Autism Hampshire Secures Contract to Provide Vital Training in Health and Social Care

7th August 2024

Autism Hampshire has been awarded a contract to provide potentially life-saving training to healthcare staff across Hampshire.

The Oliver McGowan training aims to educate health and social care staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills and understanding when treating individuals with learning disabilities and autistic individuals.

This pivotal training, which became mandatory in law in 2022, was named in memory of Oliver McGowan, an autistic young man with a learning disability who died at the age of 18 after being administered anti-psychotic medication against his and his parents' wishes.

Head of Community Services at Autism Hampshire, Maxine Gibson, said: “Oliver's death highlighted a critical need for better training among health and social care professionals and we’re honoured to have been selected as one of the training providers in Hampshire.

“This is a significant opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. It is also a recruitment opportunity as the trainers need to be autistic or have a learning disability. With our support and the support of the commissioners, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, this could be the chance for someone to potentially help save lives.”

Beginning later this year, Autism Hampshire will deliver the mandatory Oliver McGowan training across the county.

Each session will be run by a trio of experts including a facilitator and two trainers. These trainers will be autistic individuals or people with learning disabilities, ensuring that the training benefits from their lived experiences.

Autism Hampshire already offers a range of training courses and workshops for school staff, parents and autistic adults. The team also offers bespoke training courses tailored to the specific needs of individuals and organisations.

To apply for one of the new job vacancies or to register your interest, visit www.autismhampshire.org.uk/jobs. Or for more information on training opportunities, visit www.autismhampshire.org.uk/how-we-can-help/training-consultancy/.