About the course

This course aims to help housing support workers, residential care officers and floating support workers who have some experience with clients with mental health problems develop a deeper understanding of Bi-Polar disorder (previously known as Manic Depression). It includes the social context, treatments (medical and non-medical), the consequences and the various theories about what causes it. It is based within a housing context, with particular reference to housing issues.

Focus Courses aim to provide an in-depth study of a topic and are therefore not suitable for those who are new to the service, or have no background knowledge of the topic.

Course content

• a model with which to understand bi-polar disorder
• an overview of the various theories as to what causes it
• medical treatments
• non-medical treatments
• case studies on the consequences for housing workers
• strategies for dealing with those distressed by their symptoms
• evaluation

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course participants will:

• have an understanding of the basic theories in understanding bi-polar disorder
• have undertaken case studies involving bi-polar disorder
• have an awareness of medical treatments
• have an awareness of non-medical treatments
• have knowledge of possible strategies to use in various locations

Guy Smith has fifteen years experience in the field of social care. He has worked with a variety of client groups including the under-fives, young people and their families, the elderly and those in mental distress, both in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Within supported housing he has worked on Floating Support Schemes, in Hostels and in projects with hostels, group homes and single tenancies.  Originally a Community Worker he is a qualified Social Worker and counsellor.