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Post training opportunities
Advanced training is for anyone who has completed the Foundation Training and would like to use a more specialised resource.
Our advanced online modules can be completed in 2-3 hours and you will be asked to send us a reflection. A full card resource is included in the fee.
Each course will:
- Explain how the resource was developed
- Show filmed examples of people using the different topics
- Explain how to prepare for your Talking Mat session
- Discuss implementation and challenges
This Resource is designed to be used by people who want to use Talking Mats in a context where there is already existing AAC support in place.
This Resource has been developed in partnership with Ace Centre and the Scottish Centre of Technology for the Communication Impaired (SCTCI).
This is a versatile resource that can be used to support long-term users of AAC, both in reviewing their current AAC systems, and to assist in introducing an AAC support system for the first time. The resource includes 3 Topics:
- Your communication
- Joining in conversations
- How your AAC works
This course is for those who want to use Talking Mats in a safeguarding context.
This resource has been developed in partnership with NHS Fife with input from Survivor Scotland, Kingdom Abuse Survivors project and the Scottish Government Keys to life. There are 3 topics within the set:
- Your Well-being
- Relationships
- Thoughts & Feelings
Our Advanced Online Courses and Webinars provide a live training opportunity. Lasting 3 hours these are run by specialists in the field. A full card Resource is included in the fee.
Each course will
- consider why the Resource is needed
- demonstrate how to use the Resource in practice
- provide the opportunity to reflect and consider the impact of using this Resource
- encourage questions and feedback
Who is this training open to?
People who have previously completed Foundation Training in Talking Mats and who have established key competencies in Positive Behavioural Support for people with learning disabilities through prior experience, training and qualifications.
What does this training cover?
How to use the My Positive Behavioural Support Talking Mats resources to help co-produce behavioural support plans for people with learning disabilities.
Who delivers this training?
Professor Jill Bradshaw (Consultant Speech and Language Therapist) and Dr Nick Gore (Chartered Clinical Psychologist) are the developers of the My Positive Behavioural Support resource and deliver the training. They provide the training through WoodLoch. Please see WoodLoch Privacy Notice.
What does the training involve?
The training is for 3 hours and provided online in small groups. Participants receive a copy of the My Positive Behaviour Support resource upon successful completion of the training for your personal use.
How do I apply for this training?
You can apply for the training via this link. You will be asked to provide details of your prior training and experience in Talking Mats and Positive Behavioural Support. Please note that WoodLoch will need to pass your name to Talking Mats so that they can confirm completion of Foundation Training.
How much does this training cost?
The training cost is £195 per person.
When will the training take place?
The first training will take place 12th November 2026 9.30-12.30 online.
This live online training and resource is appropriate for those who have completed Talking Mats Foundation Training and who wish to use Talking Mats to enable supported decision making within the context of capacity, irrespective of the specific legislation with which you work.
The training will be delivered by Lois Cameron, Talking Mats Consultant and Melita Loaring, Lead Training Associate, Talking Mats.
- It will be delivered via Zoom
- It aims to improve skills and application for practice
- It lasts for 3hours (comfort breaks included!)
There are 4 topics in this resource
- Things I do
- My Accommodation
- My Safety
- My Care and Support Plan
Created through a partnership with Strathcarron Hospice, Denny, the resource was updated in 2025. It is designed to support people to think about and plan for the future when coping with changed in health.
The live online Advanced Training will be delivered by; Sally Boa, Head of Palliative Care, Education, Research, and Practice Strathcarron Hospice, Lois Cameron, Talking Mats Consultant, and Margo Mackay, Managing Director of Talking Mats
- It is delivered via Teams
- It aims to improve skills and application for practice
- It lasts for 3hrs (comfort breaks included!)
There are 3 topics in this resource;
- Affairs
- Care / Treatment
- Personal factors
Online information session
Information Sessions focus on sharing experiences related to a specific Resource and talking through practical applications.
The information session will be delivered via Teams.
This Resource has been jointly developed by Talking Mats and the REACH team in Perth & Kinross Council, Scotland. REACH is a unique team, one of a kind in Scotland, that provides intensive support for children and young people on the edge of care in Perth & Kinross. It is a multidisciplinary team bringing together professionals across health, education, social work and youth work.
The Resource was originally aimed at opening up conversations about Harmful Sexual Behaviour. Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) is an umbrella term for sexual behaviours of concern that can range from being inappropriate or problematic to abusive or violent (Hackett’s Continuum of Sexual Behaviour 2010). However, the Resource can also be used to open up conversations about sexual health and relationships in general. The Resource itself is split into 4 topics:
- Sexual knowledge
- Being close
- Sexual interests
- Body Parts (Submat)
The information session will be co-delivered with members of the REACH team and will focus on:
- An overview of resource itself
- Impact Stories
- Discussion and sharing examples of implementing the Resource in practice
It will be useful for Talking Mats trained practitioners working in fields where opening up conversations about sexual health and relationships is a key part of their role.
