Is training right for me? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I'm interested in finding out about Direct Payments but I'm not sure if I want them. Would I have to follow through if I came on a course?
Not at all, the Living Choices courses are designed purely to give you the information to help you make up your mind one way or another.
I'm really interested in some of the training courses but I'm not sure if you can meet my access requirements.
We try to be as flexible as possible when booking participants on the courses, so please call/email/fax or write to speak to someone on the training team to discuss your specific requirements.
The course I want to attend runs on a day which is my day for going to the day centre/home help comes round. Do the courses run regularly through the year?
We can supply a training calendar which tells you exactly when each course runs, or check out our downloads section. However, we are also happy to help you negotiate attendance at your regular event to enable you to attend the one off session or course.
I need support, including some personal care, when attending events but I don't have anyone to come with me. Is there anything you can do?
We always provide an on site Personal Assistant to support participants throughout the training. Please get in touch if you want more info about this, or to talk about your specific requirements.
I've not done any training or anything like that since I left school and I don't really like just sitting and listening, would the training be different?
LCiL training sessions welcome and encourage people to join in and say what they think about the topic. Training provides an informal, interactive learning environment which always gives practical information as well as including people.
I'm not very confident about meeting new people and talking in a group. What if I find it hard to speak up?
Training can help with this! Our trainers are friendly and supportive and will do their best to make sure that you do not feel uncomfortable or pressurised to contribute. Most participants find that any initial nerves they have are quickly overcome, and really enjoy the chance to gain peer support from being in a group of like minded people.
I'm already an experienced PA employer and have been receiving Direct Payments for a while. Would I learn anything new?
Our training is updated regularly to reflect changes in legislation and employment practice, so there will always be relevant information and guidance on offer. The opportunity to reflect on existing skills and practice, and to discuss issues with others, is always a valuable element of the training too.
Could I bring my PA or support worker with me?
You are welcome to bring your PA or support worker if this will enable you to access the training. You may want to ask them to wait outside the training room so that you can call them in when needed, rather than have them there all the time which might make it more difficult for you to discuss some issues freely.
I have had some very difficult and painful experiences that I would like the chance to talk about with other disabled people. Will the training give me this opportunity?
Our training does offer the chance to share relevant experiences openly within the sessions, but it is not the right environment for exploring personal experiences and feelings in depth. You would be responsible for deciding to share only experiences that were appropriate within the context of the training and that were not too raw to talk about.
One-to-one counselling might be something that you would like to find out about. See the Your Call section of our website for more information about LCiL's free, confidential telephone counselling service.
