Constabularies undertake Distance Learning qualification

The Dorset and D&C Alliance Health & Wellbeing Team, which is part of the alliance between Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, has recently uplifted numbers within that team which looks after the needs of colleagues in the service. Six team members will be undertaking the Academy’s Mental Health Awareness First Aid distance learning qualification, which supports understanding of mental health issues & highlights the role of a mental health first aider.

Distance learning qualifications allow delegates to undertake an accredited and nationally recognised Level 2 qualification without a classroom element, and with the Academy providing learning materials and support. The Academy is an established provider of police training and an approved centre for the awarding body ProQual.

Head of Academy, Guy Collyer, said: “We want to be able to provide everyone with the opportunity to access learning and development options that are flexible and can be completed at work or at home. The content of the qualifications has been developed in consultation with current practitioners and industry experts and successful completion leads to a qualification which can be applied in current and future jobs.”

Jan Grant, ProQual Awarding Body MD, said “Mental health is a growing concern that one in four of us is likely to experience each year according to a recent health survey of England. Mental ill health is the single largest cause of disability in the UK. ProQual have for some time proudly been able to offer and support training providers and learners with vocational qualifications, which offer the candidate the tools and ability through guided learning to recognise mental illness to support themselves and colleagues.’’

The Dorset and D&C Alliance Health & Wellbeing Team, said: “Dorset and Devon & Cornwall police are committed to improving the Wellbeing of our staff. Training our Wellbeing Team as Mental Health First Aiders will not only improve the knowledge and expertise within our team, but continue to break down stigma surrounding Mental Health, and encourage individuals that may be struggling, to come forward and seek support at an early stage.”

Distance learning qualifications currently offered by the Academy include:

• Understanding the PREVENT and Safeguarding Strategies - This qualification is relevant for police and partner agencies where individuals have a responsibility for identifying radicalisation and safeguarding issues in relation to vulnerable people https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/distance-learning/level-2-award-in-understanding-the-prevent-and-safeguarding-strategies

• Mental Health First Aid Awareness - This qualification is relevant for individuals working in all sectors and aims to develop knowledge and understanding of mental health issues
https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/distance-learning/level-2-award-in-mental-health-first-aid-awareness

• Site Security Awareness for visitor attractions and other public places - This qualification is relevant to anyone who works at visitor attractions or other public places. It assists individuals to understand the security culture of their organisation and the role they can play. This is particularly relevant with the Minister of State for Security at the Home Office, James Brokenshire MP, announcing plans in February to introduce a law which will require owners and operators of public spaces and venues to put in place measures to keep the public safe from a terrorist attack https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/distance-learning/level-2-award-in-site-security-awareness

• Prevention of Extremism and Terrorism - This qualification is particularly relevant to the private security sector. It will educate guarding staff to identify early warnings regarding potential incidents, and the steps they can take to protect their site and assist future police investigations https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/distance-learning/level-2-award-in-prevention-of-extremism-and-terrorism

The Academy is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, the police owned, non-profit, organisation that works on behalf of the Police Service throughout the UK to deliver a wide range of crime prevention and police demand reduction initiatives. The Academy maintains close working links with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, as well as senior police officers from across the UK, and is the established supplier to the police service for crime prevention learning & development.

The Academy also delivers a number of qualifications to the private sector, working closely with local authorities and relevant specialists such as architects and planners, and recently launched a number of distance learning qualifications which can be achieved without the need to be away from home or work. The Academy pride itself in keeping the quality of qualifications at a premium and the costs at a minimum.

To register for one of the Academy’s distance learning courses visit: https://www.crimepreventionacademy.com/distance-learning or contact