The principles of active support are based on a sound evidence base from behaviour and learning theory, and as such are what we know works best for everyone who needs support to be independent, exercise choice and control and be a contributing part of their local community. This new training resource reflects the changes in the social care and learning disability context in the UK as well as in many other countries, and the valuable experience the authors have gained from 13 years of using the resources for training in many different settings. Although initially developed for use with people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, Active Support has much wider application and over the past 5 years the authors have additionally worked with those supporting children and young people (including in schools), children and adults across the autism spectrum, mental health needs, and physical and sensory impairments. The newly filmed video pieces and case examples that underpin the new resource demonstrate these wider applications. This resource is designed for those who wish to lead face-to-face group-based training, which is still the recommended option for delivering training in person-centred active support to support teams. The resource includes: *PowerPoint presentations for the training *Suggestions for how to deliver the training, including exercises and activities. *Additional videos and photos which can be used to tailor the presentation to different audiences. *A summary learner's workbook with key points from each element of the training and space to complete the exercises during the sessions. *A copy of the full Self-study Guide which forms the script for the training. This training resource can be used for training staff and managers in intellectual and developmental disability support and accommodation services, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, behavioural specialists, speech and language therapists, learning disability nurses, teachers and teaching assistants, family members, day service staff and students.
Bev Murphy is the Head of Practice at United Response, a national charity providing a range of services for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs. She has a keen interest in the development of person centred approaches, practice leadership, and positive behaviour support, with a particular focus on the implementation and evaluation of person centred active support in a variety of settings.
