People with learning disabilities are thought to self-harm at roughly double the rate of the general population.

People with learning disabilities are more likely to self-harm and self-neglect than the general population. Since the Care Act 2014 awareness has grown of self-neglect as a central safeguarding issue for social care services. It is being reported to ARC as an increasing concern with members seeing rises in the number of people who self-harm, combined with staff lacking the confidence and skills to deal with the issue.

This new workshop is now being offered as a two-part live virtual online workshop, delivered via the zoom platform. It is designed to raise awareness of self-harm and self-neglect in those with a learning disability, and looks at how to intervene and support those at risk.

The workshop will take place on two consecutive mornings: the first with a focus on self-harm, and the second on self-neglect. There is a combination of presentation, videoed interviews, personal reflection, small group work, and skills development; it will include assignments before, during and after the webinar element.

The workshop is suitable for all front-line staff and managers who work with those who may be vulnerable to self-harm and self-neglect.

Part One: Self-harm and People with Learning Disabilities

This session draws on the research project ‘Hidden Pain – Self-Harm and People with Learning Disabilities’ which was jointly conducted by Self injury Support (formerly Bristol Crisis Service for Women) and the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol, and from interviews with people with learning disabilities who self-harm.

By the end of this session, learners will:

  • Understand what self-harm is
  • Understand the different types of self-harm/self injury
  • Understand the reasons for self-harm
  • Have developed appropriate responses to self-harm
  • Be able to effectively communicate with people who self-harm
  • Understand identification and prevention of self-harm
  • Have developed methods of self-management
  • Understand a range of top tips

Part Two: Self-Neglect and People with Learning Disabilities

This session offers a basic introduction to self-neglect for people who support those with learning disabilities.

Learners will study current research evidence and good practice issues. This workshop will cover mental capacity, ‘challenging’ behaviour, risk assessment and safeguarding. Skills development will focus on relationship building with clients who self neglect.

By the end of the workshop learners will:

  • Understand what self-neglect is and its causes.
  • Be able to reflect on the issues for people with learning disabilities
  • Have increased awareness of their own role and responsibilities
  • Have an overview of tools available for addressing self neglect
  • Have increased knowledge of successful interventions
  • Have practiced successful intervention techniques

On completion of our workshop evaluation form we will be happy to issue learners with an ARC Certificate of Attendance.

Cost

£95 ARC Members/ £126 Non-members

See if we have a workshop scheduled to book now by visiting our Scheduled Courses page 

We are now taking expressions of interest: if you are interested in any of our workshops please let us know, via the contact details below.

For more information about this, or any other workshops we offer, please get in touch: