Sibs' training and services for professionals

Sibs provides the following training and services across the UK for professionals working with siblings. For forthcoming dates of open events see our Events calendar where you can download booking forms for all events. Payment details are on the booking forms. Training can also be arranged in-house and costs are listed below. We aim to take our open events to a wide range of locations across the UK and to run several workshops and training events each school term.

1. Siblings of disabled children: Workshop for professionals

Half day, up to 50 participants

This workshop is for:
Any professional with an interest in learning more about the needs of siblings of children with disabilities or life limiting conditions.
Anyone interested in developing support services for siblings.

Purpose of the workshop:
To increase professionals' knowledge of the needs of siblings
To explore what professional services can do to support siblings
To get a network of people discussing what could be done in your locality
To explain what Sibs can do to support any proposed developments

Cost of attendance at open workshop £15 per person
Cost of in house workshop for statutory and voluntary sector is £250 plus trainer expenses.
(Presentation or workshop at a conference £100-£200 plus speaker expenses)

2. How to run a sibling group: Training for sibling group leaders

1 day, 8-20 particpants

This training is for:
Professionals who would like to set up a new sibling group and who already have experience of working with children in groups.
Sessional workers who will be involved in running sibling groups

Purpose of the training
To equip participants with enough information, activities, and confidence to set up a sibling group for children in the 7-13 age range.

What you will gain by attending this training:
A clear rationale for running a sibling group
How to structure a sibling group
Recreational and discussion activity ideas for your group
Information on good practice for sibling group leader
Time to plan a session for your group
An opportunity to network with other new group leaders

Cost of attendance at open training £45 per person
In house training for statutory sector is £450 plus trainer expenses
In house training for voluntary sector is £350 plus trainer expenses.

3. Consultancy and information on developing sibling services
Attendance at planning meetings to develop a sibling service
Cost - Travel expenses for sibling group development officer

Remote support
Phone and email support for agencies on developing or running a sibling service (Free)
Phone support for professionals working with individual siblings (Free)
On line sibling group leader manual on Sibs website (Free)
Monthly sibling group leader activity idea by email (Free)

4. Sibs annual sibling group leader conference

We run this each year, and alternate between London and the North of England.

Sibling groups demonstrate their group work, so that you can observe and participate in an interactive sibling workshop with real siblings. Whether you are new to sibling group work or an old hand, you need inspiration, practical ideas, and time to meet others who share your passion to support siblings. Our annual conference is an opportunity for you to get all of these.

See snapshots of
2008 conference
2007 conference

The conference is for:
Sibling group leaders and professionals who support siblings of disabled children

How you benefit from the conference:
Meet other people who are actively involved in supporting siblings.
Enhance your knowledge and skills around supporting siblings, especially the practical aspects of running groups.
Have fun and return to work with renewed commitment and enthusiasm

Cost of attendance at conference is £120 per person