About the course

This course aims to help generic workers, who have some experience with clients with mental health problems, develop an deeper understanding of individuals diagnosed as having a personality disorder. It is aimed at workers in all types of housing setting’ such as residential care, housing management and floating support 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 Personality Disorder
• The extent of the issue and the wider public debate
• Case studies on individual with Personality Disorders
• The symptoms of Personality Disorder
• Types of Personality Disorder
• Medication issues
• Other treatments
• The impact on housing settings
• Strategies for coping in the various settings
• A suggested model to best meet the needs of those with a diagnosis of Personality Disorder
• Evaluation

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course participants will:

• · Have a knowledge of the basic model for understanding Personality Disorders
• Have undertaken case studies involving Personality Disorder
• Have an awareness of the likely drug treatments specified and their consequences
• Have an awareness of other forms of treatment
• Be aware of the public debate around Personality Disorder
• Have knowledge of the strategies used in hostels, day centres, self contained accommodation and floating support
• Have received a suggested model to take back to their workplace

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.