Care Home Activity Coordinator support

We are working with County Durham Activity Coordinators within care homes to improve meaningful occupation and provide a network to help share resources and information and provide training and development opportunities. We are always looking for new members to join us and we would love to welcome you to attend the sessions.

We are also very keen to work with Activity Coordinators who are key staff in Care Homes to help identify where they can play a crucial part in the Falls Prevention Agenda and in supporting falls reduction strategies through delivering programmes and activities which include strength and balance exercises. We have developed a number of target areas around falls prevention and want to raise greater awareness of the impact that these improvements can make.

This will include some key benefits:

• Having access to some free and discounted training opportunities and accredited qualifications. 
• Supporting the wellbeing agenda and can help identify where we can provide increased support to maintain physical activity and mental wellbeing.
• Providing opportunities to network with other Activity Coordinators to share ideas, plans, good practice and be a source of peer support.

Activity Coordinator Network meetings

Network meetings are held bi-monthly and usually on the first Thursday morning of that month from 9.30am to 10.30am. We are continuing to host virtual network meetings where activity coordinators can come together to share experiences and improve their development and learning. We have been able to arrange a number of speakers to deliver presentations on a range of relevant topics. These can be accessed upon request, and we are endeavouring to continuously bring new topics which have been generated by the Network.

If you would like to take part in these meetings, please County Durham Care Academy for more information and the link to the meeting.  

Free training for Activities Coordinators

Playlist for Life elearning

This course delivers a bespoke course which will enable you to help individuals who are living with dementia discover the unique soundtrack of their life and create personal playlists.

A personalised playlist is a low-cost and unique tool which can bring joy and highlight the 'me' in dementia. From managing symptoms of dementia to strengthening connections with family and carers, a playlist has so many benefits. This course will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to use music in your own work and inspire you with real-life stories showing the powerful benefits personal music brings.

For more information see Playlist for Life.

Level 2 OCNLR in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care 

Level 2 OCNLR in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care - this course is delivered in partnership with Durham Learn.  This course will provide comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the potential benefits for individuals in social care of engaging in both every day and programmed activities. Activity provision for people who live in a care setting can make a significant contribution to their well-being and quality of life. Simple activities such as taking a walk, playing cards, listening to the radio, or looking after a pet can help give pleasure and bring purpose to the day.

For more information and to express an interest OCNLR Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity in Social Care 

Level 2 Delivering a Chair-Based Exercise Programme (accredited) 

Level 2 Delivering a Chair-Based Exercise Programme - Wellbeing for Life are the only learning centre in the North East to be able to offer this newly accredited training course in partnership with us. Completing this accredited 3 day course learners will understand the values and principles of adult social care, and will develop the skills necessary to plan and deliver chair-based exercise to older adults and/or those less able. Learners will develop the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies in order to work in an unsupervised capacity. Successful completion will enable learners to set up and run sessions in a wide variety of community care and recreational settings.   

To register for the waiting list please email cdda-tr.CBS@nhs.net to request an application form. 

Level 2 Seated Dance and Exercise Qualification 

Level 2 Seated Dance and Exercise Leader - this accredited online course has been designed for professionals wanting to help increase the fitness levels and wellbeing of clients through seated dance exercise. Aim to support physical well-being, encouraging regular movement, maintaining mobility with fun and interactive sessions.

We are currently exploring options to be able to deliver the Level 2 and Level 3 QCF Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care. If you are interested in signing up for any of this or any other Care Academy training please County Durham Care Academy.