Training the Trainers
Programme
Are you an ‘enabler’ (i.e. community worker, outreach worker, ‘go-getter’- motivated resident); somebody who would like to attract interest from local residents to help set up and run a Bereavement Peer Support Community Group? This free training will provide you with all the necessary information and support to develop a STAR bereavement peer-support group in your neighbourhood.
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The original STAR group was set up in Stockwood in Bristol using an Asset-Based Community Development approach (ABCD). The group became known as STAR (Share, Talk & Remember) and since October 2019 has provided free support for people grieving from a bereavement or difficult transition in their life. Since this training began, 8 other STAR Bereavement Peer Support Groups have been set up within Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos. Other localities across the UK have begun exploring the STAR Model and most recently the Frodsham STAR was set up in Cheshire. Groups continue to steadily emerge across the UK.
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The STAR training aims to cascade the core principles of the original STAR group to create a network of STAR bereavement peer-support groups across the UK, which are self-sustaining, have strong foundations and are led by local residents. The course is FREE for delegates once a contract (service level agreement) has been established between a hosting organisation and the STAR Trainer.
If you are a representative from an organisation and you are exploring procurement options in your locality, please make contact to discuss arrangements.
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The training involves 4 workshops (2 hours each) taking place on a weekly basis via Zoom, followed by an option to attend a quarterly Stars Connecting Network Catch-up sessions.
Module 1
Objectives:
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Share concept of creating a home grown, voluntary community group, utilising the ABCD approach.
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Explore a rewarding and sustainable model of a Bereavement Peer Support Group.
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Inspire participants to take the next step in initiating a STAR Bereavement Peer Support Group in their community.
Module 2
Objectives:
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Gain an awareness of how we experience loss & bereavement.
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Explore theories and models of grief.
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Explore aims & objectives for a community service.
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Give consideration to Terms of reference, Core Values and Work Ethics.
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Review the Stockwood STAR material – take away to identify whether to adopt or use as a protocol for own group/service.
Module 3
Objectives:
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Establish ‘what is your community & what does it consists of?'.
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Gain an awareness of the assets that exists within your group and within your community, and recognise the gifts and opportunities.
Module 4
Objectives:
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Identify roles and responsibilities within the support team.
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Explore a wish list to include: resources, venue, literature, working documents.
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Focus on establishing a strong foundation for the support team.
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Explore strategies to practice terms of reference, code of conduct/core values.
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Explore communication, support and camaraderie.
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Identify structure for team meetings.
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Identify training needs including safeguarding, confidentiality, communication skills.
Prospective progression from completing the training
All participants are encouraged to apply their learning, utilise the resources they have been given and take steps to reach out to the wider community and engage with local resident to help set up their own group. Participants will be equipped to cascade their knowledge, and support to the group to enable the group to adopt the STAR model.
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Please note: Every member of the STAR group that you help to create is not volunteering for an organisation, they are establishing a voluntary community entity which will aim to become self- sustaining with the support of many community assets (institutions, organisations etc).
Forthcoming Training
(each course runs for 4 weeks, 2 hours per session):
STARTING ON:
Wednesday 11th SEPT 6pm - 8pm, and ending 2nd October
Feedback
Here are some, of many, narratives from people who have completed the training...
Session 1
Book your place on the Training
Please complete the following, select which training course (date) you would like to attend, and submit your booking!