Self management

This resource intends to help meet demands, perhaps at short notice, for provision of appropriate material for work on essential life skills, and to enable you to respond quickly and effectively, when it becomes apparent that a carefully planned programme that you are facilitating will not meet some of the needs that are emerging...This resource-bank of Instant Session Plans can enable both inexperienced and experienced facilitators to make 'instant' and timely changes to programme sessions, and respond positively to specific requirements of group members for: coping with the events and situations they face daily; having their personal needs met; and, achieving their ambitions."Instant Sessions Plans for Essential Life Skills: Self Management" contains: pointers on setting up a group, avoiding discrimination, health and safety, organising sessions, preparing for role-play, homework; an introduction session to use when starting to work with a new group; a session to bring the group to an end; and, 4 sessions on each of these 10 different life skill topics: assertiveness, building confidence, time management, self-esteem, anger management, stress, daily living skills, managing change, self-awareness, and encouraging creative thinking.Each session can be used: on its own; as a supplement to other material; as part of a programme of several sessions tailored to meet particular needs; as part of a comprehensive course.

Each session requires minimum preparation and lasts about one hour.

Each contains aims, plans, homework assignments, photocopiable handouts, plus clear step-by-step instructions for the group leader, with timings, for activities that involve participants working as a group, on their own, in pairs and in sub-groups. In addition to these 40 sessions on self management, there are - in separately published manuals - 40 sessions on health and well-being, 40 sessions on learning and development, and 40 sessions on relationships.This resource is suitable for youth workers, therapists, counsellors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, care staff, prison and probation staff, and teachers.

This flexible and adaptable 'toolkit' resource has been tried and tested over many years of work with people in diverse groups.

It can help facilitators address issues of mental ill health, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction, anti-social and offending behaviour, and preparing to return to work after a long absence.

It can be used in work with young people at the cusp of adulthood, and with adults of all ages.

Discussion and practical exercises are related to group members' everyday experiences to make the learning and development both dynamic and enjoyable.