 Wirral Lifelong and Family Learning Service commissioned Oiwillo Training to deliver an introduction to Motivational Interviewing and the subsequent follow up workshops to the ASPIRE team of employability mentors and associated support workers.
The team work with people with no and low qualifications in the disadvantaged wards of Wirral. Many of our clients have low levels of basic skills and without improving these they are unlikely to find employment. The challenge for the mentors is engaging and keeping clients on learning programmes so that they can begin to see the impact of success on their lives. We have found that many people recognise the need to do something about their skills but do not then take the first step. We were looking for some training that would give the mentors another way of working with their clients and would also give them more confidence in the way they work with their clients.
Over four days Glenn Hinds worked with the team to understand the MI approach and consider how they could use it in their work.
The feedback from the team has been very positive. All commented on how refreshing it was to have a trainer who was clearly and expert and who was able to make the material so accessible. Glenn was able to make the training relevant to ASPIRE and was very supportive towards the team about the work they do. All the participants felt able to contribute and found the sessions valuable both to their work and personally. The general view was that it was the best training they have attended.
Since attending the training the team have reflected on their working practices and are now approaching their clients in a new way. Best of all they all now feel a renewed enthusiasm for their work. This has had a positive on the ASPIRE programme.
I would recommend this programme to anyone that has to support clients who need to make a significant change in their lives. It helps to give support workers a perspective on why people behave as they do and the most effective ways of helping them make these important changes.
Christine Sakkhardande
ASPIRE Programme Manager
Wirral Council Lifelong and Family Learning Service
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