The Activities Co-ordinator Training Course is designed for individuals who aspire to work as Activities Co-ordinators in care homes, day centres, or community settings. This course provides essential skills and knowledge required to plan, organise, and deliver engaging and meaningful activities for individuals in care, particularly those with physical or cognitive impairments. The course focuses on person-centred care, ensuring that activities promote wellbeing, social interaction, and a sense of purpose among participants. Through a combination of theory and practical sessions, participants will learn how to create and adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and preferences of individuals in their care.
 
Course Content:
 
Role of the Activities Co-ordinator: Understanding the responsibilities and impact of the Activities Co-ordinator in promoting quality of life and wellbeing for individuals in care settings.
Person-Centred Care Approach: Principles of person-centred care and how to apply them when planning and delivering activities, ensuring that each individual’s preferences, abilities, and interests are respected.
Planning and Organising Activities:
Needs Assessment: Techniques for assessing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of individuals to create tailored activities.
Activity Planning: How to plan a balanced programme of activities that promotes engagement, wellbeing, and inclusivity.
Adapting Activities: Strategies for adapting activities to accommodate varying levels of ability, ensuring all participants can be involved.
Types of Activities: Exploration of different types of activities, including physical, cognitive, creative, social, and therapeutic activities, and their benefits for individuals in care.
Communication and Interaction: Techniques for effective communication and interaction with individuals in care, including those with dementia, sensory impairments, or communication difficulties.
Group Dynamics and Participation: Understanding group dynamics and how to facilitate group activities that encourage participation, social interaction, and a sense of community.
Health and Safety Considerations: Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants during activities, including risk assessments, safe use of equipment, and adhering to health and safety regulations.
Evaluation and Feedback: Methods for evaluating the success of activities and gathering feedback from participants, carers, and families to improve future activity planning.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Best practices for documenting activity plans, participant engagement, and outcomes, as well as maintaining accurate records.
Supporting Emotional and Social Wellbeing: Understanding the role of activities in supporting the emotional and social wellbeing of individuals, and how to address feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression through meaningful engagement.
Practical Skills Session: Hands-on practice in planning and delivering a range of activities, with guidance and feedback from experienced instructors.
 
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Activities Co-ordinator Training Course, participants will be able to:
 
Understand the Role of the Activities Co-ordinator: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of an Activities Co-ordinator in promoting quality of life for individuals in care settings.
Apply a Person-Centred Care Approach: Plan and deliver activities that reflect the principles of person-centred care, respecting the unique needs, preferences, and abilities of each individual.
Plan and Organise Effective Activities: Conduct needs assessments, plan a varied programme of activities, and adapt activities to ensure inclusivity and engagement for all participants.
Communicate Effectively: Utilise effective communication and interaction techniques, particularly with individuals who have cognitive or sensory impairments.
Facilitate Group Activities: Manage group dynamics and facilitate activities that encourage participation, social interaction, and a sense of community.
Ensure Health and Safety: Implement health and safety practices during activities, including conducting risk assessments and ensuring the safe use of equipment.
Evaluate and Improve Activities: Evaluate the success of activities, gather feedback, and use this information to continuously improve the activity programme.
Support Emotional and Social Wellbeing: Recognise the importance of activities in supporting emotional and social wellbeing and apply strategies to enhance these aspects of care.
Document and Maintain Records: Maintain accurate records of activity plans, participant engagement, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with care standards.
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be fully equipped to take on the role of an Activities Co-ordinator, with the skills and knowledge necessary to create meaningful and enriching experiences for individuals in care. They will receive certification, demonstrating their readiness to contribute to the wellbeing of those they support in a variety of care settings.