Level 1 – Understanding Needs (Basic)
Mental Health & Learning Disability
Some people have:
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A learning disability
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Mental health needs
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Or both together
They may need extra support to stay well.
Autism, ADHD & Mental Health
For example:
People with Autism and ADHD may experience:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress
This can be linked to:
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Sensory overload
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Social pressure
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Nervous system responses
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Change and uncertainty
They may need emotional and behavioural support.
Nursing & Support Skills
Staff need skills in:
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Person-centred care
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Communication
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Planning support
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Understanding behaviour
They must always treat people with dignity and respect.
What Are Complex Needs?
Complex needs mean a person needs support in many areas.
This may include:
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Mental health conditions
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Learning disability
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Autism or ADHD
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Behavioural distress
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Trauma
Common mental health needs include:
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Anxiety
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Depression
What Are Barriers?
Barriers are difficulties people face in daily life.
Examples include:
Health Barriers
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Accessing doctors
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Understanding appointments
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Getting treatment
Education & Living Skills
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Learning difficulties
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Cooking
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Cleaning
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Home safety
Money Skills
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Budgeting
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Shopping
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Paying bills
Personal Care
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Washing
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Dressing
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Hygiene
People may need support to build independence.
Communication Barriers
People communicate in different ways.
Some may need:
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Easy Read information
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Large print
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Pictures
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Symbols
This is helpful for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Appointment Support Example
Staff may need to provide:
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Easy Read letters
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Pictures of clocks (time)
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Maps (place)
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Reminder calls
This helps people attend hospital or doctor appointments.
Autism & Social Anxiety Example
Some autistic people may:
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Find busy places overwhelming
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Struggle with social skills
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Feel anxious in crowds
Support may include:
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Quiet spaces
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Preparation
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Gradual exposure
Level 1 – Questions
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What are complex needs?
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Name one mental health condition.
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What is a barrier?
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Give one example of a daily living barrier.
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Why is Easy Read information important?
Level 2 – Skills & Professional Practice
(Level 2 builds on Level 1 knowledge.)
Professional Skills Needed
Staff and nurses need to learn:
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Person-centred care planning
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Advanced communication skills
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Supporting complex needs
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Types of mental illnesses
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Basic counselling skills
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Assessment processes
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Diagnosis awareness
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Treatment pathways
Mental Health Support & Treatment
Support may include:
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Talking therapies
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Medication
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Behaviour support
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Emotional regulation
Example:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people manage:
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Anxiety
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Depression
By changing thoughts and behaviours.
Coping Skills Support
Staff may teach coping skills such as:
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Breathing exercises
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Grounding techniques
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Routine building
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Sensory regulation
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Exercise
These help people manage mental distress.
Advocacy & Professional Values
Professionals must show:
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Patience
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Empathy
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Respect
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Specialist skills
They advocate for disabled people to ensure fair care and equal access.
Level 2 – Communication & Assessment
Staff must learn how to:
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Assess needs
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Identify risks
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Recognise mental illness
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Adapt communication
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Plan support packages
Assessments help ensure people receive the right support.
Level 2 Study Case
Employment Support Scenario – Alex
Scenario Overview
Alex is a young adult with a learning disability.
He wants a part-time job in a bakery.
He is:
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Energetic
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Motivated
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Physically fit
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Interested in baking
Skills Assessment Summary
Strengths
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Can tell the time
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Attends appointments
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Communicates needs
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Works well with friends
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Enjoys BMX
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Flexible to change
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Basic cooking skills
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Can follow cake recipes
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Uses smartphone
Support Needs
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Processing new information
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Problem-solving solutions
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Time management
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Task prioritising
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Financial management
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Literacy & numeracy support
Level 2 – Case Study Questions
Question 1 – Individualised Plan
Create a support plan for Alex.
Include:
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Baking skill development
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Customer service skills
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Time management
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Work routines
Set small, achievable goals.
Question 2 – Ongoing Skills Development
Write a paragraph explaining:
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How you would support Alex in the bakery
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How hands-on training would help
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How you would build confidence
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How you would monitor progress
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How you would adapt support if needed
Question 3 – Incidental Learning
Explain how you would gradually support Alex to:
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Use the cash register
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Speak to customers
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Take orders
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Work in a team
Question 4 – Learning Through Experience
How would you help Alex:
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Learn from mistakes
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Build independence
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Transfer skills to other jobs
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Grow confidence
Optional Reflection Activity
Learners can reflect on:
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Strength-based practice
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Employment inclusion
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Reasonable adjustments at work
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Advocacy in job settings
Trainer Notes (Optional Use)
You can ask learners to:
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Role-play bakery scenarios
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Build a visual work schedule
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Create an Easy Read job guide
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Design a workplace support plan
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