29 September 2009

Pact is increasingly being utilised as a provider of specialist training.

Representatives from other organisations — including the Dunedin Council of Social Services, the Carroll Street Trust, Miramare, the Dunedin Community Care Trust, Rock Solid Trust, Dare, Foundation for the Blind, Tapestry Clubhouse, the Bi-polar Network, Asco and CCS — have attended Pact training.

Pact has also recently been asked to provide specialist training (separate to Pact’s internal training) for NGOs which don’t have their own internal training. The education team recently provided training for the Corstorphine Baptist Trust on stress management, challenging behaviour and de-escalation.

Clinician educator Matthew Peppercorn says he has done several sessions for them which have been well-received.

“We’ve had groups of about 10 people at a time. I think the idea is to continue that work on a rotating programme now every year.”

Matthew says it means Pact is contributing to the NGO sector.

“A lot of organisations don't have the resources to provide their own training so it’s good to provide it, to improve the knowledge in the sector.”

It is also a way for the education team to bring in revenue when external organisations have specific training needs.

Matthew also does some client sessions in 1A at Dunedin Hospital covering healthy lifestyles, wellness, recovery action plans, recovery models and staying well.