Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training is a series of free online courses to help staff develop the skills needed to:

• Identify people who could benefit from additional support
• Raise the issue with them through a conversation
• Refer or signpost to the appropriate service(s)

Reasons for training

MECC is about capitalising on the thousands of conversations that happen in the borough each day, to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population.

Council and frontline workers are in a unique position to help our residents who may not otherwise engage with services or may be unaware of what assistance is available.

Training format

Training is completed via e-learning and each module takes on average 25 to 30 minutes to complete.

Courses

Current courses available:

Accessing new technologies

Provides an overview of the different technologies available in the borough and how they can be used to help combat loneliness and isolation.

Active Travel

Looks at a growing initiative which encourages people to become more active and considers how walking and cycling can benefit the individual, the local community and the environment.

Air pollution and health

Outlines the main causes of air pollution, types of pollutants, impact on health, vulnerable groups that are more likely to suffer from air pollution and what people can do to minimise exposure.

Climate change and health

For people working in the council, the voluntary sector, and the local NHS, this module provides an overview of what climate change is, the impacts it is having or likely to have, including on the health and wellbeing of people as well as identification of and impacts on vulnerable groups. The purpose of this course is to enable people working in these sectors to have general knowledge of the topic, understand how they can reduce their own contributions to climate change, identify and support vulnerable groups where possible as well as have conversations with residents including signposting to relevant sources of information.

Dementia awareness

Provides a general understanding of dementia and considers the different types, causes and symptoms and those at greatest risk.

Emotional health and wellbeing

Looks at the importance of good emotional wellbeing and how to recognise stress triggers. Considers risk factors relating to both work and life such as financial worries, housing, loneliness, employment and COVID-19 and provides practical advice on how to have a conversation about someone's wellbeing and where to signpost them for additional support.

Falls prevention

Outlines the main risk factors which can result in a fall and the impact of falls on older people. Provides tips on how to start a conversation and assess someone’s falls risk and gives information on how and where to signpost for additional support.

Healthy weight conversations

Whether a person would like to lose weight, eat healthier or have more energy to live independently, this module offers conversation starters and signposting advice for a person needing extra support and information on local resources

Homelessness and health

By introducing the health and wellbeing issues that homeless people face in our boroughs, this course enables frontline council, NHS and voluntary sector staff to provide support and assistance to those who may be threatened by or experiencing homelessness. 

Introduction to Making Every Contact Count

Looks at the basic principles of MECC and how it can help improve the health and wellbeing of the local population when used as a light touch intervention. This course is for anyone who is new to MECC and has contact with the general public.

Recognising and supporting people providing unpaid care

Describes what unpaid carers look like, considers the signs which may suggest someone is struggling with their caring role and explores how this might affect their overall health and wellbeing.  The module concludes by providing tips on how to start a conversation with unpaid carers about support that can help them balance their caring role with a life outside caring.

Suicide awareness

This course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge to identify risk factors and warning signs. It will help you to feel more confident talking about suicide and to support appropriate signposting to vital support services and help.

Supporting winter warmth

Looks at the dangers of cold weather and living in cold conditions. Offers help in identifying those most at risk and how to refer to local support during the winter months.

Vaccination hesitancy

Looks at the concerns that people may have regarding the vaccination and how these may be addressed; focusing on behaviour change to allay fears, bust myths, and provide the necessary information to help people get vaccinated.  

Register for a course

Access to training is available through the new Learning Pool TPD site.

First time log in for Council staff

Email tdservice@richmond.gov.uk for your new password.

First time log in for external users

Email tdservice@richmond.gov.uk for your new password. Then select 'Create new account' and follow the instructions.

Signposting to services

Once you have completed the training you may find these localised signposting links useful.

MECC Link London also provides details of services which can be used during or after a conversation with residents.

Contact

If you have any registration enquiries, contact us by:

• Email: tdservice@richmond.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 8871 7379

For any general queries, email MECC Training Enquiries at mecc@richmond.gov.uk.