A Handbook for Support Workers in Health and Social Care
A Person-Centred Approach

Support workers are key deliverers of care in the UK, often hugely valued by those people they provide care for. Their roles and responsibilities are increasing in the midst of ever-changing health and social care systems. A Handbook for Support Workers in Health and Social Care recognises the contribution of support workers and provides an introduction to the core knowledge, legislation and models of practice required to work across health and social care settings.

Covering core person-centred skills that a support worker needs to develop, this textbook looks at knowing and managing yourself, before moving on to understanding your role in the organisation and teamwork. It outlines the relevant legislation and policies, from the Care Act (2014) to confidentiality. Communication, both written and in person, is a central theme, and key values such as compassion and dignity are explored in relation to this. There is a thought-provoking discussion of working with people, covering topics including respecting choices, thinking about risk and safeguarding. The book ends by looking at what it means to be a competent practitioner and the importance of continual professional development.

The first textbook introducing the core theory and practice knowledge necessary to work as a support worker in health and social care, it includes case studies, tasks and exercises to help the reader apply their learning.

The authors share more than 20 years of experience in the design and delivery of support worker courses in higher education. They deliver continuing professional development, bespoke training and consultation to the health and social care workforce.

1.Introduction 2.Knowing yourself 3.Know your support worker role 4.Knowing the law to keep ourselves and our clients safe 5.Knowing how to be with people 6.Knowing how to keep accurate records 7.Know how to work in a person centred way 8.Know how to be competent in your current role 9.Know how to develop for new opportunities

Paul Mackreth is Course Director and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in Nursing and Healthcare at Leeds Beckett University. Paul continues to maintain his nurse registration as a district nurse and is an active member of the Association of District Nurse Educators (ADNE).

Bryony Walker is Course Director and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in Psychological Therapies and Mental Health at Leeds Beckett University. Bryony continues to maintain her registration as an occupational therapist and is a qualified coach working with health and social care managers.