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The Purpose for the support groups



We realise that fostering can be really difficult at times. Perhaps the only people who really understand it are other foster carers and so therefore we want to give you a place to meet up.

There will be biscuits and/or cake, coffee, tea, and an opportunity for an informal chat at all of the meetings.

Although these will be informal meetings, each session will have a brief agenda, attendance list, and agreed group rules. This is to help those who don’t know anyone and feel awkward about coming along to a new meeting, to feel that they won’t be left alone on the side-lines.

Sometimes there will be speakers and topics as requested by the group, this will hopefully make it as relevant to your fostering as you like.

These sessions should be recorded on your Personal Development Plan (PDP).

This is an online blended programme that will provide you with information and the opportunity to discuss the processes and your thoughts, questions and concerns around managing your team’s mental health and wellbeing. As 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year and wellbeing is relevant to everyone you will find this online learning sets out your responsibilities and provides you with tips and techniques so you become more comfortable in having conversations with your team around their wellbeing and responding when people raise mental ill health with you.

This online training consists of the following elements – an introduction and discussion, the council’s stress and wellbeing e-module, the council’s managing mental health in the workplace e-module, a recorded presentation on completing wellbeing action plans in your team, completing a wellbeing action plan for yourself and finally a webinar which will discuss tips, techniques and give you practical advice to help you get more comfortable in managing your team’s mental health and wellbeing.

PLEASE FIND ALL YOUR HANDOUTS ATTACHED FOR THIS TRAINING SESSION - PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU HAVE BOOKED A PLACE FOR A MEMBER OF STAFF YOU MAKE THEM AWARE OF THESE FOR THE TRAINING DAY - THANK YOU.


This assessed training course provides Care Workers with the essential skills and knowledge to apply and comply with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 when carrying out their role. The MCA applies to every health and social care worker who is involved in the care, treatment or support of people who are unable to make all or some decisions themselves. Care Quality Commission Inspectors are increasingly asking care workers to explain their responsibilities under the MCA. The MCA provides legal protection from liability for carrying out care and treatment of people who lack capacity to consent, provided that care workers: Understand the principles of the MCA Have carried out a capacity assessment and reasonably believe that the person lacks capacity Reasonably believe the action they have taken is in the best interests of the person. How the training course works: Attend a workshop Submit brief evidence of how you have applied your learning in the workplace Receive feedback on your work which is shared with your employer Once you have achieved the required standard for compliance and good practice in line with the MCA code of practice you will be awarded a Mental Capacity Essentials Training Certificate.