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Welcome “Hampshire Connect 5ers” to the Post Training Support Resource

The aim of this resource is to keep you confident, keep your skills refreshed, keep you using your Connect 5 training to support the people of Hampshire. It’s easy to forget some key principles especially if it’s been a while since you completed your training.

We also want to ensure there is a consistent, continued quality to the mental health and suicide prevention support and up to date signposting following your training. As someone who has completed the Connect 5 training you will have access to free resources, including.

Video recaps on the key concepts from Hampshire’s Connect 5 trainers

Short written recaps on the key concepts from Hampshire’s Connect 5 trainers
Top tips from Connect 5ers for Connect 5ers

All connect 5 delegates are sent a survey 3 month post to completing the course. As part of this survey they are asked on which areas they have used the most, how and if they would like to share any tips. Some of these responses can be found below:

In every conversation I now assess someone’s wellbeing and identify where they can be supported.

When identifying areas that need improvements, I set some small goals, they can do themselves, ensuring I allow the chance for them to have open conversations with me.

Talking about the things that support good daily mental health is so important (connection, helping others, movement, learning a new skill and also talking through physical symptoms of anxiety e.g. lost car keys leads to thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, and actions

I have used some of the techniques and tips around how to approach and start conversations around experiences of poor mental health with colleagues, it has been valuable in sharing tips with colleagues and engaging each other in open and honest conversations about when we are not doing so well.

It is so important to actually allow a conversation to take place. That initial confidence to start the conversation is key.

Have used some of the tool and techniques as well as conversations with my patients on a daily basis. Opening up conversations on ACE’s and life stresses when looking at chronic pain. I also have used 5 areas model in 121 and group settings to help with changing mindset and patterns of behaviour to look at different possible outcomes in relation to anxiety and stress.

Have used the Six Steps of Problem Solving and also the Self Compassion Tool. The Self Compassion Tool helped someone to elevate their sense of self-worth and reduce some of the guilt they felt when they put their own needs first.

Explaining the vicious circle for a better understanding on calming down

I have used the vicious cycle diagram to help clients understand their own ability to break the cycle.

5 ways to wellbeing in daily life with myself, family, friends and colleagues. Vicious cycle, APPS activity scheduling, Self-compassion, Problem-Solving, Scaling and Safe to Talk about Suicide Tools when working 1-1 with Veterans who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, alcohol misuse and PTSD.

Video top tips

 

Impact of Connect 5 across Hampshire

Case study 1
Connect 5 in Hampshire in 2020-21
Delivery to the voluntary sector between January 2020 and March 2021
A study of 302 staff and volunteers trained by Havant and East Hants Mind

Connect 5 delegates participating in the evaluation not only told us why they had initially attended the course but also how and where they had actually used the training. There is encouraging evidence to suggest that there has been real impact across a range of settings.

Although disappointingly 13% of those responding to the 3-12 month post completion survey said they had not used the training to support others,

34% had used it at work to support a client

23% had used it at work with a member of staff /volunteer

More than 36% had used it at home to support a family member or friend.

Delegates also offered written case examples detailing the scenarios where connect 5 was applied. Some even offered examples of how they had used the course to support strangers who needed help in the community.

Some scenarios where you can apply Connect 5

A number of scenarios where Connect 5ers reported how they had applied their training are listed below. 

Support for service users

Support for staff or colleagues

Scenarios supporting family and friends

Connect 5ers supporting people in multiple settings  

Support for service users

I have been more relaxed about having listening conversations which I had avoided before due to my perceived time constraints. I am finding that these are actually time efficient because clients think out loud and I discover more about how they perceive a situation and what possible solutions they may have.

I use all aspects of Active listening, especially by phone and Zoom. Really hearing what someone is saying, to simply acknowledge where they are or offer links to related agencies/interventions

Connect 5 has been useful when talking around low mood with young people.

I now feel confident to ask the question regarding self-harm, suicide thoughts etc.

(Used to support) Someone struggling with anxiety and depression and having suicidal thoughts.

(I am) using this(Connect 5) with service users contemplating suicide, long term care, or in need of rehoming.

(Used) regularly as part of PTSD Veteran support.

I volunteer in a family support role and have been working with a family for over a year who have suffered trauma. Training has been helpful in dealing with both mum and daughter suffering from PTSD.

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Support for staff or colleagues

(Used) to draw up Wellness Action Plan after a disciplinary hearing.  Attended HR meetings with colleague for moral support.

One of my colleagues disclosed to me some personal issues they are going through which are having a big impact on their life and mental health. I used the techniques I learnt in the course to support them through this conversation, and it helped me know what to say and what not to say (don’t try to fix it or try to make it smaller than it is etc). They are already being supported by a counsellor so that is good but it was nice going into the conversation having an idea of how to phrase things and to just acknowledge that the situation exists.

(Used) guiding staff team members to use the tools given to find their own direction.

I have had an employee suffering with depression and the course helped me to ask that person the right questions.

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Scenarios supporting family and friends

I used (Connect 5) during a time when a friend was very depressed and having suicidal thoughts. The training was well timed and was able to speak with confidence about where I could help and that I could escalate to her GP re safeguarding.

I encouraged family members and colleagues to connect with people and learn a new skill during lockdown.

A friend (is) suffering from depression and before I was too scared to say something wrong. Now I feel more comfortable speaking to her about it.

Sam explained how the course had enabled her to talk much more openly with her son about anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, (using some of the Connect 5 examples from the training to illustrate and help the discussion).

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Connect 5ers supporting people in multiple settings  

Sam, a civil enforcement officer with Havant Borough Council, also shared her story about how she had used Connect 5 both in her work and at home. Sam explained she was already using Connect 5 on a daily basis and how it was helping her to have better conversations with members of the public she deals with.

Sam was able to support a person in the community who was trying to take their own life on a railway bridge. She recounted how she spotted the signs as a direct result of the training. As she passed the person on the road, she decided to turn her car back around, to check, she called the police and provided vital support just in time. You can hear Sam’s Connect 5 story by watching her video.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a certificate?

In Hampshire we supply digital certificates within 2 weeks of completion of session 3.

Do I need to have a refresher and when?

There is no formal requirement to have a refresher, yet we do recommend attending refresher check ins provided by us – HEH Mind.

Can I buy a hard copy of the manuals?

All the manuals come in a PDF format, which you are welcome to get it printed.

Can I have a copy of the slides?

These are copyrighted by the authors and we are not permitted to send slides out.

How often does the course get updated?

This all depends on the authors – they update periodically, there have been 3 updates in the last 3 years.

Is there a follow on course or what is the next step in my training journey?

There are lots of other mental health courses, such as mental health first aid and suicide first aid. Please see other training available in the section below.

Feedback section – we want you to leave us your stories and questions

Use the section below to

  • Tell us how you have used Connect 5 what were the impacts/outcomes
  • Tell us what aspects you need refreshing on
  • Ask us questions on any Connect 5 subject we’ll try to put the answers up on the site for everyone to benefit from

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Havant & East Hants Mind adheres to the Data Protection Act 2018’s principles of good information handling and the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2018.

This means that your information will be:

Fairly and lawfully processed

Processed for limited purposes

Adequate, relevant and not excessive

Accurate and up-to-date, not kept for longer than necessary, and secure.

Please indicate below if you consent to Havant & East Hants Mind collecting, recording and processing your personal data for the purpose of providing you with support and to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing. Havant & East Hants Mind will use your information appropriately and in line with our Privacy Policy which you can see here: Privacy Policy.

Your details will not be shared with anyone else without your consent. If you have any concerns or questions about how your personal data is collected and used, please ring our HEH Mind Office on 02392498916 or email [email protected]

Up to date signposting

Get mental health help – NHS 111

Samaritans call free 116123 available 24/7

Shout text SHOUT to 85258 available 24/7

Hard Hat (construction specific) text HARDHAT to 85258 available 24/7

Lighthouse Club (construction industry helpline) – 0345 605 1956

Adults’ Safe Haven – Havant & East Hants Mind 0300 303 1560 available  6-10pm.  A drop-in service is also available during these times

North & Mid Hampshire Safe Haven Andover Mind 0300 303 5772 available 6-10pm. A drop-in service and virtual appointments is also available during these times

Southwest Hampshire Safe Haven a crisis drop-in service by Solent Mind, The South West Hampshire ICB and Southern Health Foundation Trust  07974 124873 available 5-10:30pm – text, drop-in service and virtual appointments is also available during these times

HAMPSHIRE:

Central Hampshire signposting website for mental health and wellbeing

iTalk – Talking Therapy for people registered with a GP in the following areas of Hampshire: Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Bordon, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest, Petersfield, Romsey and Winchester. You can self-refer online or by telephone 023 8038 3920.

Talk Plus  Talking therapy available to people who are registered with a GP in the following areas of Hampshire: Yateley, Fleet, Farnborough, Blackwater, Aldershot or Farnham. You can self-refer online or telephone 01252 533355.

Inclusion recovery Hampshire offers support with drug and alcohol issues. Those aged 24 and under can call 0845 459 9405. Those aged 25 and over can call 0300 124 0103.

Mind runs wellbeing centres in Hampshire towns to provide short-term, outcome-focused support. The centres provide workshops, courses and other support on many mental health issues. Contact your nearest centre to find out more about their programme:

Andover Mind covers Farnborough, Andover, Basingstoke and Romsey – 01264 332297

Solent Mind covers Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, New Forest and Winchester – 023 8202 7810

PORTSMOUTH:

Portsmouth Mental Health Hub

PCC – Adult Mental Health support 

PCC – Mental Health services and resources

SOUTHAMPTON:

Mental Health Services for Adults

Lighthouse (crisis services)

Get mental health help – NHS 111

Steps to wellbeing 

Solent Mind

ISLE OF WIGHT :

Two Saints IOW 01983 520168 available Mon-Fri 5-10pm and weekends Noon-10pm.  Email and drop-in service is also available during these times

Local directory of services and events

Community mental health support hub pages

Warm spaces and support (cost of living)

Wellbeing support Isorropia Foundation

Osel, employment advice and support to individuals with mental health conditions 

Samaritans 116 123,  call: 0330 094 5717, 52 South Street, Newport IW PO30 1JQ

Safe Haven 7 High Street Newport, PO30 1SS Call: 01983 520168, email [email protected]

Age UK Isle of Wight  Contact 01983 525282, email  [email protected]

Other Useful Links

Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time. Hub of Hope provides a comprehensive list of services available in your area.

Citizens Advice a nation wide service with local offices providing free support and advice.

No Limits – Young People offer free information, advice and help to children & young people under the age of 26 in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. Whatever your issue, whether it’s around mental health, housing and homelessness, sexual health, substance use, money, or anything else, our trained youth workers are available to support, advise and educate you, helping you to grow in confidence, manage your life and build a brighter future.

Amparo means ‘shelter’ or ‘safe haven’ in Spanish and provides support for anyone affected by suicide. Support can be provided one-to-one, to family groups, groups of colleagues or peers – whatever is preferred by you and is most appropriate to your situation.

Samaritans Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.

Calm stands together with everyone who’s struggling with life, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. And we do it through our life-saving services, national campaigns, and by building communities.

National suicide prevention is an alliance of public, private and voluntary organisations in England who care about suicide prevention and are willing to take individual and collective action to reduce suicide and self-harm, and support those bereaved or affected by suicide.

Help is at hand provides support for people bereaved through suicide or other unexplained death, and for those helping them.

Resources for survivors provides reading material about the experiences of others to help them feel less alone, to understand more about what is happening and be aware of what help is available.

Support after suicide vision is that everyone bereaved or affected by suicide is offered timely and appropriate support.

Counselling Directory. A counselling directory, with specific information on how counselling can help with suicidal thoughts. The directory is a resource hub which enables individuals struggling with their emotional well-being to find a qualified and insured counsellor and connect with support they deserve. 

Looking after yourself

NHS Self Help 5 steps to mental wellbeing. Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

NHS Quiz How are you? Get a free personalized health score when you complete this 10 minute quiz. How Are You is for over 18s only and is only designed to point you in the right direction. It’s not a medical assessment – if you’re worried about your health you should speak to a health professional.

Every mind matters Find your little big thing for your mental health. There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety – we need to find what works for us. This could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, prioritising our sleep or opening up to a friend. Our little thing, if we keep doing it, will make a big difference to how we feel.

Other training available

You can visit Havant and East Hants Mind Training and Workplace Wellbeing pages for a range of training and support opportunities

E-learning -Zero suicide alliance training on suicide prevention

Context

Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight Councils have commissioned Havant and East Hants Mind to produce this resource as part of its quality assurance framework for Training within Hampshire.

Accreditations & Awards

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