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Working in Healthcare (Understanding Complex Needs and Service Users) Skills Bootcamp

Course Code: BCCN
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: College Certificate
  • Awarding body: City College Plymouth
  • Duration: Ten weeks
  • Course type: Short course
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Thursdays, 9.30am - 3.30pm

What's it all about?

Are you passionate about making a difference in the health sector, or are you already working in it and looking to broaden your expertise? Join our comprehensive complex needs Skills Bootcamp designed to equip you with the essential knowledge needed to effectively address the diverse and complex needs of those you serve.

During the Skills Bootcamp you will gain the following knowledge and skills …

  • Master the Art of Diversity and Inclusion: understand the importance of diversity and learn how to create inclusive environments that respect and embrace different cultures, identities, and backgrounds.
  • Cultural Competence and Education: gain insights into cultural education to better connect with and support individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, ensuring your services are culturally sensitive and appropriate.
  • Criminal Justice Services: explore the intersection of health and criminal justice, and learn strategies to support individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Specialised Support for Young People: develop skills to work effectively with young people facing unique challenges, from mental health issues to navigating social services.
  • Combatting Rough Sleeping and Financial Hardships: learn to provide effective support to those experiencing homelessness and financial instability, ensuring they have access to the resources they need.
  • Supporting Refugees: equip yourself with the tools to work compassionately with refugees, addressing their unique physical, emotional, and social needs.
  • Perinatal Mental Health: dive into the complexities of perinatal mental health and learn how to support new and expecting mothers through this critical period.
  • Managing Long-term Conditions and Neurodiversity: understand the challenges faced by individuals with long-term conditions and neurodiverse needs, and how to provide tailored support that promotes their well-being and resilience.

Course information

This Skills Bootcamp offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the complex and often intertwined needs of the individuals you support. By the end of this Bootcamp, you will be equipped with practical strategies and a deeper empathy to truly make a difference in your field.

Foundations of Complex Needs and Diversity Awareness

  • Understanding Complex Needs: explore the multifaceted nature of complex needs and how they intersect with various social determinants of health.
  • Diversity Awareness and Skills Development: gain practical skills for recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and identities of those you work with, ensuring your practice is inclusive and culturally competent.

Political Awareness and Advocacy

  • Navigating the Political Landscape: understand the role of policy and legislation in shaping the care and support available to individuals with complex needs.
  • Advocacy Skills: learn how to effectively advocate for systemic change and the rights of the individuals and communities you serve.

Safeguarding in Complex Needs Settings

  • Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect: develop the ability to identify early signs of abuse or neglect in vulnerable populations.
  • Safeguarding Protocols and Reporting: familiarise yourself with the protocols for safeguarding, including how to report concerns responsibly and legally.
  • Referrals and Signposting: learn how to navigate referral pathways and effectively signpost individuals to the appropriate services.

Criminal Justice and Young People’s Services

  • Special Considerations for Young People with Complex Needs: understand the unique challenges faced by young people involved in the criminal justice system, and learn strategies for effective intervention and support.


Addressing Rough Sleeping

  • Strategies for Supporting Rough Sleepers: gain insight into the causes of homelessness and develop skills to provide targeted support for individuals experiencing rough sleeping.

Financial Literacy and Support

  • Empowering Through Financial Education: learn how to support individuals with complex needs in developing financial literacy and accessing financial support, helping them achieve greater independence.

Working with Refugees

  • Understanding Refugee Experiences: explore the unique challenges faced by refugees, including trauma, displacement, and resettlement, and learn how to provide compassionate, effective support.
Perinatal Mental Health Difficulties

  • Supporting New and Expecting Mothers: gain specialised knowledge in addressing the mental health challenges faced by women during the perinatal period, ensuring both mother and child receive the care they need.
Managing Long-Term Conditions

  • Tailored Approaches to Chronic Illness: learn how to provide ongoing support for individuals with long-term conditions, focusing on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
Integrating Diversity and Inclusion in Practice

  • Best Practices for Inclusion: develop strategies to integrate diversity and inclusion into every aspect of your practice, ensuring equitable care for all individuals.
  • Holistic Approaches to Care: embrace a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being in the care you provide

To be successful on this Skills Bootcamp, you will need to have level 2 maths and English qualifications and an interest in understanding the range of complex needs of our society. 

You will be assessed via presentations, written work and group discussions. There are no exams. 

Upon successful completion, you may progress onto a Peer Support Worker Apprenticeship or further health short courses to expand your knowledge of the health and care sector. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Social Workers

£49,274.84

Potential salary

£18,577.38

Entry level salary

£34,237.00

Average salary

23

Annual openings in Plymouth

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Book an open day and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.