Training Pack Structure
1️⃣ PowerPoint
Easy Read slides (Levels 1–3)
Clear titles, bullet points, minimal text
UK 🇬🇧 and USA 🇺🇸
legal comparisons
Visual cues/icons for privacy, safety, access rights, confidentiality
2️⃣ Word / Printable Handout
Condensed version of all slides
Easy Read layout with headings, simple sentences
Tables for UK vs USA differences
Space for learners to write notes / questions
3️⃣ Easy Read PDF
Full training module ready to print or share digitally
Symbols/icons embedded
Level 1, 2, 3 clearly separated
4️⃣ Optional Add-ons
Level 1–3 Quiz / Knowledge Check
Multiple choice / True or False
Reinforces key rights & safety points
Trainer Notes / Guidance
Prompts for discussion
Suggested exercises / scenarios
Counselling
Safety, Rights & Confidentiality – Easy Read Training Pack (Levels 1–3, UK
& USA)
LEVEL 1 – EASY READ AWARENESS
Slide 1: Title
Counselling Safety and Your Rights
Level 1 – Easy Read
UK 🇬🇧 and USA 🇺🇸
Slide 2: Why Safety Matters
Counselling should be safe, private, and respectful.
You have rights when you use counselling services.
Slide 3: What is Confidentiality?
What you say is kept private.
Your counsellor does not share information without a reason.
There are a few legal exceptions.
Slide 4: When Information May Be Shared
Someone is in serious danger.
A child or vulnerable adult is at risk.
The law requires it.
Your counsellor should explain this clearly.
Slide 5: Data Protection – UK 🇬🇧
UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018
You have the right to:
Know how your data is used
See your records
Ask for mistakes to be corrected
Slide 6: Freedom and Rights – UK 🇬🇧
Human Rights Act 1998 protects:
Your privacy
Freedom of expression
Liberty and security
These rights can be enforced in court.
Slide 7: Information Access – UK 🇬🇧
Freedom of Information Act 2000:
Allows people to ask public services for information.
Helps keep services open and honest.
Slide 8: Data Protection – USA 🇺🇸
State privacy laws (e.g., CCPA in California)
Federal privacy rules
You may have the right to:
Know what data is collected
Ask for data to be deleted
Say no to data being sold
Slide 9: Freedom and Privacy – USA 🇺🇸
U.S. Constitution protects:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of belief
Protection from unfair searches
These rights help you speak openly in counselling.
Slide 10: Access to Records – USA 🇺🇸
You can ask to see your counselling records.
FOIA applies to public agencies.
May not apply to private counsellors.
Slide 11: Level 1 Summary
You have the right to privacy, safety, and clear information.
You can always ask questions.
LEVEL 2 – EASY READ INTERMEDIATE
Slide 1: Title
Counselling Safety and Legal Rights
Level 2 – Easy Read
Slide 2: Building on Level 1
Legal responsibilities
Differences between UK and USA
Counselling boundaries
Slide 3: UK Data Rights 🇬🇧
Request access to your data
Ask for corrections
Ask for data to be erased
Object to how data is used
Slide 4: UK Counselling Responsibilities 🇬🇧
Keep records secure
Only share information when legally required
Explain confidentiality clearly
Slide 5: USA Data Rights 🇺🇸
Rights depend on state laws
You may:
See what data is held
Request deletion
Opt out of data sharing
Slide 6: Mandatory Reporting 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Counsellors must report:
Child abuse
Serious risk of harm
They should talk to you before sharing, if possible.
Slide 7: Freedom in Therapy 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
You have the right to:
Speak openly
Share feelings
Ask questions
Counselling should never silence you.
Slide 8: Accessing Your Information
Ask for copies of records
Ask how information is stored
Ask who can see your data
Slide 9: Key Differences – UK vs USA
UK: One national data law, strong consistent rights
USA: State-by-state laws, rights depend on location
Slide 10: Level 2 Summary
Good counselling is safe, lawful, and transparent.
You deserve to feel informed and empowered.
LEVEL 3 – EASY READ ADVANCED
Slide 1: Title
Counselling Safety and Legal Rights
Level 3 – Advanced
Slide 2: HIPAA – USA Health Privacy Law 🇺🇸
Protects health information.
Limits who can see records.
Requires secure storage.
Slide 3: Duty to Warn – USA 🇺🇸
Counsellors must warn authorities if someone is at serious risk of harming
others.
Slide 4: Safeguarding Laws – UK 🇬🇧
Includes Care Act 2014 and Children Act.
Protects vulnerable people.
Slide 5: Professional Bodies
UK: BACP, UKCP
USA: ACA
Set ethical standards for counselling.
Slide 6: Record Keeping Ethics
Records must be accurate, secure, and confidential.
Slide 7: Complaints & Your Rights
You can complain if you feel unsafe, privacy is broken, or you are treated
unfairly.
Slide 8: Taking Legal Action
Serious breaches may go to courts or regulatory bodies.
Slide 9: Level 3 Summary
Advanced rights include legal protection, ethical safeguards, and complaint
pathways.
KEY TAKEAWAYS (ALL LEVELS)
Your data is protected by law.
Confidentiality is respected, with legal limits.
You can access your information.
You have freedom to express yourself.
Always check you have understood correctly.
Ask your counsellor if unsure.
Next Steps for Training Pack:
Add Easy Read symbols/icons for key points (privacy, safety, access rights,
confidentiality).
Create Word and PDF versions for printing and sharing.
Include Level 1–3 quiz for knowledge checks.
Optional trainer notes with prompts and exercises.
Counselling Safety, Rights & Confidentiality
Easy Read | Level 1 & Level 2 | UK & USA
📘
🔵 LEVEL 1 – EASY READ Your counsellor should
explain this clearly.
Slide 5: Data Protection – UK 🇬🇧
In the UK, your data is protected by:
UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018
You have the right to:
Know how your data is used
See your records
Ask for mistakes to be corrected
Slide 6: Freedom and Rights – UK 🇬🇧
The Human Rights Act 1998 protects:
Your privacy
Freedom of expression
Liberty and security
These rights can be enforced in court.
Slide 7: Information Access – UK 🇬🇧
The Freedom of Information Act 2000:
Allows people to ask public services for information
Helps keep services open and honest
Slide 8: Data Protection – USA 🇺🇸
In the USA, data protection includes:
State privacy laws (like CCPA in California)
The full Easy Read Counselling Safety, Rights & Confidentiality
Training Pack (Levels 1–3, UK & USA) has been structured and expanded to
include:
LEVEL 1 – EASY READ AWARENESS
Title: Counselling Safety and Your Rights
Why Safety Matters
What is Confidentiality?
When Information May Be Shared
Data Protection – UK
Freedom and Rights – UK
Information Access – UK
Data Protection – USA
Freedom and Privacy – USA
Access to Records – USA
Level 1 Summary: Privacy, Safety, Clear Information, Ask Questions
LEVEL 2 – EASY READ INTERMEDIATE
Title: Counselling Safety and Legal Rights
Building on Level 1: Legal responsibilities, UK/USA differences,
counselling boundaries
UK Data Rights
UK Counselling Responsibilities
USA Data Rights
Mandatory Reporting
Freedom in Therapy
Accessing Your Information
Key Differences – UK vs USA
Level 2 Summary: Safe, Lawful, Transparent, Informed and Empowered
LEVEL 3 – EASY READ ADVANCED
HIPAA – USA Health Privacy Law
Duty to Warn – USA
Safeguarding Laws – UK
Professional Bodies (BACP, UKCP, ACA)
Record Keeping Ethics
Complaints & Your Rights
Taking Legal Action
Level 3 Summary
KEY TAKEAWAYS (ALL LEVELS)
Your data is protected by law
Confidentiality is respected, with legal limits
You can access your information
You have freedom to express yourself
Always check you have understood correctly
Ask your counsellor if unsure
The pack is now ready to be generated as:
Word document for printing and handouts
PDF for digital or printed distribution
PowerPoint slides for training sessions
I can create the Word and PDF versions next, complete with Easy Read
formatting and symbols/icons. Do you want me to do that now?
LEVEL 1 – EASY READ AWARENESS
Title slide
Why Safety Matters
What is Confidentiality?
When Information May Be Shared
Data Protection – UK
Freedom and Rights – UK
Information Access – UK
Data Protection – USA
Freedom and Privacy – USA
Access to Records – USA
Level 1 Summary
LEVEL 2 – EASY READ INTERMEDIATE
Title slide
Building on Level 1
UK Data Rights
UK Counselling Responsibilities
USA Data Rights
Mandatory Reporting
Freedom in Therapy
Accessing Your Information
Key Differences – UK vs USA
Level 2 Summary
LEVEL 3 – EASY READ ADVANCED
Title slide
HIPAA – USA Health Privacy Law
Duty to Warn – USA
Safeguarding Laws – UK
Professional Bodies
Record Keeping Ethics
Complaints & Your Rights
Taking Legal Action
Level 3 Summary
KEY TAKEAWAYS (ALL LEVELS)
Your data is protected by law
Confidentiality is respected, with legal limits
You can access your information
You have freedom to express yourself
Ask your counsellor if unsure
Federal privacy rules
You may have the right to:
Know what data is collected
Ask for data to be deleted
Say no to data being sold
AWARENESS
Understanding Safety, Privacy, and Your Rights in Counselling
Slide 9: Freedom and Privacy – USA 🇺🇸
The U.S. Constitution protects:
Freedom of speech
Freedom of belief
Protection from unfair searches
These rights help you speak openly in counselling.
Slide 10: Access to Records – USA 🇺🇸
You can ask to see your counselling records.
FOIA applies to:
Public agencies
It may not apply to private counsellors.
Slide 11: Level 1 Summary
You have the right to:
Privacy
Safety
Clear information
You can always ask questions.
🟣 LEVEL 2 – EASY READ INTERMEDIATE
Understanding Laws, Differences, and Boundaries
Slide 1: Title
Counselling Safety and Legal Rights
Level 2 – Easy Read
Slide 2: Building on Level 1
Level 2 explains:
Legal responsibilities
Differences between UK and USA
Counselling boundaries
LEVEL 1 – EASY READ AWARENESS
Title: Counselling Safety and Your Rights
Why Safety Matters
What is Confidentiality?
When Information May Be Shared
Data Protection – UK
Freedom and Rights – UK
Information Access – UK
Data Protection – USA
Freedom and Privacy – USA
Access to Records – USA
Level 1 Summary: Privacy, Safety, Clear Information, Ask Questions
Level 1 (Awareness / Easy Read) and Level 2 (Intermediate / deeper
understanding) with UK, USA, and worldwide references, including:
Effective Counselling for Disability and Mental Health – Level 1
(Easy Read)
Slide 1: Title
Counselling for Disability and Mental Health
Level 1 – Easy Read
UK 🇬🇧 and USA 🇺🇸
Slide 2: Common Struggles
Feeling anxious or worried 😟
Feeling sad or low (depression) 😔
Stress at work, school, or college 💼📚
Feeling lonely or overwhelmed 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Visual: Cloud icons with expressions
Slide 3: What is Counselling?
Counselling is talking to a trained person
Helps people: talk about feelings, understand problems, find ways to cope
Visual: Speech bubbles / two people talking
Slide 4: Disability and Mental Health
Physical disabilities
Learning disabilities
Autism
Mental health conditions
People may have more than one
Visual: ♿🧠
Slide 5: Why Counselling Helps
Feel listened to
Feel respected
Feel supported
Improves quality of life ❤️👍
Slide 6: Key Counselling Approaches
🎯 Behavioral Therapy – Focus on actions,
routines, rewards
🧘 Mindfulness – Calm breathing, stress
reduction, focus on present
🔄 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Notice
thoughts → feelings → actions
♿ Disability-Affirmative Therapy (D-AT) – Respect
disability identity, challenge ableism
🛠 Rehabilitation Counselling – Supports whole
person
Slide 7: Important Considerations
🌍 Intersectionality: disability + race,
gender, culture, poverty
🚫 Ableism: counselling challenges stigma
🗣 Tailored Communication: clear language,
concrete examples, visual supports
Slide 8: Goal Setting
Focus on what matters to the person
Goals may include: self-advocacy, education/work, independent living,
confidence & wellbeing 🎯👍
Slide 9: Basic Counselling Skills
Attending: be present
Active Listening: show understanding
Reflecting / Paraphrasing: repeat back to check understanding
Summarizing: highlight key points
Focusing: keep discussion on the person/problem
Immediacy: address urgent concerns
Rapport Building: introduce yourself, be friendly & respectful
Slide 10: Step-by-Step Application
Introduction – build rapport & trust
Listen actively – avoid interrupting
Reflect & paraphrase – “So you feel overwhelmed by…?”
Clarify – check understanding
Offer support – suggest next steps, resources, or professional help
Follow-up – keep communication open
Slide 11: Simple Idea – CBT
CBT = noticing thoughts →
feelings → actions
Changing thoughts can help feelings
Visual: Thought bubble + arrows connecting thought → feeling → action
Slide 12: When to Refer On
Do not try to solve:
Serious crises ⚠️ (suicidal thoughts)
Complex mental health conditions ❌
Major life crises / bereavement 💔
Speak to manager/supervisor 👩💼
Refer to appropriate service:
Anxiety/depression →
GP, therapist, mental health charity 🏥
Money problems →
CAB (UK) / local financial support 💳
Bereavement →
specialist service 🕊️
Slide 13: Summary / Key Takeaways
Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, coping
Level 1 focus: anxiety & depression
Awareness of counselling skills, not full counselling
Know when and where to refer
Slide 14: Mini Quiz / Check
Name two common struggles people may face
Who should you speak to if a problem is too big?
What does CBT help people notice?
Visual: Quiz icons, question marks
Slide 15: Referral Table (Level 1 Basic Problems)
Problem
|
UK Services
|
USA Services
|
Worldwide / Online Options
|
Money / Debt
|
CAB
|
Local financial counseling / 211.org
|
National Debt Line online guides; Step Change
|
Anxiety / Depression
|
GP / therapist
|
Therapist / local charity
|
Online CBT / mental health resources
|
Bereavement
|
Specialist service
|
Hospice / mental health charity
|
Online grief support
|
Clear slide structure
Visual/icon suggestions for accessibility
Referral tables
Key takeaways
This would produce a ready-to-use training
Here’s what it would include:
Level 1 – Easy Read (Awareness)
Title Slide: Counselling for Disability and Mental Health
| Level 1 | UK & USA
Slide 2: Common Struggles
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Stress at work / school 💼📚
Loneliness / feeling overwhelmed 🧍♂️🧍♀️
Visual: cloud icons with expressions
Slide 3: What is Counselling?
Talk to a trained person
Helps with feelings, mental health, coping
Visual: speech bubbles / two people talking
Slide 4: Disability & Mental Health
Physical, learning, autism, mental health
People may have more than one
Visual: ♿🧠
Slide 5: Why Counselling Helps
Feel listened to
Feel respected
Feel supported
Improves quality of life ❤️👍
Slide 6: Key Approaches
Disability-Affirmative Therapy (D-AT) ♿🌍
CBT 🔄🧠
Mindfulness 🧘🌿
Slide 7: Communication & Support
Clear language 🗣
Go at person’s pace
Use pictures / examples 👀
Slide 8: Simple Goal Setting
Confidence
Self-advocacy
Coping skills 🎯👍
Slide 9: Basic Counselling Skills
Listening, reflecting, summarizing, rapport building
Focus on safety & immediate concerns 👋🤝📝
Slide 10: Referral Awareness
When to seek professional help ⚠️🏥
UK: GP, CAB
USA: Local mental health service / 211.org
Slide 11: Level 1 Summary
Counselling is kind, respectful, person-centered
Everyone deserves support ❤️♿🧠
Level 2 – Intermediate
Title Slide: Counselling for Disability & Mental
Health | Level 2 | UK & USA
Slide 2: Building on Level 1
Explains counselling approaches in depth
Addresses barriers and independence ⬆️📘
Slide 3: Rehabilitation Counselling 🛠🏠
Supports whole person: mental, physical, education, independent living
Slide 4: Behavioral Therapy 🎯📱
- Focus
on actions & routines
- Uses
rewards, technology, structured plans
Slide 5: Intersectionality 🌍👥
- Disability
intersects with gender, race, culture
- Support
must respect all identities
Slide 6: Understanding Ableism 🚫♿
- Counselling
challenges unfair attitudes
Slide 7: Tailoring Support 🧩🗣
- Extra
time, visual supports, concrete examples
Slide 8: Self-Advocacy 📢✊
- Speak
up for yourself
- Know
your rights
- Ask
for support
Slide 9: Outcomes & Benefits 🌟👍
- Better
coping skills
- More
independence
- Improved
wellbeing
Slide 10: Level 2 Summary ❤️♿🧠
- Inclusive,
flexible, empowering
- People
are experts in their own lives
Slide 11: Key Takeaways 🌍
- Counselling
supports mental health & disability
- Skills:
listening, understanding, referral awareness
- Always
respect individual needs and rights
- Slide 8 – Mini
Quiz / Check
- Name two
common struggles people may face at Level 1.
- Who should you
speak to if a problem is too big?
- What does CBT
help people notice?
- Visual: Quiz icons,
question marks
- Level 1:
Referral Table for Basic Problems
- How
to use this table:
- Listen to
the person first.
- Do
not attempt to solve complex problems on your own.
- Check
the table for the relevant service.
- Encourage
the person to contact the service.
- Speak
to your manager if unsure.
|
Problem |
UK
Services |
USA
Services |
Australia
Services |
Worldwide/Online
Options |
|
Money / Debt |
Citizens Advice
Bureau (CAB) |
Local financial
counseling / 211.org |
Money Smart,
Financial Counselling Australia |
National Debt line
online guides; Step Change (UK online) |
-
- 🔵 LEVEL 1 –
INTRODUCTION MODULE
- (Awareness and
basic understanding)
- 🧠 Module 2:
Mental Health, Suicide & Self-Harm
- (important to
keep together, but sensitively)
- Includes:
- Mental health
basics
- Anxiety &
depression
- Behavior changes
- Suicide
awareness
- Self-harm
awareness
- How to get help
- What not
to do
- ✔ Can be:
- Awareness (Entry
/ Level 1)
- Safeguarding-focused
(Level 2+)
-
- Slide
1: Title
- Counselling for
Disability and Mental Health
Level 2 – Easy Read - 📘 ♿ 🧠End of Easy Read
PowerPoint content
- Section
2: Counselling
- What
is counselling?
- Counselling is
when:
- A trained person
listens
-
- Slide
2: Building on Level 1
- Level 2 looks
deeper at:
- Different
counselling approaches
- Barriers people
face
- Supporting
independence
- ⬆️ 📘
-
- Slide
3: Rehabilitation Counselling
- This approach
supports:
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Work and
education
- Independent
living
- It looks at the
whole person.
- 🛠 🏠
-
- Slide
4: Behavioral Therapy
- behavioral
therapy:
- Focuses on
actions and behaviors
- Encourages
positive change
- Uses routines
and rewards
- May include
videos or technology.
- 🎯 📱
-
- Slide
5: Intersectionality
- People have many
identities.
- This may
include:
- Disability
- Gender
- Race
- Culture
- Support must
respect all parts of a person.
- 🌍 👥
-
- Slide
6: Understanding Ableism
- Ableism means:
- Unfair attitudes
about disability
- Being treated as
less capable
- Counselling
should challenge this.
- 🚫 ♿
-
- Slide
7: Tailoring Support
- Counselling may
need:
- Extra time
- Visual supports
- Concrete
examples
- One size does
not fit all.
- 🧩 🗣
-
- Slide
8: Self-Advocacy
- Self-advocacy
means:
- Speaking up for
yourself
- Knowing your
rights
- Asking for
support
- Counselling can
help build this skill.
- 📢 ✊
-
- Slide
9: Outcomes and Benefits
- Good counselling
can lead to:
- Better coping
skills
- More
independence
- Better wellbeing
- 🌟 👍
-
- Slide
10: Level 2 Summary
- Effective
counselling is:
- Inclusive
- Flexible
- Empowering
- People are
experts in their own lives.
- ❤️ ♿ 🧠
-
- You talk about
feelings, worries, or experiences
- Counselling
helps with:
- Emotions
- Mental health
- Past or current
problems
- What
counselling can cover
- Counselling may
help with:
- Anxiety or
depression
- Stress or trauma
- Grief or loss
- Emotional
wellbeing
- Types
of counselling (examples)
- Cognitive
counselling (such as CBT)
- Humanistic
counselling
- Behavioral
counselling
- Grief and
bereavement counselling
- Counsellors:
- Do not give
legal advice
- Do not tell
people what to do
- That it’s okay
to ask for help How to get help (UK / USA / worldwide)
- Counselling & Therapy
- What counselling
is
- Who helps
- What happens in
a session
Module 3: Counselling (Awareness Level)
Purpose: Understand what counselling is and isn’t, including listening
skills, boundaries, and when to refer.
Audience: Support workers, volunteers, peer supporters, students.
Level 1 – Easy Read 🧠 ♿ ❤️
Slide 1: Title
Counselling for Disability and Mental Health
Level 1 – Easy Read
📘
🧠
♿
❤️
Slide 2: What is Counselling?
Counselling is talking to a trained person.
Counselling helps people:
Talk about feelings 👥
Understand problems 💬
Find ways to cope
Slide 3: Disability and Mental Health
Some people have:
Physical disabilities ♿
Learning disabilities
Autism
Mental health conditions 🧠
People may have more than one
Slide 4: Why Counselling Helps
Counselling can help people:
Feel listened to
Feel respected
Feel supported ❤️
Improve quality of life 👍
Slide 5: Disability-Affirmative Therapy (D-AT)
Sees disability as a normal part of life ♿
Respects disability identity
Challenges unfair attitudes (ableism) 🌍
Slide 6: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps notice negative thoughts 🔄
Change unhelpful thinking
Manage anxiety and depression 🧠
Uses clear steps and simple ideas
Slide 7: Mindfulness
Helps people slow down 🧘
Stay calm
Focus on the present moment 🌿
Useful for stress and pain
Slide 8: Communication Matters
Counsellors should:
Use clear language 🗣
Go at the person’s pace
Use pictures or examples if needed 👀
Slide 9: Setting Simple Goals
Goals may include:
Feeling more confident
Speaking up for yourself
Coping better day to day 🎯 👍
Slide 10: Level 1 Summary
Counselling should be:
Kind
Respectful
Person-centered
Everyone deserves support ❤️ ♿ 🧠
🟣 Level 2 – Intermediate Module
Purpose: Deeper understanding of counselling approaches, barriers,
independence, and self-advocacy.
Level 2 focuses on:
Rehabilitation counselling 🛠 🏠
Behavioral therapy 🎯 📱
Intersectionality 🌍 👥
Understanding ableism 🚫 ♿
Tailoring support 🧩 🗣
Self-advocacy 📢 ✊
Outcomes & benefits 🌟 👍
Level 2 summary: Inclusive, flexible, empowering ❤️ ♿
🧠
Level 1 – Counselling & Mental Health Awareness
Easy Read PowerPoint Layout
Audience: Support workers, volunteers, peer supporters, students
Focus: Awareness of counselling, mental health, advocacy, and safe support
Slide 1 – Title Slide
Title: Level 1 – Counselling & Mental Health Awareness
Organisation name
Trainer name
Date
Image suggestion: People talking / support symbol
Slide 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training you will:
Understand basic counselling skills
Know what mental health means
Understand advocacy
Know how to support others safely
Know when to get help
Image suggestion: Checklist / learning symbol
Slide 3 – What is Counselling?
Counselling is talking support
It helps people share feelings
It is private and confidential
Counsellors listen without judgement
Image suggestion: Two people talking
Slide 4 – What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about feelings and thoughts
Everyone has mental health
It can be good or poor
Support can help recovery
Image suggestion: Brain / wellbeing symbol
Slide 5 – Types of Mental Health Difficulties
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Stress 💼📚
Trauma 💔
Phobias ⚠️
Image suggestion: Emotion faces chart
Slide 6 – What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means speaking up
It supports people’s rights
Removes barriers
Helps people be heard
Image suggestion: Person holding a support sign
Slide 7 – Why Advocacy Matters
Some people feel unheard
Some face discrimination
Some do not know their rights
Advocates help them access support
Image suggestion: Equality / justice scales
Slide 8 – Health & Safety Basics
Keep people safe
Follow workplace policies
Report concerns
Reduce risks
Image suggestion: Safety sign
Slide 9 – Safeguarding
Protect children and adults
Report abuse
Listen carefully
Do not keep unsafe secrets
Image suggestion: Shield / protection symbol
Slide 10 – Equality & Inclusion
Treat everyone fairly
Respect differences
Challenge discrimination
Promote inclusion
Image suggestion: Diverse group symbol
Slide 11 – Self Care
Supporting others can be emotional
Take breaks
Talk to supervisors
Look after your wellbeing
Image suggestion: Self care / relaxation symbol
Slide 12 – When to Get Help
If someone is at risk
If mental health worsens
If safeguarding concerns arise
Follow referral pathways
Image suggestion: Help / signposting symbol
Slide 13 – Key Messages
Listen without judgement
Respect confidentiality
Empower individuals
Promote safety
Know your limits
Slide 14 – Knowledge Check (Quiz)
Example questions:
What is advocacy?
Name one mental health condition
Who do you report safeguarding concerns to?
Why is self care important?
Visual: Quiz icons / question marks
Slide 15 – Thank You Slide
Thank you for attending
Questions welcome
Support contacts available
Image suggestion: Thank you / support symbol
Easy Read Design Tips
Use Arial or Calibri font, size 28+
Use symbols (Widgit / Boardmaker style)
Use plain English, short sentences
Avoid jargon
High contrast colors.
Level 2 – Advocacy & Counselling for Learning Disabilities & Mental
Health
Easy Read PowerPoint Layout
Audience: Support workers, volunteers, peer supporters, students
Focus: Awareness of advocacy, counselling, mental health support, rights, and
family/system involvement
Slide 1 – Title Slide
Title: Level 2 – Advocacy & Counselling
Subtitle: Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
Organization name
Trainer name
Date
Image suggestion: Person speaking up / support symbol
Slide 2 – Module Overview
Level 2 focuses on:
Advocacy: knowing rights and speaking up
Counselling: supporting mental health
Holistic support: looking at the whole person
Family & system support
Image suggestion: Puzzle pieces / network symbol
Slide 3 – Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy helps people:
Know their rights
Get support
Remove barriers
Speak up if nervous, unheard, or unsure
Image suggestion: Megaphone / person raising hand
Slide 4 – What is Counselling?
Counselling is talking support:
Share feelings
Talk about worries
Feel understood
Learn coping skills
Image suggestion: Two people talking
Slide 5 – Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
People with LD may experience:
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Low confidence
Stress at school or work 💼📚
Frustration
Note: Support must be holistic, looking at both LD and mental health
Image suggestion: Brain + puzzle / wellbeing icon
Slide 6 – Self-Advocacy Empowerment
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. People learn to:
Understand their diagnosis
Know their strengths
Explain what help they need
Ask for adjustments
Example: “I have dyslexia. I need extra time.”
Image suggestion: Person holding sign / speech bubble
Slide 7 – Mental Health Support
Counselling can help with feelings linked to LD:
Manage anxiety
Build confidence
Cope with stress
Reduce shame or stigma
Learn they are not alone
Image suggestion: Heart + brain icon
Slide 8 – System Advocacy & Rights
Advocates help people understand systems:
School support plans (IEP / 504 Plan)
Disability laws
Anti-discrimination rights
Challenge unfair treatment
Image suggestion: Law book / school icon
Slide 9 – Role of the Counsellor
Counsellors provide:
Emotional support
Psychoeducation (learning about the condition)
Social skills groups
Coping strategies
Safe talking spaces
Connect with home, school, and community services
Image suggestion: Person supporting another / network icon
Slide 10 – Family Support
Families may learn about:
Education rights
Special education law
Behavior strategies
Emotional support skills
This helps families support the individual better
Image suggestion: Family icon / hands together
Slide 11 – Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation = learning about the condition:
What LD is
How it affects learning
Strengths and challenges
How to manage symptoms
Benefit: Builds confidence
Image suggestion: Book / lightbulb symbol
Slide 12 – Conflict Resolution & Skills
Support may include:
Problem-solving skills
Communication skills
Managing anger
Level 1 + Level 2 Easy Read PowerPoint Layout – Advocacy &
Counselling, LD & Mental Health
Slide 1 – Title Slide
Title: Level 1 & 2 – Advocacy & Counselling
Subtitle: Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
Organized Level 1 + Level 2 Easy Read
PowerPoint Layout – Advocacy & Counselling, LD & Mental Health
Slide 1 – Title Slide
Title: Level 1 & 2 – Advocacy & Counselling
Subtitle: Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
Organisation name
Trainer name
Date
Image suggestion: Person speaking / support symbol
Slide 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, you will:
Understand advocacy and counselling
Know types of support
Recognise mental health challenges
Know when and how to get help
Image suggestion: Checklist / learning symbol
Slide 3 – What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means speaking up.
It helps people:
Know their rights
Get support
Remove barriers
Fix problems like:
Communication barriers
School/work difficulties
Service access problems
Image suggestion: Megaphone / person raising hand
Slide 4 – Why Counselling is Needed
Counselling helps people who experience:
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Trauma
Bullying
Low self-esteem
Benefit: Supports emotional recovery
Image suggestion: Heart / brain / support symbol
Slide 5 – Types of Advocacy
Self-Advocacy – Speaking up for yourself
Example: “Asking for extra time in exams.”
Individual Advocacy – Someone speaks up for one person
Example: Support worker helping with benefits
Peer Advocacy – Support from someone with lived experience
Example: Autistic mentor supporting autistic client
Citizen Advocacy – Volunteer advocates helping vulnerable people
Professional Advocacy – Paid professionals supporting rights
Example: School advocate or social worker
Image suggestion: Speech bubbles / group of people icon
Slide 6 – Types of Counselling Support
One-to-One Counselling – Private talking sessions
Group Counselling – People share experiences together
Family Counselling – Supports the whole family
Specialist Counselling – Disability, trauma, or mental health focused
Image suggestion: People talking in circle / family icon
Slide 7 – Key Differences
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Focuses on rights
|
Focuses on feelings
|
Challenges systems
|
Supports mental health
|
Removes barriers
|
Builds coping skills
|
Speaks up
|
Listens therapeutically
|
Simple Comparison:
Advocacy = external change, practical support
Counselling = internal change, emotional support
Image suggestion: Scales / comparison icon
Slide 8 – Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy = Empowerment
Helps people:
Find their voice
Know their rights
Make decisions
Gain independence
Counselling = Emotional Support
Helps people:
Heal emotionally
Understand feelings
Build confidence
Manage stress
Image suggestion: Hands holding heart + megaphone icon
Slide 9 – Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
People with LD may experience:
Anxiety
Depression
Low confidence
Stress at school or work 💼📚
Frustration
Support must be holistic – looking at both LD and mental health
Image suggestion: Brain + puzzle piece icon
Slide 10 – Self-Advocacy Empowerment
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. People learn to:
Understand their diagnosis
Know strengths
Explain what help they need
Ask for adjustments
Example: “I have dyslexia. I need extra time.”
Image suggestion: Person holding sign / speech bubble
Slide 11 – Mental Health Support
Counselling can help with:
Managing anxiety
Building confidence
Coping with stress
Reducing shame or stigma
Message: People learn they are not alone
Image suggestion: Heart + brain icon
Slide 12 – System Advocacy & Rights
Advocates help people understand:
School support plans (IEP / 504 Plan)
Disability laws
Anti-discrimination rights
Challenge unfair treatment
Image suggestion: Law book / school icon
Slide 13 – Role of the Counsellor
Counsellors provide:
Emotional support
Psychoeducation (learning about the condition)
Social skills groups
Coping strategies
Safe talking spaces
Connect home, school, and community services
Image suggestion: Person supporting another / network icon
Slide 14 – Family Support
Families may learn about:
Education rights
Special education law
Behaviour strategies
Emotional support skills
Benefit: Helps families support the individual
Image suggestion: Family icon / hands together
Slide 15 – Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation = learning about the condition:
What LD is
How it affects learning
Strengths and challenges
How to manage symptoms
Benefit: Builds confidence
Image suggestion: Book / lightbulb icon
Slide 16 – Conflict Resolution & Skills
Support may include:
Problem-solving skills
Communication skills
Managing anger
Social interaction skills
Benefit: Improves relationships at school, work, and home
Image suggestion: Puzzle pieces / talking icon
Slide 17 – Resource Connection
Advocates and counsellors link people to:
Community services
Support groups
Disability organizations
Mental health services
Peer networks
Message: No one must cope alone
Image suggestion: Network / globe icon
Slide 18 – Key Message
Advocacy + Counselling together:
Remove barriers
Protect rights
Support mental health
Build independence
Increase resilience
Image suggestion: Shield + heart + hands icon
Slide 19 – Knowledge Check / Quiz
Questions:
What does advocacy mean?
What does counselling help with?
Name one type of advocacy
Name one type of counselling
Which focuses on rights?
Which focuses on feelings?
Why might someone need an advocate?
Why might someone need counselling?
Answer Guide (Trainer Use):
Speaking up / rights support
Talking support for feelings and problems
Self / Individual / Peer / Citizen / Professional Advocacy
One-to-One / Group / Family / Specialist Counselling
Advocacy
Counselling
Communication barriers, school/work difficulties, service access problems
Anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem
Image suggestion: Quiz icon / question mark
Slide 20 – Level 2 Summary
Advocacy + Counselling = holistic support
Supports independence and mental health
Families and systems are included
Builds knowledge, skills, and confidence
Image suggestion: Stars / empowerment symbol
✅ This structure now combines all Level 1 & Level
2 content in Easy Read format. Each slide has:
Title
Short bullet points
Symbols/images suggestions
Trainer notes for knowledge check
sation name
Trainer name
Date
Image suggestion: Person speaking / support symbol
Slide 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, you will:
Understand advocacy and counselling
Know types of support
Recognise mental health challenges
Know when and how to get help
Image suggestion: Checklist / learning symbol
Slide 3 – What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means speaking up.
It helps people:
Know their rights
Get support
Remove barriers
Fix problems like:
Communication barriers
School/work difficulties
Service access problems
Image suggestion: Megaphone / person raising hand
Slide 4 – Why Counselling is Needed
Counselling helps people who experience:
·
Anxiety 😟
·
Depression 😔
·
Trauma
·
Bullying
·
Low self-esteem
Benefit: Supports emotional recovery
Image suggestion: Heart / brain / support symbol
Slide 5 – Types of Advocacy
Self-Advocacy – Speaking up for yourself
Example: “Asking for extra time in exams.”
Individual Advocacy – Someone speaks up for one person
Example: Support worker helping with benefits
Peer Advocacy – Support from someone with lived experience
Example: Autistic mentor supporting autistic client
Citizen Advocacy – Volunteer advocates helping vulnerable people
Professional Advocacy – Paid professionals supporting rights
Example: School advocate or social worker
Image suggestion: Speech bubbles / group of people icon
Slide 6 – Types of Counselling Support
·
One-to-One Counselling – Private talking
sessions
·
Group Counselling – People share experiences
together
·
Family Counselling – Supports the whole family
·
Specialist Counselling – Disability, trauma, or
mental health focused
Image suggestion: People talking in circle / family icon
Slide 7 – Key Differences
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Focuses on rights
|
Focuses on feelings
|
Challenges systems
|
Supports mental health
|
Removes barriers
|
Builds coping skills
|
Speaks up
|
Listens therapeutically
|
Simple Comparison:
·
Advocacy = external change, practical support
·
Counselling = internal change, emotional
support
Image suggestion: Scales / comparison icon
Slide 8 – Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy = Empowerment
Helps people:
·
Find their voice
·
Know their rights
·
Make decisions
·
Gain independence
Counselling = Emotional Support
Helps people:
·
Heal emotionally
·
Understand feelings
·
Build confidence
·
Manage stress
Image suggestion: Hands holding heart + megaphone icon
Slide 9 – Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
People with LD may experience:
·
Anxiety
·
Depression
·
Low confidence
·
Stress at school or work 💼📚
·
Frustration
Support must be holistic – looking at both LD and mental health
Image suggestion: Brain + puzzle piece icon
Slide 10 – Self-Advocacy Empowerment
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. People learn to:
·
Understand their diagnosis
·
Know strengths
·
Explain what help they need
·
Ask for adjustments
Example: “I have dyslexia. I need extra time.”
Image suggestion: Person holding sign / speech bubble
Slide 11 – Mental Health Support
Counselling can help with:
·
Managing anxiety
·
Building confidence
·
Coping with stress
·
Reducing shame or stigma
Message: People learn they are not alone
Image suggestion: Heart + brain icon
Slide 12 – System Advocacy & Rights
Advocates help people understand:
·
School support plans (IEP / 504 Plan)
·
Disability laws
·
Anti-discrimination rights
·
Challenge unfair treatment
Image suggestion: Law book / school icon
Slide 13 – Role of the Counsellor
Counsellors provide:
·
Emotional support
·
Psychoeducation (learning about the condition)
·
Social skills groups
·
Coping strategies
·
Safe talking spaces
·
Connect home, school, and community services
Image suggestion: Person supporting another / network icon
Slide 14 – Family Support
Families may learn about:
·
Education rights
·
Special education law
·
Behaviour strategies
·
Emotional support skills
Benefit: Helps families support the individual
Image suggestion: Family icon / hands together
Slide 15 – Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation = learning about the condition:
·
What LD is
·
How it affects learning
·
Strengths and challenges
·
How to manage symptoms
Benefit: Builds confidence
Image suggestion: Book / lightbulb icon
Slide 16 – Conflict Resolution & Skills
Support may include:
·
Problem-solving skills
·
Communication skills
·
Managing anger
Slide 7 – Counselling Support
Counselling helps clients:
Talk about feelings 💬
Manage anxiety 😟
Understand worries 🧠
Build coping skills 🎯
Image suggestion: Two people talking / heart symbol
Slide 8 – Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
Clients may experience:
Anxiety / depression
Stress or trauma
Low self-esteem
Support should be holistic – looking at both LD and mental health
Image suggestion: Brain + puzzle piece icon
Slide 9 – Working Together (Level 2)
Advocacy and counselling often work together:
Advocate gets school or workplace support
Counsellor supports emotional needs
Result: Whole-person / holistic support
Image suggestion: Puzzle pieces fitting together
Slide 10 – System Navigation
Advocates help with:
IEP plans / 504 Plans
Disability benefits
Workplace adjustments
Legal rights
Counsellors help with:
Emotional impact of these systems
Image suggestion: Law book + scales icon
Slide 11 – Benefits for People with Disabilities
Receiving advocacy & counselling can:
Increase independence 🏠
Improve confidence 👍
Reduce isolation 🌍
Improve education outcomes 📚
Support employment 💼
Image suggestion: Star / trophy / person standing strong
Slide 12 – Mental Health Benefits
Support can:
Reduce anxiety 😟
Improve mood 🙂
Build resilience 💪
Develop coping skills 🎯
Prevent crisis situations ⚠️
Image suggestion: Heart + brain icon
Slide 13 – Family Benefits
Families may gain:
Education about conditions 📘
Emotional support ❤️
Advocacy guidance 🗣
Communication skills 📝
Image suggestion: Family icon / hands together
Slide 14 – People with Lived Experience in the Field
Many advocates & counsellors have lived experience:
Learning disabilities ♿
Autism 🧩
ADHD ⚡
Mental health experience 🧠
Benefit: Brings understanding, empathy, relatability
Image suggestion: Person icon + heart / lightbulb
Slide 15 – Employment & Inclusion Benefits
Working in advocacy/counselling helps:
Disability representation
Inclusive workplaces
Service accessibility
Policy improvement
Message: “Nothing about us without us”
Image suggestion: Group of people / inclusion symbol
Slide 16 – Skills Needed in the Field
Advocacy Skills:
Communication 🗣
Rights knowledge 📘
Confidence 💪
Negotiation 🤝
Safeguarding awareness ⚠️
Counselling Skills:
Listening 👂
Empathy ❤️
Confidentiality 🔒
Emotional regulation 🧘
Boundaries 🚧
Image suggestion: Skill icons / checklist
Slide 17 – Key Messages – Level 2
Advocacy empowers voices 📢
Counselling heals emotions 💬
Both remove barriers 🚪
Both promote independence 🏠
Lived experience is powerful 🌟
Image suggestion: Heart + megaphone + hands icon
Slide 18 – Level 2 Knowledge Check
Questions:
How do advocacy and counselling work together?
Name one system advocates help navigate.
Give one benefit of receiving advocacy.
Give one mental health benefit of counselling.
How do families benefit?
Why is lived experience valuable?
Name one advocacy skill.
Name one counselling skill.
What does holistic support mean?
Why is disability representation important?
Answer Guide (Trainer Use):
Rights support + emotional support
IEP / Benefits / Workplace adjustments
Independence / confidence / access
Reduced anxiety / improved mood
Education / emotional support
Understanding & relatability
Communication / negotiation
Listening / empathy
Whole-person support
Inclusion & accessibility
Image suggestion: Quiz icon / question mark
✅ Slide 19 – Summary / End Slide
Advocacy + counselling = holistic support
Supports independence and mental health
Families and systems are included
Builds knowledge, skills, and confidence
Image suggestion: Stars / empowerment symbol
Social interaction skills
Benefit: Improves relationships at school, work, and home
Image suggestion: Puzzle pieces / talking icon
Slide 17 – Resource Connection
Advocates and counsellors link people to:
Community services
Support groups
Disability organisations
Mental health services
Peer networks
Message: No one has to cope alone
Image suggestion: Network / globe icon
Slide 18 – Key Message
Advocacy + Counselling together:
Remove barriers
Protect rights
Support mental health
Build independence
Increase resilience
Image suggestion: Shield + heart + hands icon
Slide 19 – Knowledge Check / Quiz
Questions:
What does advocacy mean?
What does counselling help with?
Name one type of advocacy
Name one type of counselling
Which focuses on rights?
Which focuses on feelings?
Why might someone need an advocate?
Why might someone need counselling?
Answer Guide (Trainer Use):
Speaking up / rights support
Talking support for feelings and problems
Self / Individual / Peer / Citizen / Professional Advocacy
One-to-One / Group / Family / Specialist Counselling
Advocacy
Counselling
Communication barriers, school/work difficulties, service access
problems
Anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem
Image suggestion: Quiz icon / question mark
Slide 20 – Level 2 Summary
·
Advocacy + Counselling = holistic support
·
Supports independence and mental health
·
Families and systems are included
·
Builds knowledge, skills, and confidence
Image suggestion: Stars / empowerment symbol
✅ This structure now combines all Level 1 &
Level 2 content in Easy Read format. Each slide has:
·
Title
·
Short bullet points
·
Symbols/images suggestions
·
Trainer notes for knowledge check
Social interaction skills
Benefit: Improves relationships at school, work, and home
Image suggestion: Puzzle pieces / talking icon
Slide 13 – Resource Connection
Advocates and counsellors link people to:
Community services
Support groups
Disability organisations
Mental health services
Peer networks
Message: No one has to cope alone
Image suggestion: Network / globe icon
Slide 14 – Key Message
Advocacy + Counselling together:
Remove barriers
Protect rights
Support mental health
Build independence
Increase resilience
Image suggestion: Shield + heart + hands
Slide 15 – Knowledge Check / Quiz
Questions:
What does advocacy mean?
What is counselling?
Name one mental health difficulty linked to LD
What is self-advocacy?
What school support plan might advocates help with?
Who do counsellors support besides the individual?
What is psychoeducation?
Why is family support important?
Name one skill taught in counselling
What is the main goal of advocacy and counselling together?
Answer Guide (Trainer Use):
Speaking up for rights / support
Talking support for feelings and problems
Anxiety / Depression / Stress / Low self-esteem
Speaking up for yourself
IEP / 504 Plan
Families / Schools / Communities
Learning about the diagnosis / condition
Helps them support the individual
Communication / Problem-solving / Emotional regulation
Empowerment, support, independence, removing barriers
Image suggestion: Quiz icon / question mark
Slide 16 – Level 2 Summary
Advocacy + Counselling = holistic support
Supports independence and mental health
Families and systems are included
Builds knowledge, skills, and confidence
Image suggestion: Stars / empowerment symbol
Easy Read Design Tips
Use large font (28+), Arial or Calibri
Short sentences, bullet points
Symbols (Widgit / Boardmaker)
High contrast colours
Calm, uncluttered layout
Easy Read PowerPoint – Advocacy & Counselling (Level 1 & 2)
SLIDE 1 – Title Slide
Title: Advocacy & Counselling Skills
Subtitle: Learning Disabilities & Mental Health – Level 1 & 2
Include: Organisation name, Trainer name, Date
Image: People supporting each other
SLIDE 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end you will:
Understand what advocacy means
Know what counselling is
Learn different advocacy levels
Understand empowerment vs support
Recognize why advocacy matters
Image: Checklist / learning symbol
LEVEL 1 – Awareness
SLIDE 3 – What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means:
Speaking up for yourself or others 🗣
Helping people know their rights 📘
Removing barriers 🚪
Challenging unfair treatment ⚖️
SLIDE 4 – What is Counselling?
Counselling is talking support 💬
It helps people:
Share feelings ❤️
Talk about worries 😟
Feel listened to 👂
Learn coping skills 🎯
SLIDE 5 – Why People Need Advocacy
Some people face:
Discrimination ❌
Communication barriers 🗨️
School/work difficulties 🏫💼
Access issues 🏥
Advocates help solve these problems.
SLIDE 6 – Why People Need Counselling
People may experience:
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Trauma ⚠️
Bullying 😢
Low self-esteem 💔
Counselling supports emotional recovery.
SLIDE 7 – Types of Advocacy
Self-Advocacy: Speaking up for yourself
Individual Advocacy: Someone speaks up for one person
Peer Advocacy: Support from someone with lived experience
Citizen Advocacy: Volunteer advocates helping vulnerable people
Professional Advocacy: Paid professionals supporting rights
SLIDE 8 – Types of Counselling Support
One-to-One: Private sessions
Group Counselling: People share experiences
Family Counselling: Supports the whole family
Specialist Counselling: Focused on disability, trauma, or mental health
SLIDE 9 – Key Differences
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Focuses on rights
|
Focuses on feelings
|
Challenges systems
|
Builds coping skills
|
Practical support
|
Psychological support
|
External change
|
Internal change
|
SLIDE 10 – Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy = Empowerment
Find voice
Know rights
Make decisions
Gain independence
Counselling = Emotional Support
Heal emotionally
Understand feelings
Build confidence
Manage stress
SLIDE 11 – Public & Professional Advocacy
Public Advocacy: Educates, reduces stigma, raises awareness 🌍
Professional Advocacy: Supports fair pay, safe workloads, professional
recognition 💼
SLIDE 12 – Level 1 Knowledge Check
Questions:
What is advocacy?
Who do counsellors advocate for?
What is empowerment?
Give one example of advocacy
Answers:
Speaking up / rights support
Clients / students
Helping people find their voice
School support / adjustments
LEVEL 2 – Deeper Understanding
SLIDE 13 – Systemic Advocacy
Changing systems:
School policies 🏫
Healthcare access 🏥
Funding services 💰
Anti-discrimination law ⚖️
SLIDE 14 – Legislative Advocacy
Counsellors may:
Lobby government 🏛️
Support new laws 📜
Campaign for funding 💸
Promote mental health parity 🧠
SLIDE 15 – Levels of Advocacy
Individual: Supporting one client
Group: Therapy / disability groups
Community: Local programs, school projects
Societal/Political: Policy change, law reform, national campaigns
SLIDE 16 – Working with Clients
Collaboration 🤝
Listening to client voice 👂
Building personal power 💪
Challenging injustice together ⚖️
SLIDE 17 – Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy helps:
Remove barriers 🚪
Improve access to care 🏥
Promote equality ⚖️
Support wellbeing ❤️
SLIDE 18 – Social Justice Role
Counsellors consider:
Culture 🌍
Disability ♿
Inequality ❌
Discrimination ⚠️
Ethical practice includes advocacy.
SLIDE 19 – Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Rights focus
|
Feelings focus
|
Action focus
|
Emotional healing
|
System change
|
Coping support
|
SLIDE 20 – Key Messages
Advocacy removes barriers 🚪
Counselling supports emotions 💬
Both empower clients 💪
Both improve wellbeing ❤️
SLIDE 21 – Level 2 Knowledge Check
Questions:
What is systemic advocacy?
Name one advocacy level
What is legislative advocacy?
Why is advocacy important?
How do counsellors empower clients?
Answers:
Changing systems/policies
Individual / Group / Community / Societal
Lobbying for law or funding change
Removes barriers / promotes equality
Building voice, confidence, rights knowledge
SLIDE 22 – Thank You Slide
Thank you for attending
Questions welcome
Support is available
Image: Support / teamwork symbol
Design Notes for Easy Read
Large font (28+)
Plain English
Symbols on every slide (Widgit/Boardmaker style)
Calm colours
High contrast text
Easy Read PowerPoint – Advocacy & Counselling (Levels 1–3)
LEVEL 1 – Awareness
SLIDE 1 – Title Slide
Advocacy & Counselling Skills
Learning Disabilities & Mental Health – Level 1 & 2
Image: People supporting each other
SLIDE 2 – Learning Outcomes
By the end you will:
Understand advocacy and counselling
Know why people need support
Learn empowerment vs emotional support
Recognize knowledge check questions
Image: Checklist symbol
SLIDE 3 – Why People Need Advocacy
People with LD or mental health needs may face:
Discrimination ❌
Lack of school support 🏫
Work barriers 💼
Communication difficulties 🗣
Service access problems 🏥
Advocacy helps fix these.
SLIDE 4 – Why People Need Counselling
People may experience:
Anxiety 😟
Depression 😔
Trauma ⚠️
Bullying 😢
Low confidence 💔
Counselling supports emotional wellbeing.
SLIDE 5 – Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy = Empowerment
Builds voice
Promotes independence
Supports rights
Counselling = Emotional Support
Heals feelings
Builds coping skills
Improves wellbeing
SLIDE 6 – Level 1 Knowledge Check
Questions:
What is advocacy?
What is counselling?
Name one reason someone needs advocacy.
Name one reason someone needs counselling.
Which focuses on rights?
Answers:
Speaking up / rights support
Talking emotional support
Barriers / discrimination
Anxiety / depression
Advocacy
LEVEL 2 – Skills & Types
SLIDE 7 – Types of Advocacy
Self-advocacy – speaking up yourself 🗣
Individual advocacy – one person support 👤
Peer advocacy – lived experience support 👥
Professional advocacy – trained advocates 💼
Citizen advocacy – volunteer support 🙋♂️🙋♀️
SLIDE 8 – Levels of Advocacy
Counsellors work at:
Individual level
Group level
Community level
Societal / political level ⚖️
May include law or policy change.
SLIDE 9 – Systemic Advocacy
Changing systems:
School policies 🏫
Mental health funding 💰
Disability access ♿
Anti-discrimination laws ⚖️
Helps many people, not just one.
SLIDE 10 – Professional Advocacy
Counsellors advocate for:
Their profession 🏛️
Fair pay 💵
Safe workloads ⚠️
Service funding 💰
Better staff support = better client care.
SLIDE 11 – Public Information
Advocacy includes:
Awareness campaigns 📢
Education 📚
Reducing stigma 🚫
Promoting inclusion 🌍
SLIDE 12 – Basic Counselling Skills
Counsellors use listening skills to understand clients:
Active listening 👂
Building rapport 🤝
Non-judgement ❌
Empathy ❤️
These skills build trust.
SLIDE 13 – Core Counselling Skills
Attending: Giving full attention 👀
Silence: Allow thinking time ⏳
Reflecting / Paraphrasing: Repeat meaning back 🔄
Clarifying: Ask open questions ❓
Focusing: Choose key issues 🎯
Summarising: Bring themes together 📋
SLIDE 14 – Level 2 Knowledge Check
Questions:
Name one type of advocacy
What is systemic advocacy?
Give one example of public advocacy
What is active listening?
Name one counselling skill
Answers:
Self / Peer / Professional
Changing systems
Awareness campaign
Listening fully
Reflecting / clarifying / summarising
LEVEL 3 – Practice & Safety
SLIDE 15 – Working Together
Advocacy and counselling often work together 🤝
Advocate helps with systems (IEP, benefits) 🏫💰
Counsellor supports emotional response 😟
Creates holistic support for the person 🌟
SLIDE 16 – Safety & Boundaries
Counsellors / advocates must:
Keep people safe ⚠️
Respect personal boundaries 🚪
Know when to refer on 🔄
Avoid giving advice outside their role ❌
SLIDE 17 – Referral Pathways
Serious mental health issues 🏥
Suicide risk ⚠️
Complex legal / safeguarding concerns ⚖️
Use local support services and supervisors for guidance
SLIDE 18 – Confidentiality & Ethics
Respect privacy 🔒
Share information only when safe / legal ✅
Follow organisation policies 📘
Uphold ethical standards ⚖️
SLIDE 19 – Review of Skills & Knowledge
Advocacy = Rights / Systems / Empowerment 🗣
Counselling = Feelings / Coping / Emotional Support ❤️
Listen actively 👂
Work with families 👪
Know referral procedures 🔄
SLIDE 20 – Level 3 Knowledge Check
Questions:
How do advocacy and counselling work together?
Name one safety consideration
Give one reason to refer on
Name one core counselling skill
Why is confidentiality important
Answers:
Rights support + emotional support
Boundaries / risk assessment
Suicide risk / complex crisis
Active listening / reflecting / summarising
Protects privacy / builds trust
SLIDE 21 – Thank You Slide
Thank you for attending
Questions welcome
Support contacts available
Image: Support / teamwork symbol
Design Notes:
Large font 28+
Plain English
Symbols/icons on every slide
Calm colors, high contrast text
Easy Read Training Module
Advocacy & Counselling
Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
LEVEL 1 – AWARENESS
1. What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means speaking up.
It can be:
Speaking up for yourself
Speaking up for others
Helping people know their rights
Challenging unfair treatment
Advocacy removes barriers
2. What is Counselling?
Counselling is emotional talking support.
It helps people:
Share feelings
Talk about worries
Feel listened to
Learn coping skills
Counselling supports wellbeing.
3. Why People Need Advocacy
People with learning disabilities (LD) or mental health needs may face:
Discrimination
Lack of school support
Work barriers
Communication difficulties
Service access problems
Advocates help fix these problems.
4. Why People Need Counselling
People may experience:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Bullying
Low confidence
Counselling supports emotional wellbeing.
5. Types of Advocacy
Self-Advocacy – speaking up for yourself
Example: “I need extra time in exams.”
Individual Advocacy – one person support
Example: Support worker helping with benefits
Peer Advocacy – lived experience support
Example: Autistic mentor supporting autistic client
Citizen Advocacy – volunteer support
Professional Advocacy – trained, paid advocates
Example: School advocate or social worker
6. Types of Counselling Support
One-to-One Counselling – private talking sessions
Group Counselling – share experiences together
Family Counselling – supports the whole family
Specialist Counselling – focused on disability, trauma, or mental health
7. Key Differences: Advocacy vs Counselling
Easy Read Training Module
Advocacy & Counselling – Learning Disabilities & Mental Health
LEVEL 1 – AWARENESS
1. What is Advocacy?
Advocacy means speaking up.
It can be:
Speaking up for yourself
Speaking up for others
Helping people know their rights
Challenging unfair treatment
Advocacy removes barriers
2. What is Counselling?
Counselling is emotional talking support.
It helps people:
Share feelings
Talk about worries
Feel listened to
Learn coping skills
Counselling supports wellbeing.
3. Why People Need Advocacy
People with learning disabilities (LD) or mental health needs may face:
Discrimination
Lack of school support
Work barriers
Communication difficulties
Service access problems
Advocates help fix these problems.
4. Why People Need Counselling
People may experience:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Bullying
Low confidence
Counselling supports emotional wellbeing.
5. Types of Advocacy
Self-Advocacy – speaking up for yourself
Example: “I need extra time in exams.”
Individual Advocacy – one person support
Example: Support worker helping with benefits
Peer Advocacy – lived experience support
Example: Autistic mentor supporting autistic client
Citizen Advocacy – volunteer support
Professional Advocacy – trained, paid advocates
Example: School advocate or social worker
6. Types of Counselling Support
One-to-One Counselling – private talking sessions
Group Counselling – share experiences together
Family Counselling – supports the whole family
Specialist Counselling – focused on disability, trauma, or mental health
7. Key Differences: Advocacy vs Counselling
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Focuses on rights
|
Focuses on feelings
|
Challenges systems
|
Supports mental health
|
Removes barriers
|
Builds coping skills
|
Speaks up
|
Listens therapeutically
|
8. Empowerment vs Support
Advocacy = Empowerment
Helps people find their voice
Know their rights
Make decisions
Gain independence
Counselling = Emotional Support
Heals feelings
Understand feelings
Build confidence
Manage stress
Level 1 Knowledge Check
What does advocacy mean?
What does counselling help with?
Name one type of advocacy.
Name one type of counselling.
Which focuses on rights?
Which focuses on feelings?
Why might someone need an advocate?
Why might someone need counselling?
Answers:
Speaking up / rights support
Feelings / mental health
Self / Peer / Citizen / Professional
One-to-One / Group / Family
Advocacy
Counselling
Barriers / discrimination / access issues
Anxiety / depression / trauma
LEVEL 2 – DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
9. Working Together
Advocacy and counselling often work together.
Example:
Advocate gets school support
Counsellor supports anxiety about school
This creates holistic support.
10. System Navigation
Advocates help with:
IEP Plans
504 Plans
Disability benefits
Workplace adjustments
Legal rights
Counsellors support emotional impact of these systems.
11. Benefits for People with Disabilities
Increased independence
Improved confidence
Reduced isolation
Better education outcomes
Support with employment
12. Mental Health Benefits
Reduce anxiety
Improve mood
Build resilience
Develop coping skills
Prevent crisis situations
13. Family Benefits
Families gain:
Education about conditions
Emotional support
Advocacy guidance
Communication skills
14. People with Lived Experience Working in the Field
Many advocates and counsellors have:
Learning disabilities
Autism
ADHD
Mental health lived experience
Benefits:
Understanding
Empathy
Relatability
Role modelling
Hope for others (“If they can do it, so can I.”)
15. Employment & Inclusion Benefits
Working in advocacy/counselling helps:
Disability representation
Inclusive workplaces
Service accessibility
Policy improvement
“Nothing about us without us”
16. Skills Needed in the Field
Advocacy Skills:
Communication
Rights knowledge
Confidence
Negotiation
Safeguarding awareness
Counselling Skills:
Listening
Empathy
Confidentiality
Emotional regulation
Boundaries
17. Key Messages – Level 2
Advocacy empowers voices
Counselling heals emotions
Both remove barriers
Both promote independence
Lived experience is powerful
Level 2 Knowledge Check
How do advocacy and counselling work together?
Name one system advocates help navigate.
Give one benefit of receiving advocacy.
Give one mental health benefit of counselling.
How do families benefit?
Why is lived experience valuable?
Name one advocacy skill.
Name one counselling skill.
What does holistic support mean?
Why is disability representation important?
Answers:
Rights support + emotional support
IEP / Benefits / Workplace adjustments
Independence / confidence / access
Reduced anxiety / improved mood
Education / emotional support
Understanding & relatability
Communication / negotiation
Listening / empathy
Whole-person support
Inclusion & accessibility
LEVEL 3 – PRACTICE & SAFETY
18. Health & Safety in Counselling
Keep clients safe
Follow workplace policies
Report concerns
Work within role limits
19. Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting people from harm.
Includes:
Abuse
Neglect
Exploitation
Self-harm risk
Concerns must be reported.
20. Confidentiality & Boundaries
Keep information private
Only share if risk exists
Maintain professional boundaries
Safety overrides secrecy
21. Risk Management
Assess suicide risk
Assess self-harm risk
Assess abuse risk
Refer to services when needed
22. Benefits of Advocacy & Counselling
Confidence
Independence
Education success
Employment access
Better mental health
23. Lived Experience in the Workforce
People with disabilities work in advocacy/counselling.
Benefits include:
Empathy
Understanding
Role modelling
Trust building
24. Key Messages – Level 3
Advocacy empowers
Counselling supports emotions
Skills build trust
Safety is essential
Holistic support works best
Level 3 Knowledge Check
What is safeguarding?
When can confidentiality be broken?
Name one safety responsibility.
Give one benefit of advocacy.
Why is lived experience valuable?
What is risk management?
Who do counsellors report safeguarding concerns to?
What does holistic support mean?
Answers:
Protecting from harm
When risk is present
Reporting concerns
Confidence / access / independence
Understanding & empathy
Assessing harm risk
Safeguarding lead / services
Whole-person support
✅ End of Easy Read Module
This module covers:
Levels 1–3: Awareness, Skills & Types, Practice & Safety
Advocacy & counselling principles
Knowledge checks for all levels
Easy Read style: short sentences, plain English, bullet points
Advocacy
|
Counselling
|
Rights focus
|
Feelings focus
|
Systems / barriers
|
Emotional support
|
Practical action
|
Build coping skills
|
External change
|
Internal change
|
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