Connect 5Together: Let’s change the mental wellbeing conversation across Greater Manchester.

As of March 2022 our funding to deliver Connect 5 has now expired and funded spaces for training are unavailable at the moment. Connect 5 can still be accessed through a paid offer however.

 

Over the past couple of years we have worked tirelessly to deliver our excellent Connect 5 offer throughout the Greater Manchester region.

Even through Covid-19, we worked to update and adapt our training to also offer training sessions digitially over Zoom. These were incredibly well received as they offered a viable alternative to face-to-face training during the pandemic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits and Outcome Measures

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

Feedback and Testimonials

“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 Practitioner

 

“It was great to get together and see the way different people view and deal with mental health through the tasks of the session! It helped during these uncertain times to get the conversation going about mental health and the ways in which we can keep on top of our wellbeing”

Jessica Atkins – Community Wellbeing Practitioner

 

"I thought that the session today was excellent. It was presented well by Mel and good interaction with the other group members. I am looking forward to taking part in the second session as soon as it is up and running. I have passed details to other people who I think would benefit from attending these sessions."

Douglas Craddock – Army Cadet Force

 

"I really enjoyed this training and have learnt many new skills. I really enjoyed the small group work and felt as it was online there were not as many opportunities to speak in the larger group and I felt I had 'saved' it all until the end (which Mel was very patient with). Mel is a great trainer and managed the group and process very well, listening and hearing what everyone contributed."

Emma Lenihan – Calm Connections

 

"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

 

"I really enjoyed the session, Mel was a great trainer and was very supportive, made everyone feel at ease. I've never used Zoom before, so I found this really helpful that Mel sent us a how to link - thanks Mel. I really enjoyed going into the 'break out' rooms and working in small groups, then going into whole group feedback and discussion. Thank you for a really good session."

Debbie Tyszkowski – Guiness Partnership

 

"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

 

"I found the online course extremely informative. I feel I have a much greater understanding of mental wellbeing and will be far more confident when discussing these issues with clients.  A big thank you to Mel who delivered the online course, Mel was extremely informative and delivered the course professionally."

Julie Simpson – Bury Council

 

"A lot of the content is familiar to me as a Samaritan, but the different models studied were interesting and helpful. The small group work was useful, and Mel's general approach was warm, informed and encouraging. My first Zoom meeting - a learning experience! Looking forward to Module 2."

Isobel Matthews – Samaritans

 

"I thoroughly enjoyed this Connect 5 session - I didn't know how the Virtual sessions would feel compared to the face to face sessions but it certainly worked from my point of view. Mel was great, making connections to us all and slick with the break out rooms/white board function etc. Really enjoyed it thank you :)"

Francesca Tabern – Wigan Council

 

"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

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