Nicola Payne, MacIntyre’s Best Practice Manager shares her reflections
For over three years I have had the privilege of being an Oliver McGowan lead trainer, delivering training focused on learning disability and autism awareness across MacIntyre.
During that time one thing that has remained clear is that the more knowledge, understanding and confidence we have on learning disability and autism, the more positive health outcomes and experiences there will be for people who draw on support.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory training is much more than an awareness session. It creates space for reflection, conversations and learning that can directly influence people’s health experiences and reduce health inequalities experienced by people with a learning disability and autistic people.
We know that people with disabilities can often experience poorer health outcomes, barriers to accessing health care and at times feel not listened too and commonly misunderstood. Raising awareness and improving understanding across MacIntyre is one of the many ways we can help change this. Every conversation, every staff member that attends contributes towards creating more informed, compassionate and confident person centred support for many people. We need to feel confident to advocate for people when they are facing barriers or just need some side by side support.
One of the most meaningful parts of this work continues to be our co trainers. The honesty and willingness to share personal stories is incredibly powerful. The co trainers help bring the training to life in a way slides alone just can’t. By sharing experiences, both positive and negative can help others understand the real impact that good and bad communication and support can have on someone life.
Our whole team continue to grow in confidence and development in their roles and it is always great to see how passionate the team are and also how committed we all are to ensure everyone at MacIntyre gets the opportunity to be part of these workshops.
The more we learn, listen and the more we understand, and the more positive health outcomes we will see for people who draw on support, their families and wider communities.
These workshops continue to be an important part of seeing people having better health experiences, reducing health inequalities and ensuring people feel valued, respected, safe and understood.
