Series Workshops 2012
02/02/2012 Getting Clear - “Defining Support Groups and The Art of Facilitation.”
In this workshop some of the myths and mysteries around what is a support group will be cleared up. It will also examine the art of being a great support group facilitator. It will examine precisely what defines a support group and what differentiates it from other types of groups. In keeping with this theme, it investigates what makes a support group facilitator different from other types of leaders and what makes the role of support group facilitator so unique. The workshop will also focus on how to do this, examining the roles and communication skills of a great facilitator.
The workshop will enable participants to add new skills to their tool-kit and affirm that they are on the right track!
01/03/2012 Towards Good Practice - “Useful toolkit for Self Help and Support Groups Minimum Standards”
Support and self-help groups like yours do amazing work! They play an essential role in the community and fill a vital gap in health care provision, by offering people with health (and mental health) issues an affordable and sustainable way to access information, help and understanding.
However, the importance of support and self-help groups is often underestimated, particularly by medical practitioners and other health care professionals. Part of the reason for this is that there has never been a recommended set of guidelines under which support and self-help groups can operate thereby ensuring the sustainability of the group and its professionalism, effectiveness and overall quality of service to others.
This workshop intends to share this resource you might find useful in evaluating and improving on the work your group already does but, more so to assist you.
05/04/2012 A Closer Look - "Group Dynamics, Shared Leadership and Great Leadership Skills”
Once your support group is on the right track, how do you keep it on track?
This workshop will take a close look at the group as a whole. It will focus on its intricacies and complexities! It will introduce you to some useful tools necessary to lead groups through difficult times and demonstrate how to build on the great times. It will cover topics such as group dynamics and strong leadership skills and the practice of shared leadership.
A Closer Look will give you insight into the multifaceted ways of how groups operate and hopefully open your eyes to new ways of ensuring your leadership is effective, both now and into the future.
03/05/2012 Governance Train the Trainer Toolkit - “Come and learn how to use this useful resource”
This kit was developed as a response to the expressed need of non-government organisations and self help and support groups to better understand and implement governance processes and procedures. It has been designed to provide short segments of training about how to best manage your organisation, self-help or support group to ensure good practice and smooth operation.
It also contains a lot of additional information, documents and templates that will assist you in understanding and developing governance processes and resources for your organisation or group.
07/06/2012 I’m Hearing You! - “Improving and Practicing Our Active Listening Skills”
The presence of effective Active Listening is often what makes a Support Group so able to bring about change for participants!
Being an effective listener is not a mysterious process- it can be broken down into a set of specific and demonstrable skills- called Active Listening! Perhaps you’re an old hand at Active Listening Skills, or perhaps the term is new to you. Either way, I’m Hearing You! will be of benefit, as a chance to expand and practice these important skills.
05/07/2012 Complimentary Therapies - “A complement to heal”
Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease. Complementary therapy is known by different terms including alternative therapy, alternative medicine, holistic therapy and traditional medicine. Therapies include acupuncture, Alexander technique, aromatherapy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, reiki and yoga.
If you want to find more about complementary therapies please come along.
02/08/2012 Safe Spaces - “Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Group”
The Group Leader tends to set the tone and to influence the culture of the group. This may also include influencing how the group feels towards new comers and creating a safe and welcoming environment where people return time and time again! The workshop will reveal a variety of techniques and communication skills to help you continue to create a culture of Safe Space for you and your group members.
04/10/2012 How to increase Membership? - “Techniques to attract and maintain members”
There are three areas to be considered for a healthy membership base in any group.
• Attracting potential members
• Welcoming new members
• Retaining existing members
Come along and learn how to help the group stay vibrant, active and meeting the needs of the members.
01/11/2012 Don’t be Afraid of Conflict! - “Learn Skills to turn Conflict into Innovation”
Taking the fear out of conflict, the workshop will explore its amazing potential to transform. Conflict has been given a bad rap! Many of us often fear that conflict will threaten our sense of order and harmony. However, when properly managed, conflict actually guides us towards living in a more diverse and innovative world, encouraging us to air and share our differences, consider new thoughts and ideas and so ultimately to expand and grow!
So, Don’t Be Afraid of Conflict, but instead come and experience the rich learning that conflict has to teach us!
06/12/2012 ConnectGroups Festive Fun! - “Fun Activities to Inspire and Connect Your Group!”
The time of year is upon us to get festive! Come and have a laugh, whilst still learning some amazing tools to inspire and connect one another! We will be demonstrating and participating in a collection of activities relating to leadership and group dynamics. Not only will you have an opportunity for a whole lot of fun but you will also receive some very valuable tools to take back to your support group! So come and support each other for the hard work you’ve all been doing by participating in our ConnectGroups Festive Fun!