Charity Active Lancashire has launched a new training pathway to support practitioners in engaging in everyday conversations to help individuals improve their health and wellbeing.
Funded by Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training pathway gives people the skills and confidence to have supportive conversations about health, encourage healthier choices and help others access appropriate support. The training is open to people working across health, care, leisure, community and voluntary services, as well as those in customer-facing roles.
Whether taking their first steps with MECC or looking to develop existing skills, participants can choose from a range of training opportunities to suit their needs. These include Bitesize Introductions to MECC, a series of four 15-minute online courses, and the Confidence & Conversation Skills Workshop, which explores practical ways to bring MECC into everyday interactions.
Those looking to take their learning further can explore the MECC Champions workshop, which helps participants encourage colleagues to adopt the approach, alongside Health Coaching, a two-day, in-person programme focused on developing coaching skills. The pathway also includes Supported Self Management, helping practitioners tailor support to individual needs, and Health Coaching Follow-Ups, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on their practice and build on their experience.
Nathan Moulds, Training Manager at Active Lancashire, said: “You don’t always need a lengthy conversation to make a difference. Sometimes, a simple question or a supportive discussion can help someone think differently about their health. We want to give practitioners the confidence and practical skills to recognise these opportunities and make every contact count.
“With all six courses fully funded, the pathway offers practitioners an opportunity to strengthen their skills and make health and wellbeing conversations a more natural part of their everyday work.”
Those interested in undertaking the training can visit www.activelancashire.org.uk/mecc/ or email LearningZone@activelancashire.org.uk to book a closed course for their organisation.
