Greetings faithful readers of my blog post,
This week saw my return to Stoke-on-Trent’s very own Insight Academy for my Bipolar Affective Disorder course; ‘It’s Not Just the Highs and the Lows.’ As always, a big thank you to Darren, Jonathan and Sam for commissioning me to create and deliver a bespoke version of the training. Employees across Stoke are so lucky to have the Insight Academy and it was heart-warming to see that the class was full and discussions were lively and each and every learner threw themselves into the various activities.
The entire day is Stoke-centric and focuses on the lives of people from across Staffordshire who are living with Bipolar. I interviewed, audio recorded and filmed a myriad of people, some of whom have found services exceptionally supportive and others who have found themselves stigmatised and treated very unfairly. I think we all know that services are stretched to breaking point and people are suffering.
Staff from various agencies attended, this included; Brighter Futures, Concrete, MIND North Staffs, Staffordshire Police, Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug and Alcohol Service and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. A full class of like-minded professionals, all of whom want to make a positive impact and support people with mental health issues, especially people living with Bipolar across North Staffordshire.
A huge debt is owed to Heather Broadhurst for her outstanding portrayal of Sandra, the learners loved her performance, both funny and moving.
I have collated the feedback (so far) as you can see below and it’s 100% positive. I absolutely loved creating this course and I also adored delivering it. I superb day that nourished my soul.
“Fantastic training, improved my knowledge on the different areas of Bipolar Affective disorder, how it can affect people, what to look out for and how to help and where to sign post. It has made me feel more confident in what to do and how to help others within my role. Steven is a very knowledgeable trainer; he made you feel welcome and comfortable to share within the group. Thank you Steven.”
“Another superb training package designed and delivered by Steven Talbot. Steven’s training is always the right amount of knowledge both from what he finds in literature and research, as well as lived experience. I feel more confident in knowing about Bipolar Affective Disorder in order to pass on learning, as well as identifying the signs and know how I can support. Thank you, Steven.”
“Thank you, Steven, for the great day of training I have really enjoyed it as usual!! I have come away with a better understanding of the condition and learnt about how medication is not always the only answer! it has given me a far greater understanding, thank you and hopefully see you soon. Take care, Kerry.”
“Superb training. Stephen obviously knows his subject really well. The training was interactive, thought-provoking and fascinating. I found the films that the trainer made with people with lived experience really moving and educational. Best course I’ve attended in a long time.”
“Informative, collaborative, and interactive. Highly recommended, and I would definitely be interested in attending further training with you. Thank you for your time and commitment – I’d love to see some of your films! If you ever need a parent of an Autistic daughter to feature, let me know!”
“Nothing beats Steve’s training. NOTHING. I’ve attended training with other trainers and they don’t come near to his style of delivery, content and the hard work that goes into making the films. I’d love to attend any more training with Steve. He keeps me engaged and I’m never bored or look at my phone!”
“Really informative and enjoyable training. Particularly helpful having people with lived experiences and their stories and how we can support.”
“Really good course, fun and informative. Lots of opportunity to speak to others and given plenty of time in the breakout rooms.”
“Good peer group. Very good interaction and group work.”
“Really helpful knowledge and understanding which goes along way when assisting those that we are supporting. Many thanks Steven. Very interesting training yet again.”
“I found the session to be both informative and useful. The style of delivery seemed the best approach given the subject matter. And that fact that the session was so interactive (i.e. all of the break out activities etc.) I feel this means that I will remember my learning from the training a lot easier than if it was just delivered in a lecture style! Also! Excellent that there was none of that dreaded roleplay! All in all a really good session. Thanks!”
“Great interactive session on the subject which the Tutor obviously knows well. Good to also to meet and chat with other local healthcare professionals.”
“The course (and Steven) was very informative and engaging. Thank you for the training session today.”