What are the outcomes for the worker that attends connect 5?

• Improved service delivery by staff in participating organisations

• Increased capacity of the workforce to support people with low level mental health/wellbeing who either would not meet the criteria for specialist mental health services or who do not want to be referred

• Continuing support and reinforcing of the learning for those who have accessed IAPT services

• Developing psychological readiness for clients to make most effective use of IAPT/mental health services

• Increased awareness of frontline staff regarding how to improve their own mental health and wellbeing

• Increased skill in holding a conversation around mental wellbeing

• Increased confidence and skill of participants when they talk about mental health to people who use their services

• Increased skill in applying practical evidence-based activities that participants can use in helping someone to improve their mental health and wellbeing

What is the outcome for the people using services that have connect 5 trained staff?

• Improved access to support for people with low level mental health problems, given that the majority of people with poor mental health and low levels of mental wellbeing will not be I touch with specialist mental health services

• Increased health and wellbeing for people with low level mental health/wellbeing

• Improved knowledge and skills in self-management and care of their own mental health and wellbeing

Module 1

Brief mental health and wellbeing advice. Aims to raise awareness of how you can support mental health and wellbeing within your everyday practice the intended outcome of session 1 is to change the way we have mental wellbeing conversations so that we are confident and skilled to have brief conversations in which we help a person think about ways they can take action to improve their mental wellbeing.

The purpose of this session is to:

• Extend participants skills and confidence to have mental wellbeing conversations within everyday practice

• Explain two public mental health models so that they can be used to frame mental wellbeing conversations

• Describe the 3 Cs of connected conversations

• Locate mental wellbeing services and resources in your area

This session focuses on conversations in which you suggest ways a person can take action to improve mental wellbeing. These conversations can include brief wellbeing advice such as “have you thought of looking at any self-help materials?” This behaviour assumes that you might not have opportunity in terms of your role or time to go a step further and, together with the person, develop a shared understanding of their mental health and wellbeing needs

This 3 hour session is practical and interactive, involving a PowerPoint presentation, large group discussion, small group work and exercises in pairs.

Module 2

Brief mental health and wellbeing intervention. Aims to develop your skills and confidence to recognise mental health and wellbeing needs and to make effective interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing

This session provides opportunities to gain greater insight into experiences of stress and distress and explores how to help people take their first steps to feeling better. Participants will gain confidence and skills needed to help others improve their mental health and wellbeing

The intended outcome of session 2 is to change the way we have mental wellbeing conversations so that we can have conversations in which we and the person we are talking with develop a shared understanding of their mental wellbeing needs.

The purpose of this session is to:

• Apply the five areas model to a wellbeing conversation

• Practice the 3Cs of connected conversation

• Assess the nature and extent of the mental wellbeing issue being presented to ensure people get the right help at the right time

• Identify steps that can be taken to improve mental wellbeing

• Locate services and resources that support people to improve mental wellbeing

This session focuses on conversations in which you and the person you are talking to develop a shared understanding of that person’s wellbeing needs. These conversations include brief mental wellbeing interventions. This goes beyond the brief wellbeing advice covered in session 1. These conversations provide a framework for a person to understand why they feel like they do and what action they can take for themselves to feel better.

This 3 hour session is practical and interactive, involving a PowerPoint presentation, large group discussion, small group work and exercises in pairs.

Module 3

Extended mental health and wellbeing intervention. Aims to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence to use a range of strategies and interventions which effectively support people to take positive steps to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

This session will advance your skills to work collaboratively with clients to create an action plan and integrate brief interventions to motivate and support people to make changes that last. The intended outcome of session 3 is to change the way we have mental wellbeing conversations so that we have conversations that empower a person to make changes that address their mental wellbeing needs.

The purpose of this session is to:

• Explain a number of strategies and techniques that break the vicious cycle at each of the five areas

• Apply strategies and techniques relating to each of the five areas

• Practice implementing self-management strategies to support successful change processes

• Practice working collaboratively to set goals

• Incorporate self-management strategies and resources into everyday practice.

This session focuses on conversations in which you use appropriate methods to empower a person to make changes that address their mental wellbeing.

These conversations work with someone to help them gain insight into actions that might help them to address their mental wellbeing.

This session is practical and interactive, involving a PowerPoint presentation, large group discussion, small group work and exercises in pairs

Once you have attended the three connect 5 sessions you are able to sign up to become a trainer which will enable you to deliver connect 5 to your workplace and community. Prospective trainers will attend the Connect 5 Train the Trainer programme delivered by a lead trainer – an experienced Connect 5 trainer who also has expertise in teaching training skills for Connect 5.

Trainers for Connect 5 will aim to achieve behaviour change within the workforce. This behaviour change will be framed by the COM-B model of capability, opportunity and motivation. By understanding this model it can help you to deliver training that is effective in changing the behaviour of participants.  Our train the trainer course runs for two full days and will cover the skills needed to effectively deliver the three day connect 5 course. participants are taught the underpinning frameworks, principles, values and approaches of the Connect 5 programme as well as skills on how to deliver connect 5 sessions 1, 2 and 3 to peers.

Session one will cover:

• Using transformative educator skills to create an effective adult learning environment

• Attending to emotions that might surface on the course

• Asking questions and giving feedback

• Training for behaviour change

• Trainers box of tricks

• Identifying who you are and reflective practice as a trainer

Session two will cover:

• Setting up for practice

• Practice session

• Action planning for delivery

• Establishing needs moving forward

Once you are signed off as a Connect 5 trainer you will:

• Be able to deliver all the connect 5 sessions

• Be able to access online development pathways

• Be part of a community of best practice

• Be able to attend CPD events

• Receive one to one mentoring from lead trainers

If you would like to deliver CBT based sessions with clients, you will also be able to access our printed resources including living life to the full, reclaim your life and enjoy your baby which are designed by Chris Williams and free for you to use in your sessions.

Connect 5 –  Live Online – Module Resources:

Please note you will need to be booked on to the course to be able to access these resources. Contact Neil Kerr for further information on [email protected] or call 07969 150 018 

“I found the overall experience to be helpful, in particular the break out room sessions during the training. I found them to be an effective way of collaborating information, and gaining insight and ideas from fellow practitioners within the mental health field”

Megan McCann – Community Wellbeing Practitioner

“I found the Connect 5 training extremely informative – my favourite part was being able to connect with others who had different experiences and learning from these experiences. The online delivery was smooth and enjoyable.”

Mary Taylor – Wellbeing Centre Coordinator

“Really informative and the time went so quickly because it was so insightful. I’d call it a simple yet necessary and effective learning experience!”

Leonie Quilliam – Community Wellbeing Practioner

“I found all the Connect 5 sessions very useful, learning experience and it was nice to work in smaller groups for everyone to get their feedback in. Looking forward to doing the next Connect 5 session.”

Fozia Khan – Pennine Care

“Helped develop an understanding of the difference between mental wellbeing and symptoms of mental health. Demonstrated ways of opening difficult conversations. Used different theories that can be used in practice when working with someone with low wellbeing. Helped to understand the things I can do for my own wellbeing.”

Paige Artus – Pure Innovations

“The pace was just right, the language was very accessible, you explained clearly what was going to happen in terms of using Zoom. The time just whizzed. Excellent.”

Jane McAllister – NHS

“Enjoyable 3 hours. It was a refresher and complemented other training that I have completed in the past.”

Julie Miller – Oldham Council

“I am new to a role where mental health issues exist, found the content was good for a beginner like myself and the more experienced members on the module. Found it very educational and thought provoking and look forward to Module 3.”

Jane Lees – Age UK

“A very interesting and thought provoking session. Lots of ideas and tools to help promote wellbeing. Thank you.”

Phillip Brooke – Active Tameside