By way of introduction

I am lucky to work as a co-facilitator on a truly inspiring and highly effective half-day workshop centred on Cultural Competency and Humility and I have found the sessions completely incredible!

I was privileged to work, representing Age UK Wakefield District, with the development team in a West Yorkshire Health Care Partnership initiative to generate this short but immersive journey through the various aspects of cultural competency.

Already interested? Jump to more information and booking here

You could join us or book a place for colleagues at the next workshop on Monday 15 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 4pm at St Mary's Community Centre, Pontefract, WF8 2AY using the Ticket Source link or read more about the session on the event listing.

Why it is so different from what might be expected?

This is no ‘tick box’ exercise in itself but emphasizes the importance of having good data to look for areas of improvement.

It is not a dull trawl through the legislation or a list of rules about what you should do, or must never do, in a given situation. It is a revelation of how you can simply be more aware and courteous to people who have much in common with you but may be different in one or more aspects of life. It can be applied to any situation and for any cultures, sub-cultures, cross-cultures or minority groups.

Nor is it ‘icing on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’ cake.’ This is the essential heart of getting to grips with how dominant cultures can be more aware of their unseen and unrecognised advantages and make sure they are creating truly level playing fields for everyone.

How is this done?

The workshop runs through the ‘Dialogical Learning’ process, proposing ideas and  exercises to bring out interesting thoughts and information from the participants themselves. The ensuing conversations are fascinating for all of us. We learn from a lived experience where people are made to feel ‘other’ or even inferior due simply to having a separate way of being from the inherent, traditional and often historic cultural norms.

It can be challenging as we tackle new ways of looking at the same situation to realise how differently we can see things. But this is all part of the process and with content actively formed by the group, no two sessions are completely identical but rest assured, we always cover the ground required.

Who should attend?

Well, everybody ideally in the VCSE sector but it is ideal for new members of a team, and it suits people with long service who seem to thrive in the relaxed atmosphere of the programme.

If you are a Training Lead, why not attend yourself and see how the process works with respect and compassion for the participant group.

Written by A Cultural Competency Co-Facilitator, Helen Morris representing Age UK Wakefield District.