Abstract

People receiving care in residential services or their own homes can become very isolated. This workbook will equip social care staff with the knowledge and skills to understand what friendships and relationships mean to service users' health and well being.

Supporting Relationships and Friendships looks at how to assess social skills and the qualities needed in a friend. Sharing interests can provide companionship and promote self-esteem, but some relationships and friendships can become negative or burdensome, and this book offers useful guidance on supporting service users in managing these relationships. The book is appropriate for all staff supporting people with mental health needs, people with a learning or physical disability, older people and people with dementia.

This workbook is a valuable source of guidance for any social care worker keen to improve their practice, and represents a cost-effective way for managers or trainers in residential and domiciliary settings to train staff.

Suzan Collins is a trainer and consultant in management and social care, and was registered manager with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), now called Care Quality Commission (CQC). She delivers training throughout the UK to service users, support staff, managers and HR staff in the NHS, statutory, private and voluntary sectors. She also assesses and internally verifies NVQs in Health and Social Care and Management and the Learning and Development awards, as well as being an active marker, verifier and consultant for the Learning Disability Induction Award programme. For more information go to www.suzancollins.com.