Welcome to the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Facilitator Training - Melbourne event!

Join us for an exciting in-person training session at Bagung Magali Community Room at Bargoonga Nganjin (North Fitzroy Library) and learn valuable skills and techniques to facilitate Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) effectively.

This event is a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge and make a difference in the lives of people impacted by dementia. Don't miss out on this enriching experience!

CST is an evidence-based group intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia. It improves participant’s cognition and quality of life. Attending CST training teaches people to apply the key principles during CST and encourage its use in standardised, person-centred and effective way.

The training is led by Isobel Sanger, Australian CST Master Trainer. Isobel is an Occupational Therapist and Team Leader of the memory and dementia service at Merri Health, a multidisciplinary allied health and medical service for people with dementia. Isobel has experience setting up and delivering CST groups and has trained more than 180 CST facilitators across Australia. She is a member of the Australian CST Working Group.

What will the training cover?
The one day training gives learners an overview of how to deliver CST. The training covers the theoretical basis, evidence base and key principles of CST. It also provides an overview of CST sessions and opportunities to develop practical facilitation skills. Training in this workshop is interactive, involving group discussions, video observation, techniques demonstration, role-play and didactic teaching.

Who is the training for?
The training can be completed by anyone who works with or has an interest in supporting people with dementia:

Healthcare professionals like psychologists, occupational therapists, diversional therapists and social workers
People working in residential care or providing respite services
Anyone with an interest in supporting people with dementia - you don't need to be a dementia care provider to become a CST facilitator

What do I need to do prior to attending the training?

No specific preparation is required however it is recommended that you browse the International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Centre website. You will be provided with a copy of the training slides on the day of the training. Please note that CST is a manualised intervention, whilst you do not need to purchase a manual to attend training, it is advisable to obtain a copy of the manuals prior to delivering CST. The cost of the manuals is not included in the price of the training. A small number of hard copies of the CST manuals will be available for purchase on the day of the training. Manuals can also be purchased online and details of where to purchase manuals in English and other languages are available here.

What do I need to bring on the day?
Please bring a notepad and pen. Morning tea and light lunch are provided. If you have anydietary requirements please indicate this when purchasing your ticket.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
An electronic certificate will be emailed to you after the training if you complete all learning activities.

The agenda for the training is:

9.30 - 11.15am welcome, introduction to CST, key principles and facilitator's role
11.15 - 11.30am break – morning tea (provided)
11.30 - 1pm CST sessions and demonstrations
1.00 - 1.30pm lunch (provided)
1.30 - 3pm group work and feedback
3pm - 3.15pm break
3.15–4.45pm Maintenance CST, frequently asked questions and implementation planning
4.45pm close