Skip to main content

News

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training – a positive impact on all involved

Published 29th October 2024, in News, News & Updates

On Friday 1st November, Living Options Devon celebrates one year since delivering the first Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.

Since the first Oliver McGowan Mandatory training session in Torquay in 2023, over 3,000 delegates have now received training, we have over 20 Experts by Experience and six Trainers delivering across Torbay, Exeter, Plymouth and North Devon.

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, (which is the government’s preferred and recommended for health and social care staff on learning disability and autism), aims for better-informed care and understanding towards people who have a learning disability and autistic people.

We’ve seen the huge impact on delegates receiving Oliver’s Training, but also the impact on the Experts by Experience themselves. These are the trainers sharing their own lived-experience and who provide direct and relatable accounts of learning disabilities and autism.

Heidi Slatter, one of our Oliver McGowan Experts by Experience, has been co-delivering Oliver’s Training since day one and explains what being involved means to her. 

“I give everything, it’s given me confidence, meaning and a purpose to get up and contribute to the world, these are things that money can’t buy. 

I want to do the best I can, I can see the lightbulb come on when I am sharing my experiences, there are people listening and thinking not just in regards to their job role but for themselves or their families. 

Oliver McGowan feels like a massive movement to change outcomes, I feel I was meant to have this role and give my all.”

Heidi’s feedback highlights the far reaching impact of Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on the individuals delivering the training sessions, as well as the professional delegates attending.

As the contracted partner by NHS Devon to provide the recruitment, management and pastoral care for all the Experts by Experience and Facilitators/Trainers it has been fantastic to see the difference the programme is making to so many people. 

If you are interested to find out more about Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training please visit our Business Services webpage for more information.