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Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™
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Shining a light on care with The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™ together we form Brighpath
Our mission is to empower the health and social care workforce with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring they can provide safe, compassionate, and informed care for Autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.
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We are proud to be chosen by NHS Kent and Medway as the preferred training provider for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™—a vital step toward standardised, government-recommended training.
Partnering with BEMIX, AUCADEMY and the Oliver McGowan Campaign at the Kent Autistic Trust, we deliver training led by the very voices of those who are Autistic and/or have learning disabilities.
Our sessions are co-delivered by individuals who share their unique stories and experiences, creating a rich learning environment that fosters compassionate change. We equip staff with impactful skills for inclusive, person-centred care and support.
Through our personal narratives, we demonstrate the importance of effective training in supporting Autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. Together, we have the opportunity to unlock the immense potential within health and social care, enhancing quality, culture, and practice. Our heartfelt approach inspires us all to envision and work toward a more inclusive world.
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Click here to learn more about our external partners
Or book your Tier 2 Training here
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​Giving health and social care professionals the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to provide inclusive, person-centred care in Kent and Medway.
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The Oliver McGowan Campaign
​Oliver McGowan was a young autistic man with a learning disability whose tragic experience highlighted the urgent need for better education among healthcare professionals. His story has ignited a national movement to ensure that every healthcare professional has the knowledge and confidence to provide the best possible care and support.
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Following Oliver's death in 2016, his mother, Paula McGowan OBE, launched the Oliver McGowan Campaign. This campaign advocates for mandatory training on learning disability and autism for all health and social care staff. The initiative aims to ensure healthcare professionals have the knowledge and skills to offer appropriate and compassionate care to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
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The campaign has garnered significant support from various sectors, including government officials, healthcare organisations, and advocacy groups. For instance, Helen Whately MP, Minister of State for Care, has expressed her wholehearted support for the campaign, emphasising the importance of developing and delivering training in collaboration with autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.
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The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training program is now being implemented across the UK. This training is designed to tackle biases and unconscious attitudes, ultimately leading to a shift in understanding and practice among healthcare professionals. The program includes co-produced training videos and resources, ensuring that the voices and experiences of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities are central to the training.
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The campaign's impact extends beyond training, as it also aims to raise awareness and promote systemic changes within the healthcare system. By advocating for better education and understanding, the Oliver McGowan Campaign strives to prevent future tragedies and improve the quality of care for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.
To learn more about the campaign, watch here:​​​​​
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