Holy Cross Centre Trust

Our un-paid workers/co-producers are the lifeblood of HCCT. As such, we offer a training programme to support their development as workers in a health and social care environment. In exchange for hours offered to the organisation, HCCT offers a variety of core and optional training sessions and development opportunities which is continually reviewed and rapidly expanding. This is facilitated through the Kings Cross Time Bank. 

Organisational Induction: A four-hour training giving an overview of the organisation which all volunteers attend

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults: Delivered by London Borough of Camden

Policy Training: Dealing with Complaints and Equality and Diveristy

Mental Health First Aid: 12 hour course of four modules covering awareness and interventions for depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts and behaviours and psychosis.

Food Hygiene: Level 2 Award: Storing, preparing , cooking and serving food safely.

Health and Safety: – Level 1 Award: contributing to safe working practice

Infection Control: following universal infection control procedures, protecting all users of the centre from risk of infection

Emergency First Aid

Manual Handling

HIV Awareness/Working with positive people

Dealing with challenging behaviour

Volunteers may also wish to take part in specialist training delivered by LB Camden, VAC and other partners.

Training for Individuals and Agencies

HCCT periodically delivers vocational training for other agencies. 

City and Guilds VRQ Community Mental Health Work (Level 2)

City and Guilds VRQ Community Mental Health Care (Level 3)

Are both suitable for those working or volunteering in the Mental Health sector.

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is relevant to everyone, especially those working with the general public in a front-line capacity.

If you are interested in commissioning any of the above trainings, please make enquiries to Natalie Treacher, Training and Development Manager 0207 278 4437 natalie.treacher@hcct.org.uk 

Support Time Recovery (STR) Worker Development Programme

Our STR worker development programme is specifically for those considering a career in mental health work.

Those who can offer a minimum a six month commitment and a minimum of 140 hours may become involved in our STR Worker Development Programme. STR workers assist mental health service users in their recovery by offering time, non-judgemental listening, encouragement and practical support to enable them to meet goals outlines in their support plan.

STR workers are non-professionals, who do not administer medication. The role is nonetheless acknowledged to be essential in many local health and social care services for those with mental health needs.   

Participants work to Common Induction Standards outlined by Skills For Care and have the opportunity to work towards vocational qualifications in Mental Health Work, accredited at level 2 and 3 by City and Guilds.

Level 2 = 140 Time Credits (14 Weeks): Suitable for those sign posting and working with people in a day centre setting – offering basic advice and guidance, befriending, motivating and involving service users.

Level 3 = 140 Time Credits (8 Months): Suitable for those working with individuals on action-planning as part of a care/support plan. Workers would have an on-going relationship with service-users to help promote their recovery.

Progression to the Level 3 award is by application and interview process. Volunteers will be required to invest further hours of both learning and volunteering, demonstrate a genuine aptitude for mental health work and be prepared to accept tasks requiring increased responsibility.

STR workers receive supervision and support from Senior STR Workers.  

Supervision, Leadership and Assessment

Volunteers working towards and completing the Level 3 Award in Mental Health work will be expected to take on tasks and roles requiring more responsibility, in order to meet the competencies outlined in the award syllabus. On completion of the mental health qualifications, volunteers may wish to develop themselves further by taking on responsibility for leading a team. Training available includes A1 Assessor Award which enables those in lead roles to develop, mentor and guide those new to STR work.

City & Guilds is a Trademark of the City and Guilds of London Institute and is used under licence.