Nobilis launches a business-wide training programme in partnership with Paragon Skills

Nobilis, one of the UK’s leading at-home care specialists, is set to launch a business-wide First Aid for Mental Health programme, alongside a new Apprenticeship programme for its 400+ employees.

The company’s investment and commitment to training is at one of the highest in the care industry, and the Nobilis programme is timely given the government’s own Apprenticeship Week initiative 8^th-14^th February 2021 highlighting training initiatives and opportunities across industry.

The new First Aid for Mental Health qualification, which is Ofqual or SQA Accreditation regulated, includes a combination of self-study and webinars guided by a qualified trainer.  Nobilis believes this is an industry-first, and particularly relevant as Covid-19 can have a severe impact on client and employee mental wellbeing, as well as physical.

First Aid for Mental Health is part of a suite of training programmes being introduced by Nobilis as part of its new Apprenticeship training partnership with Paragon Skills – a leading, national Apprenticeship training provider.  The Nobilis Adult Care Worker curriculum will include Levels 2 3, 4 and 5 Standards in Adult Care, accredited by City & Guilds and recognised by the Care Quality Commission and health and social care sector.

Peter Harrington, Nobilis Managing Director, said of the new training partnership with Paragon Skills: “Ensuring the emotional wellbeing of our care teams is paramount. If they are emotionally strong in themselves, they are better equipped to help and support their clients.  It’s also important for them to learn to recognise the warning signs that someone is suffering from poor mental health. Our First Aid for Mental Health programme will ensure both clients and employees receive the best mental health preparedness we can offer them.

Mark Botha, Chief Executive of Paragon Skills, added: “Our training programme with Nobilis employees begins in February and couldn’t come at a more opportune time. Quality care is in high demand and with National Apprenticeship Week running from February 8-14, now is the time to broadcast the message that a career in care is not only worthwhile and rewarding, but also one that can continue to evolve and grow.

“It’s also a significant credit to Nobilis that it is implementing First Aid for Mental Health, still something too often ignored by employers in the care industry.”

First Aid for Mental Health, course syllabus is wide-ranging across subjects from anxiety, stress, and depression to issues like bipolar disorder, self-harm, and drugs & alcohol.  The qualification is designed to provide employees with the knowledge to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions and to learn about the support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers, as well as helping them with their own mental health management.

Employees sitting the programme will learn:

• How to recognise and manage stress and understand the impact of substance abuse
• A first-aid action plan for mental health
• How to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace
• How to start a supportive conversation, plus when and how to signpost a person to seek help

The new Apprenticeship programmes are a key part of Nobilis’ aims to attract and retain best-in-class carers as the business continues to grow – from apprenticeship level to carers who want to progress their careers and move into management.

Peter Harrington confirmed: “Our wider, new training programme will set Nobilis apart from other in-home care companies – both for clients, who will be reassured they are receiving the absolute best care from carers who are professionally trained, and for our employees for whom the training will support their career progression and job satisfaction. It’s currently an incredibly challenging time for the care industry, but we believe that our best-in-class training will ensure all Nobilis carers are ready to meet whatever situation they find themselves in.”

Nobilis new recruitment website is now live with more detail:  Nobilis Recruitment