THE SPEAKERS

Chris Dawson BA, MSc, PGCE, DLC, LLAM, D Hyp, MBSCH.
Jonathan Lloyd MA, DAHHyp, Dip Couns, MBACP.
Our specialist speakers work in private practice as therapists, for the NHS and for a number of charities and businesses. They help individuals and groups almost on a daily basis with stress and anxiety. One is a trustee of a charity and former Parent Governor, the other a former High School Deputy Head. Both are educated to Masters Level.

OBJECTIVES

To increase an awareness of stress amongst managers and staff and explore methods available to combat it.

To initiate action to manage and reduce those pressures which lead to stress.

To assist staff in managing stress in others and themselves.

To monitor and assess stress indicators.

To discuss personal and corporate coping strategies.

AGENDA

9.30–10.00 Registration and refreshments.

Introduction, objectives, pre-suppositions, questions including hopes and fears for the day.

10.30–11.00 What is stress? In this section we will be discussing the definition of stress and how it manifests. What causes it and how can you identify stress in yourself and others. This will help schools and the council to help identify stress in their employees, the crucial initial stage in helping to manage and reduce stress levels.
Break including refreshments.

11.20-12.00 The effects of ‘over-demand’, commonly called ‘stress’. We will look at the effects on body and mind and the ultimate detrimental outcomes when strategies are not adopted by individuals and the organization to reduce the pressure of this demand. This will confirm what many know – in theory and from experience- and thereby emphasise the need for schools and the council to have in place measures and support systems to prevent outcomes detrimental to staff and to the organization.

12.00-1.00 Reaction or response? How thought process and belief systems alter stress levels and behaviours. What we believe about what is happening can alter our state. The section will include practical mindfulness & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and discussion of mind states. This will provide staff with practical ways of reducing anxiety and stress.

1.00-2.00 Lunch.

2.00-2.45 Personal coping strategies, including group work. Highlighting a range of strategies that individuals can utilize to reduce stress levels from diet, exercise, time management, inter personal skills and meditation. Followed by a group relaxation session. Empowering the individual to help with their own stress levels at school or at work will help them to create a healthier relaxed lifestyle. This in turn will assist the schools and council in reduced absenteeism and improved staff well-being.

2.45-3.00 Break.

3.00-3.40 Organizational coping strategies. While the individual can learn to choose his or her response to a situation, the organization can make it easier or harder for its staff to thrive. In this session we will consider ways in which the organization can make a positive difference. Having considered the cause and nature of stress and having learned what can make a difference, participants from schools and council departments will be in a position to consider possible practical stress reduction ideas to implement at an organizational level.

3.40-4.00 Conclusion, including how to use what you have learned, plus questions.

Address of Workshop:
Wedgwood Memorial College
Station Road
Barlaston
Stoke on Trent
ST12 9DG