Health Exchange have become accredited by Open College Network West Midlands Region (OCNWMR) , allowing us to develop recognised training courses that can provide credits in line with NVQ.
OCNWMR is a national qualification awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). We have been working with them predominantly to gain accreditation for the new ‘Community Mothers Volunteer Program’, which was also approved for accrediation.
The OCNWMR accreditation will allow us to expand our work and oppurtunities with communities and partners, particularly with expanding the skills of our staff and outreach workers. The certfication will allow us to act as a centre providing accredited training for people who may not have such an opportunity. This is particularly important to our social goals.
We are also able to develop new training schemes to support programmes and outreach work where current recognised training is not available. Our Community Mothers Volunteer Training will be the first example of this. Based upon the principles of our Breastfeeding Support Program, we will help volunteers to utilise their skills and knowledge around nourishing baby to support new and first time mothers.
As well as increasing awareness of breastfeeding benefits throughout the community, this scheme will provide confidence and encouragement for those entering employment for the first time or after long periods of absence. All OCNWMR courses provided by Health Exchange will carry weighted credits which can be added towards a degree or NVQ qualification.
Our first courses will be available in the summer and will be advertised via our website and social media. To find out more about our Breastfeeding scheme, visit our service pages.
For more on Open College Network West Midlands Region, visit their website.
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