Towards a Better Life

Online - 6 Series Course for Victorian Residents Only

Limited Spaces Available

This 6 series course will inspire participants to reflect on the value of obtaining the good things in life and consider how we may support people who may have been marginalised or disadvantaged to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities. This course is designed to assist participants to:

• Understand social devaluation and its consequences,
• Learn about Social Role Valorisation as a means of addressing experiences of devaluation,
• Strengthen ones’ motivation to counteract devaluation,
• Clarify the qualities of the good things in life and how they might be facilitated,
• Understand the importance of valued social roles and how to develop roles that lead to authentic inclusion in one’s community.

You will also hear some ‘real life’ stories from people who, through attending this course, have reshaped their life and now experience the good things in life. This online course will use a combination of presentation, interactive exercises, reflection and discussion!

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who is serious about improving the lives of people who may be at risk of being marginalised or disadvantaged, such as people with disabilities, people with a mental illness, people who are ageing and people experiencing poverty or homelessness. It would be of particular interest to people with a disability, their families, students, support workers, planners, LACs, NDIS personnel, professionals, managers, CEOs, policy makers, people in leadership positions and other concerned citizens.

Dates and Topics

Session 1: Wednesday 3 March 2021 (10am to 1pm via Zoom)

Introduction / Understanding Social Devaluation and It's Implications

Session 2: Friday 5 March 2021 (10am to 1pm via Zoom)

Understanding Social Devaluation and It's Implications (continued) / Understanding Heightened Vulnerability / Assumptions / Access to the Good Things in Life

Session 3: Wednesday 10 March 2021 (10 am to 1pm via Zoom)

Culturally Valued Ways and Means / Responding to Heightened Vulnerability

Session 4: Friday 12 March 2021 (10am to 1pm via Zoom)

Social Roles / Role Expectations / Crafting Valued Social Roles

Session 5: Wednesday 17 March 2021 (10am to 1pm via Zoom)

Enhancing Competency / Understanding Imagery

Session 6: Friday 19 March 2021 (10am to 1pm via Zoom)

Integration and Relationship / Personal Social Integration / Elements of SRV Application / Learning More About Social Roles and Connections to Others

About the presenter

John Armstrong has a long involvement in the lives of people with disabilities, in informal advocacy and friendship roles as well as the formal roles of service provider, teacher, adviser and service planner. John is one of two senior Social Role Valorisation and Passing trainers in Australia. He is particularly interested in uncovering the reasons behind the abuse of vulnerable people and the things that influence beneficial instead of detrimental actions. His events seek to increase consciousness and the development of the qualities needed by people who intend to act with integrity and leadership.

Feedback from previous participants

This course has helped support workers to understand how to support our daughter with respect and dignity and understand the importance of valued roles.” (Parent)

“Social Role Valorisation has been the basis for my work for many years and has led to the authentic inclusion of the many people I have supported.” (Planner)

Concentrating on valued roles has led to many opportunities for my daughter to be included and welcomed by her community.” (Parent)

“A refreshingly deep look at our past, our judgements and their impact on our practice and everyday interactions and assumptions. I enjoyed the challenge and the reminder to look deeper.“  (Co-ordinator)

This workshop is an invaluable resource for those who truly want a practical approach to supporting vulnerable people into experiencing ‘the good life’. John Armstrong is an engaging presenter who brings a wealth of experience.” (Trainer and teacher)

“This workshop is fundamental in regard to understanding the actions that lead to isolation and exclusion. It raises consciousness and reconceptualises thinking - leading to actions that value and empower the people we support. A must for all staff.” (CEO)

Terms and Conditions and Refund Policy

Belonging Matters Inc

info@belongingmatters.org / www.belongingmatters.org / 03 9739 8333