Welcome to the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Facilitator Training - online event.

Join us for this exciting online training session 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 Holstep 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 200 CST facilitators across Australia. She is a member of the Australian CST Working Group and Vice President of the CST Australia Executive.

What will the training cover?
The one-day training provides 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. Please note that CST is a manualised intervention and whilst you do not need to purchase a manual for 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. Manuals can be purchased online and details of where to purchase manuals in English and other languages are available here.

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
11.30 - 1pm CST sessions and demonstrations
1.00 - 1.30pm break
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