Here you will find everything you need to deliver the taster course including facilitator guides, handouts and evaluation tools. These have been adapted so that they are suitable for either face to face or virtual sessions. The course is designed as four, two-hour sessions delivered over a four-week period. The Facilitators guide for delivering Module 1 Taster Course, which explains its overall purpose can be downloaded below.
Facilitator guide to Module 1 - Taster Course
Added 24/11/2020Please sign in to download this file.
How taster courses work
This session is about getting to know each other and feeling comfortable in the group.
It includes:
- Completing a simple baseline evaluation form
- A group agreement to enable participants to feel comfortable and supported
- Some informal group exercises about:
- What makes us feel confident; what confident behaviour looks like; what knocks out confidence; and how we can be build confidence
- What 'peer support' means and how it is different from ‘being a friend’ or a professional
- Sharing experiences of receiving peer support and how it can help
- The benefits of being a volunteer
- What it means to empower others.
The Module 1 handout booklet for the taster course and the facilitator guide and tools for this session can be downloaded here:
Resources for session 1
Added 20/01/2020Please sign in to download this file.
The ability to really listen is central to carrying out a peer support role.
This session includes some pair-work for participants to practice simple listening skills.
They also reflect on:
- What makes it hard to listen
- The benefits to expectant and new parents when someone really listens to them
- How a volunteer needs to be non-judgemental, patient and accepting of different cultures and values.
The facilitator guide and tools for this session can be downloaded here:
Resources for session 2
Added 20/01/2020Please sign in to download this file.
This session enables participants to reflect on the different ways people communicate with each other and the benefits of assertive behaviour. Participants reflect on how their behaviour might change when confronted by an uncomfortable situation.
There are examples of specific situations a volunteer might encounter and the ground rules and boundaries that would be needed. The importance of confidentiality and building trust are emphasised.
The facilitator guide and tools for this session can be downloaded here:
Resources for session 3
Added 20/01/2020Please sign in to download this file.
During this session participants reflect on:
- How we manage changes and transitions in our lives
- Why the transition through pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent is such an important time
- The unique contribution of peer support during this critical time
The course finishes by enabling participants to complete a personal action plan after:
- Deciding if being a volunteer is their chosen next step
- Completing a diary to see if they would have time to offer peer support
A follow-on evaluation is completed so that changes can be measured by comparing with the baseline evaluation completed during Session 1.
A one-to-one mentoring session is offered at the end of the course for those who would like to take the next step to becoming a volunteer.
The facilitator guide and tools for this session can be downloaded here along with the one-to-one mentoring form and the attendance certificate which is given out on completion of the taster course:
Resources for session 4
Added 20/01/2020Please sign in to download this file.