Case study: Train the trainer programmes

Yvonne Ross explains how she's benefited from our train the trainer programmes.

We offer 2 free train the trainer programmes across the UK - Understanding Parkinson's and Parkinson's Explored - where we teach participants how best to teach other health and social care professionals about Parkinson's. 

Both involve 10 hours of online learning and 2 days face to face training. We then give successful participants full delivery packs.

Yvonne's experience

Yvonne Ross, Care Manager at Careline Home Support, Glasgow and Falkirk, explains how our train the trainer programmes have helped her:

"I have worked in health and social care most of my life. I've been a support worker, an auxiliary nurse, a care co-ordinator, social worker and now a care manager. It's fair to say I've been round the block, yet I had no idea about Parkinson's.

"I first acknowledged this when I cared for a gentleman who had Parkinson's. I arrived every morning at 9am prompt because that's when I could fit him in.

"He really struggled to get out of bed and then would take forever to walk to the bathroom, which was only next door. I found this so frustrating because I only had half an hour and time was running out.

Finding good training

"I highlighted to my line manager that I found this difficult and frustrating, and expressed my lack of knowledge. I was advised to have a look around for training opportunities and ended up enrolling myself and 2 colleagues on the Understanding Parkinson's course.

"The course was held over 3 full days - 1 day a week for 3 weeks - which suited my work schedule. I learned so much in each session and the workbooks were so informative. I loved the group work sessions and really enjoyed hearing others share their experiences and stories.

"The facilitators were also fantastic. They were so enthusiastic about Parkinson's and really engaged with everyone.

Immense improvement

"My own practice improved immensely following the programme. I changed the way I carried out my assessments. I contacted service users before assessments to ask what time suited them best, and worked around their medication regime and being on and off.

"I also had a better understanding of their needs and was able to add this into our in-house training and induction.

"I went on to facilitate my own groups in Glasgow and Falkirk with the care staff. The feedback was so positive, and so many examples of good practice followed from the programmes.

"I encouraged 2 of my colleagues to apply to become facilitators too so we could roll out the programme on a wider scale. We have all become so passionate about sharing the learning and experiences with others, to make life more meaningful and comfortable for people with Parkinson's.

"I'm so happy to have done both learning programmes and highly recommend them to anyone. I hope to be a facilitator for years to come."

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