There are two parts to MECC training in Worcestershire, further information about the e-learning and skills training is detailed below:

MECC e-learning

• free, available to everyone, and takes 30 minutes to complete
• a mandatory pre-requisite for undertaking the face to face skills training as it includes knowledge based material that is not revisited in the face to face skills training
• valuable for anyone who has opportunities to have brief informal conversations about making healthier lifestyle choices including conversations with family, friends, colleagues, service users and others
•  available to complete as a standalone learning package

 Aims and objectives

• understand what MECC is, recognise how it is relevant to you, and identify your own thoughts/feelings about carrying out MECC
• relay information from the five key areas:
  • stopping smoking
  • healthy eating
  • physical activity
  • alcohol
  • mental wellbeing
• recognise opportunities to deliver key messages about adopting a healthier lifestyle, and overcome any personal barriers to MECC
• confidently provide appropriate lifestyle advice
• understand the relevance of MECC to your role
• understand where to find additional information on the topics covered in this module.
• understand effective communication skills, using the 4A's approach, and how to Make Every Contact Count (the e-learning only briefly covers this as it is covered in greater depth in the skills training)

MECC skills training

• a free 2 hour 30 minutes training session relevant for frontline workers and volunteers
  • who regularly have conversations with members of the public, service users or others
  • where there are opportunities to have very brief informal conversations about healthy lifestyle choices. 
• focussed on behaviour change, effective communication skills, and how to successfully Make Every Contact Count using the 4A's approach and OARS

Aims and objectives

• effectively Make Every Contact Count by building on the knowledge from the e-learning and incorporate it into healthy lifestyle conversations
• identify and engage in conversations about healthier lifestyle behaviours
• support motivation to change and understand behaviour change models and theories
• confidently offer accurate, evidenced based and consistent lifestyle messages
• provide information and signpost to services and support

Do I need to complete both parts of MECC training?

If you are a frontline worker or volunteer, it is strongly recommended that you complete both MECC e-learning and skills training as you can make a big difference in encouraging lifestyle behaviour change that has a positive effect on the health and wellbeing of others.

Your organisation may have decided on an approach for implementing MECC and relevant staff training.

If you are not a frontline worker or volunteer or your organisation doesn't have an approach in place for MECC you can complete the MECC e-learning as a standalone learning package.