Professional Training Workshops 2020
To kick off 2020, Oogachaga will be running a series of professional training workshops for social service, healthcare and education professionals, so as to better equip everyone with the awareness, knowledge and skills in working with our LGBTQ+ clients.
We welcome social workers, counsellors, psychologists, therapists, doctors, nurses, teachers and professionals from other relevant fields to register for these workshops.
WORKSHOP 1: LGBTQ SEXUAL HEALTH
4th March 2020, Wednesday, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: NVPC at the Giving Place. Fees & registration details here.
Objective: To increase the level of knowledge and skills for professionals when working with their LGBTQ clients on sexual health issues.
Topics:
Why LGBTQ sexual health?
Sexual health risk factors for LGBTQ clients
Role of professionals in support & intervention
Local LGBTQ community resources, including sexual health screening & treatment services
WORKSHOP 2: SUPPORTING PARENTS OF LGBTQ CHILDREN
4th March 2020, Wednesday, 2pm – 5pm
Venue: NVPC at the Giving Place. Fees & registration details here.
Objective: To raise awareness among professionals working with parents of LGBTQ children of the unique issues and challenges faced.
Topics:
Understanding issues from a parent’s perspective
Impact of parental support on health outcomes
Assessing considerations when working with parents
Professional’s role in supporting parents, and community resources
WORKSHOP 3: LGBTQ MENTAL HEALTH (INTRODUCTION)
5th March 2020, Thursday, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: NVPC at the Giving Place. Fees & registration details here.
Objective: To increase the level of knowledge and skills for professionals working with LGBTQ clients on mental health issues.
Topics:
Why LGBTQ mental health?
Mental health risk factors for LGBTQ clients
Role of professionals in support & intervention
Local LGBTQ community resources, including mental health screening & treatment services
WORKSHOP 4: LGBTQ MENTAL HEALTH (SUICIDE & SELF-HARM)
5th March 2020, Thursday, 2pm – 5pm
Venue: NVPC at the Giving Place. Fees & registration details here.
Objective: To increase the level of knowledge and awareness of the unique challenges posed when working with LGBTQ clients on suicide and self-harm.
Topics:
Why LGBTQ suicide? Risk factors for LGBTQ clients
Unique issues related to LGBTQ suicide
Role of professionals in intervention & local LGBTQ community resources
Click here to register for this workshop.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP TRAINERS
The co-trainers for all 4 workshops are Leow Yangfa and Shamini Nedumaran.
Leow Yangfa is Executive Director of Oogachaga, and a registered social worker. Yangfa’s role includes counselling LGBTQ+ clients experiencing a range of psycho-social issues, and other organisational responsibilities such as conducting professional workshops, volunteer training and corporate engagement. He has previously worked in Samaritans of Singapore (SOS: 2005 – 2013) as a social worker, trainer and training coordinator; and at National Council of Social Service (NCSS: 1999 – 2005) as a principal executive. He edited the anthology “I Will Survive: Personal LGBT stories in Singapore” (published by Math Paper Press 2013, reprinted 2015 & 2018).
Shamini Nedumaran is a Counsellor at Oogachaga, where she works with LGBTQ individuals and couples in a community-based setting. Shamini has a Masters in Counselling from Singapore University of Social Sciences, and proudly identifies herself as an ally of the LGBTQ community.
If your organisation is interested in collaborating with us to customise our professional training talks or workshops, please contact us.
Workshop participants’ feedback on what had been done well:
‘LGBTQ Sexual Health’ (February 2019)
“The information presented has been very beneficial as well as highlighting the services available.”
“Very engaging and conducted sensitively.”
"Clear presentation & explanation.”
‘LGBTQ Mental Health’ (February 2019)
“Interesting videos.” “Question & answer was well done. Discussion well facilitated.”
“Case study was very helpful to actualise practice.”
“Open space to ask questions.” “Videos are good, entertaining and relevant.”
“How to manage a LGBTQ client’s challenges / discomfort to discuss their orientation.”
‘Supporting parents of LGBTQ clients’ (February 2019)
“Giving us perspective of parent of LGBTQ.”
“Question & answer at end of training is very useful.”
“Tips on talking to parents with LGBTQ.”