According to Carers UK, “1 in 8 adults (around 6.5 million people) are carers”, with the figure set to rise in the next few years with a predicted 9 million people to be involved in a care-giving role by 2037. These people often struggle in silence, which is why Carer’s Week is important to show support to the millions of people involved in caring.

“Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.“ – Carersweek.org

This week’s blog will take a look at some facts and figures about caring in the UK from Care Trust and other sources, and the types of sacrifices people in care-giving roles make to provide their loved ones with comfort and support.

Caring and Working

• Carers save the economy £132 billion per year, an average of £19,336 per carer
• Over 3 million people juggle care with work, however the significant demands of caring mean that 1 in 5 carers are forced to give up work altogether.
• Carer’s Allowance is the main carer’s benefit and is £64.60 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.85 per hour – the lowest benefit of its kind.

Caring and Wellbeing

• People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled
• 72% of carers responding to Carers UK’s State of Caring Survey said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring.
• 61% said they had suffered physical ill health as a result of caring.
• Over 1.3 million people provide over 50 hours of care per week.

Caring and Education

• Young carers can find it hard to go to school/college/university or keep up with course work. They can be bullied and find it difficult to make or keep friends. They can take on responsibilities well beyond their years and have little time for play or socialising or to be children or young people.
• Caring may mean that you have to put your chance of a career on hold or never have the opportunity to have a career and reach your full potential.
• Young adult carers aged between 16 and 18 years are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
• Based on Census figures there are estimated to be at least 376,000 young adult carers in the UK aged 16–25.

 

When in a caring role, it can be very difficult to find the time and support to develop your skills and knowledge in preparation for a future job, and the carers may sometimes feel that they are falling behind where their friends and colleagues have many opportunities to develop.

To fit around busy lives, Ajuda have a huge range of online training courses designed for individuals who are too busy to attend a physical training course. These courses can be paused at any point, so they’re great to fit in to a busy care-giving schedule as you can return to them as and when you would like.

Whether the learner wants to learn crucial skills for their current care role with our Health and Social Care courses, or want to gain some experience for the future in disciplines such as Business or Employability Skills – we have something for everyone on our website.

If you know any individuals currently in a caring role that would like to gain knowledge and skills, please point them to our website and social media where we also sometimes have some great discounts and give-aways for our courses too!

 

We are so thrilled and honoured to have won the Business of the Year award at the Zokit Spring Conf event last week at Cardiff City Stadium.

Dawn and Rachel attended the day to share awareness about the Mental Health First Aid courses that Ajuda are now offering and always love opportunities to talk to others and network in the business community.

It was a fantastic day, with lots of knowledge and inspiration shared from other business owners. Dawn talked about her tips on how to run a successful and healthy business, and the room was full of other Entrepreneurs who wanted to take away some of her advice and knowledge.

The awards took place at lunch time, after a delicious 3 course meal. There was a great buzz in the room of people enjoying the day, networking and those pre-awards excitement started to fill the room.

The awards were presented by Ruth Wignall, who is a trustee of the Charity of the day, Cancer Research Wales, who are a fantastic charity that both Dawn and Rachel have also fundraised for.

It was great to see all the fantastic businesses winning their awards and a huge congratulations to each of the well deserving winners.

The final award, Business of the Year, was presented by Ashley and Rayner Davies of A&R Group and when it was announced that Ajuda were the winners we couldn’t believe it!

Dawn collected her award on stage and said her thank you’s and we have been bursting with pride and gratitude since Thursday.

Thank you to everyone who chose us as the winner, we shall continute to grow as a business, training people with the life skills that really can help to save lives.

 

2019 Zokit Business Award Winners Announced

 

This 14 hour YMHFA (Wales) course teaches adults how to provide Mental Health First Aid to young people.

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental illnesses often start in adolescence or early adulthood and it is important to detect problems early to ensure the young person is properly treated and supported. The YMHFA (Wales) course teaches adults who have frequent contact with adolescents, such as parents, guardians, school staff, sport coaches and youth workers, how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.

The Government Green Paper ‘Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision’ plans for every school and college to have a designated lead in mental health by 2025. The designated Youth Mental Health First Aider will be a trained member of staff who is responsible for the school’s approach to mental health.

This course is designed to meet this requirement by providing you with a clear understanding of the role of the school mental health lead. This step-by-step course will take you through essential skills needed to develop a multidisciplinary, whole systems approach through effective practice procedures to ensure the improvement of mental health and wellbeing in your school.

 

COURSE CONTENT & AIMS:

The YMHFA course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing any of the following mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.

• Developing mental health problems including:
• Depression
• Anxiety problems
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis
• Substance use problems

 

• Mental health crises:
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
• Aggressive behaviours

 

• To raise awareness and understanding of mental health problems in young people
• To build confidence to help a young person experiencing a problem
• To preserve life where a young person may be a risk to themselves or others
• To provide help on a ‘First Aid’ basis
• To reduce the effect of a mental health problem and prevent the problem escalating
• To encourage early intervention and speedier recoveries
• To provide comfort to a young person experiencing mental distress
• To know where to refer the young person to for the right on-going help

 

It is designed to be interactive and participants are encouraged (if they wish) to share views and experiences. Whist sharing experiences can benefit the training experience participants must be aware that Mental Health First Aid is designed to help participants support others and is not intended as a therapy session for the participant. This is for the comfort for all participants.

Please note that due to the sensitive topics discussed within the training it is recommended that participants have a level of well-being before attending.

COURSE COST

£140 + vat per person or £1,400 + vat for an in-house course for up to 12 people

COURSE VENUE

We run this course monthly at Ajuda Training Academy in Cardiff Bay.

For in-house bookings we can deliver this anywhere in Wales, for groups between 6-12 participants.

 

LENGTH OF COURSE

2 days / 14 hours

It is recommended that these 2 days are run consecutively however they can be spread across a maximum of 2 sessions within 3 weeks.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

We provide a fully qualified, experienced trainer, all the course materials, and certificates for participants on completion of the course.

BOOKINGS

To book a course or find out more information call Rachel on 029 20576883

Email: rachel@ajuda.org.uk

 

 

Ajuda Training Services pride ourselves on our inclusion, adaptability & resourcefulness, which we display in many aspects of our company values. Another of these values is the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to develop their skills, no matter their difficulties.  

Deaf Awareness Week is this week (6th – 12th May), and aims to promote the positive aspects of deafness, promote social inclusion and raise awareness of the huge range of local organisations that support deaf people and their family and friends.

As with other awareness campaigns, the team at Ajuda take some time to highlight the challenges that people with disabilities face every day, and consider ways we can help to improve the lives of those who do struggle with these conditions. Providing as many accessible training courses and accessibility options as we can is a step we are committed to taking.  

Last week Ajuda, with the aid of an interpreter, taught a Emergency First Aid at Work course for Pontypridd Deaf Society. The group had a great day, and took a lot of valuable life saving information from the course. We can’t wait to visit them again! Below is a video of the course taking place: 

Ajuda can offer our wide variety of courses in British Sign Language, including our Emergency First Aid at Work,  Basic Life Saving and Mental Health First Aid (and many more) with the help of an interpreter. This allows us to train many learners who suffer with deafness or limited hearing, and provide them the opportunity to gain further qualifications as a result. These courses are available in groups of 12, and can be arranged on a day suitable to you and your organisation.

Ajuda can also offer accessible training options for individuals who have limited sight, by providing the student with large print resources and examination papers. One of our trainers can also travel to a setting of choice to accommodate for a group of students in an environment where they would feel more comfortable and secure.   

The team are dedicated to extending our variety of accessible training courses, and are always looking to do more. If you have a specific need or requirement in order to take part in one of our courses, please get in touch today and we will do our best to provide for these. If you are a group or organisation who feel they could work with us to help us provide a wider variety of accessible training courses, please get in touch!

To learn more about what we can offer, please call Rachel in the Ajuda office on 02920 576833 or email rachel@ajuda.org.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place every year and this year it is held on the 13th  – 19th May 2019.

 

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance, impact your physical and emotional health, and affect your relationships and home life. It can even mean the difference between success and failure on the job.

According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), in 2015/16 over 480,000 people in the UK reported that work-related stress was making them ill. This amounts to nearly 40% of all work-related illness.

Many employees are reluctant to talk about stress at work. There is still a stigma attached to stress and people still think they will be seen as weak if they admit they are struggling. But stress is not a weakness and can affect anyone at any level of an organisation.

Some of the most common causes of workplace stress

• Fear of being laid off
• More overtime due to staff cutbacks
• Pressure to perform to meet rising expectations but with no increase in job satisfaction
• Pressure to work at optimum levels—all the time!
• Lack of control over how you do your work

 

How to deal with Stress?

At Ajuda we have compiled a list of things to do to help reduce Stress in the workplace.

1. Reach out

Sometimes the best stress-reducer is simply sharing your stress with someone close to you. The act of talking it out and getting support and sympathy—especially face-to-face—can be a highly-effective way of blowing off steam and regaining your sense of calm. The other person doesn’t have to “fix” your problems; they just need to be a good listener.

 

2. Talk to your colleagues

Try to develop good relationships with your colleagues – this can help to create a support network at work.

 

3. Go for a walk at lunch time

Too many of us get into the bad habit of eating lunch at our work desk. This would mean that you spend all day at the computer and not allowing yourself to take a break. The best way to step away at lunch time is to leave the office and go for a walk. If you’re lucky enough to be close to a park then that is ideal, or just a walk around the block will help. Even if it is just for 10 minutes so you have time to sit down and eat your lunch.

Exercise is also very beneficial when it comes to stress and mental health.

 

4. Have a healthy snack

During stressful times it’s easier to eat junk food or snack on crisps, sweets or chocolate. Try and go for fruit instead. You will start to feel much better. Eating small, frequent and healthy meals, for example, can help your body maintain an even level of blood sugar, keeping your energy and focus up, and avoiding mood swings. Low blood sugar, on the other hand, can make you feel anxious and irritable, while eating too much can make you lethargic.

 

 

5. Get more sleep

Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Aim for 8 hours a night—the amount of sleep most adults need to operate at their best. Turn off screens one hour before bedtime. The light emitted from TV, tablets, smartphones, and computers suppresses your body’s production of melatonin and can severely disrupt your sleep. Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime such as catching up on work. Instead, focus on quiet, soothing activities, such as reading or listening to soft music, while keeping lights low.

 

 

6. Don’t take on too much

It’s ok to ask for help or say if you’re taking too much work on. Learn to say no if you can’t take on extra work or responsibility – make sure you’re able to explain why.

 

 

7. Holidays

Work regular hours and take the breaks and holidays you’re entitled to – it’s important to take time off work.

 

 

Want to know more about Stress Awareness in the workplace?

 

We have an online training course that you can take

Stress Management

To find out more email the team at admin@ajuda.org.uk or give us a call on 02920 576883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mental Health First Aid (Wales)
Training Course

At Ajuda we have launched our Mental Health First Aid (Wales) Training Courses

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach you how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and provide help on a first aid basis.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THE COURSE?

What to say and do in a crisis.
Practice listening and responding.
How to apply the 5 steps of MHFA.
The importance of good listening skills.
Understanding recovery from mental health problems.
How to respond if you believe someone is at risk of suicide.
How to give immediate help until professional help is available.
Understanding the connection between mental health problems and alcohol and drugs.
Understanding the connection between mental health problems and discrimination.
Some basic information about common mental health problems Self-help
information.

WHERE, WHEN, HOW LONG?

The MHFA course takes 12 hours to complete over 2 consecutive days.
Held at Ajuda Training Academy or at a venue to suit you for group bookings of 6-12 delegates.

COURSE DATES

May 23rd & 24th
June 27th & 28th
July 25th & 26th

HOW MUCH?

The cost of the course is £120 +VAT per person
Or £1,200+VAT for a group of 12

VENUE ADDRESS

15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5DP

GET IN TOUCH

02920 576883 admin@ajuda.org.uk www.ajuda.org.uk

Ajuda Training Courses

There are many great reasons to learn new skills.
At Ajuda we can provide all the mandatory training you need to ensure your workplace is fully compliant with HSE Regulations.
We offer a full range of courses which can be run at your premises or at our Training Academy in Cardiff Bay.
Here’s what we have available in Feb

Level 2 Award in Fire Safety & Role of the Fire Marshal (QCF)

Date: 11th Feb
Venue: Ajuda Training Academy, 15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5DP
Cost: £90 +VAT per person
This 6 hour Fire Marshal Fire Safety training course fully meets The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. This course provides delegates with a theoretical and practical understanding of the typical functions of a fire warden or fire marshal within a workplace

Level 3 Award in COSHH (QCF) 

Dates: 13th Feb
Venue: Ajuda Training Academy, 15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5DP
Cost: £90 +VAT per person
This course is aimed at those who use substances hazardous to health at work and introduces participants to the hazards associated with those substances, the risks involved and the controls available and what to expect from a COSHH assessment. Successful completion will prepare participants to look carefully at their own work activities and contribute to the safer use of hazardous substances in co-operation with their supervisors.

Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF) 1 Day Course

Dates: 18th Feb
Venue: Ajuda Training Academy, 15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5DP
Cost: £90 +VAT per person
The Emergency First Aid course is designed to equip candidates with the minimum knowledge and skills required to save lives in a medical emergency. This course is run over 6 hours and includes both theory and practical sessions, and will gave a good basic insight to dealing with basic medical emergencies.

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) 3 Day Course

Date: 18th – 20th Feb
Venue: Ajuda Training Academy, 15 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5DP
Cost: £195 +VAT per person
The First Aid course is designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills required to save lives in a medical emergency. This course is run over 3 days and includes both theory and practical sessions, and will give a good level of knowledge.

Lots more available 

We have lots of training courses available, both classroom based and online.

 

Get in touch with the team to find out more

 

Call 02920 576883

Email admin@ajuda.org.uk