team and joint working in mental health care.
- Raising awareness of mental health problems.
- Promote communication in mental health care settings.
- Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care.
Target Candidates
This award is suitable for part time students in work and on successful completion, students can progress into or within employment in the mental care sector.
| Course Code | Duration | Credit Value | Next Intake | FT/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW/HSC/003 | 3 months | 12 ECTS | May 2024 | PT |
| Contact Hours | Placement Hours | Self Study Hours | Assessment Hours | Total Learning Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 55 | 141 | 44 | 300 |
Mode of Training
Lectures and workshops
Assessment
Assignments, Case studies,
Portfolio of evidence.
Awarding Body
Learning Works
Lecturers
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to the Context of Mental Health (1 ECTS)
This unit aims to provide the learner with knowledge of the main forms of mental health problems according to the psychiatric classification system. Learners also consider the strengths and limitations of this model and look at alternative frameworks for understanding mental distress. The focus of the unit is on understanding the different ways in which mental health problems impact on the individual and others in their social network. It also considers the benefits of early intervention in promoting mental health and well-being.
Module 2: Ethics in a Mental Health Care Setting (1 ECTS)
This unit introduces students to the ethical principles and moral dilemmas within the context of supporting persons with mental health problems and how these are reflected in legislation. In parallel the unit will focus on the important themes related with ethical approach. These include dignity, quality of life, and the rights of the individual.
Module 3: Communication in a Mental Health Care Setting (3 ECTS)
This unit aims to enable the learner to use effective communication skills to develop and sustain relationships with service users, support workers and colleagues. It also looks at how to support service users in building and managing their social networks because the strength of an individual’s social network is a key factor in maintaining an individual’s well-being and mental health. This unit is for those who support individuals with specific communication needs. It provides the learner with the knowledge and skills that address personal interaction and the use of special methods and aids to promote communication.
Module 4: Managing Risk, Emergency and Crisis in a Mental Health Care Setting (2 ECTS)
This unit aims to provide the learner with an understanding of the general principles and processes involved in care planning and risk management within a mental health context. The unit also looks at the procedures and mechanisms available for the support of an individual with a mental health problem in an emergency or crisis situation.
Module 5: Practical Care for Persons with a Mental Health Problem (4 ECTS)
This unit provides the learner with the knowledge and skills required to support individuals in:
• the tasks of daily living,
• personal hygiene,
• managing finances,
• preparing and settling in to new home environments,
• taking part in leisure activities,
• taking part in learning or development activities,
• maintaining and developing skills for every-day life,
• accessing and using services and facilities,
• accessing education, training and employment,
• continuing recommended therapies, and promoting their independence in these areas.
Module 6: Best Practices in the Context of Supporting of Individuals with Mental Health Problems (1 ECTS)
This unit introduces learners with the knowledge and skills required to reflect on, evaluate one’s own professional practice with the intention to identify and develop best practices. This unit also looks at the importance of supervision, feedback and the formalisation of such practices.
Entry Requirements
Learners need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Ages 18 +
- Be able to communicate both orally and written in the English Language
- Hold a clean Police Conduct Certificate
- Hold a Level 3 qualification in health and social care or equivalent or;
- Have at least 1 year practical work experience in a related position
For applicants who meet the criteria of admittance by experience only, a basic level of English which is demonstrated through the appropriate qualifications such as an ‘O’ level in English, a school leaving certificate with English indicated as a core subject or equivalent is needed.