The Sleep Charity have been running a new project called ‘Sleep Talkers’ since November which is designed to improve sleep issues. This is done through a ‘Train the Trainer’ approach with a focus on upskilling volunteers. The Sleep Charity 
have trained over 100 professionals since March and received excellent feedback! In September The Sleep Charity launched a second Sleep Talkers community ‘Adults 50+’.
The training is delivered virtually over 3 days and is designed to help delegates to understand more about sleep and improve sleep issues for adults 50+. These staff members will then be trained to deliver pre-written Sleep Talker course to staff and volunteers. This consists of 4 x 1 hour sessions. The only requirement is that as a trained trainer you will go on to train at least 1 volunteer as a Sleep Talker.
The aim is to have over 3000 Sleep Talker volunteers across England. A volunteer could be existing carers, befrienders, group leaders and this will be an enhancement to their current role. The idea is that if someone mentions sleep in conversation then the Sleep Talker volunteer has some basic sleep knowledge and skills to offer support to that individual through an informal conversation.
50+ Pilot training:
Session 1 - 4 October, 9.30-3
Session 2 and 3 - 11 and/or 12 October, 9.30-12.30
Session 4 - 17 October, 9.30-12.30
To complete the training you must attend Session 1, 4 and either 2 or 3.
Alternatively, The Sleep Charity are hosting a launch webinar on 15 September to explain more about the Sleep Talkers training opportunity and release further training dates. Register here