MAP and PATH

The government's guidance on person centred planning requires organisations to provide training in a variety of person centred planning approaches. This training gives participants an in-depth working knowledge of two person centred planning styles, MAP and PATH. This is part of what is described in the guidance as the
'depth strategy'.

What does this course cover?
This course will focus on tools developed by John O'Brien, Jack Pearpoint and Marsha Forest. Specifically it will focus on MAP and PATH but also looking at other problem solving tools such as solution circles. Underlying the whole course is the principle of graphic recording, helping participants develop the use of images and pictures to stimulate creativity in a way that words alone cannot. This is a four day
course delivered over a six month period.
The first three days are held together and are designed to provide participants with the following:

Day 1 - orientation into the course using graphic recording, encouraging people to work together, recording things graphically and creating a safe working environment.
Day 2 - learning about the theory and process of MAP. Then putting it practice and understanding the facilitation role.
Day 3 - learning about the theory and process of PATH. Seeing a live PATH done and understanding the roles of facilitator and graphic recorder. Working out the next steps to practicing the skills that you have learnt on the course.
Day 4 - coming together to share experiences and knowledge around your learning and having the opportunity to practice overcoming difficulties and celebrating the successes.
Participants will be required to complete work in between training days to practice and further develop the skills they have learnt on the course.

Who is it for?
The course is open to self advocates, families and people who work within services.
We have found that people coming as a small team, a mix of self advocates, family members and paid staff works really well. It is vital that people have an opportunity to practice and further develop the skills they have learnt on the course and we have found that when a person comes on their own there is not always this
opportunity.
People who have attended a one day awareness on person centred planning or have been involved in person centred planning work and want to make a bigger contribution. People who enjoy leading or facilitating and are comfortable facilitating a well structured process.
People who are basically comfortable doodling or drawing and believe we can help a person and others see and follow what is being said by using graphics and images. Have experience of and/or believe that it takes something a bit special to help realise the dreams and aspirations that any of us have but which are usually buried or never come to surface. It is a very participatory course. It's not about
performing in front of a group but about thinking differently and stretching yourself.
People will need to feel comfortable doing this.

What will people know and be able to do as a result of attending this
course?
To understand the basic process of MAP and PATH by having their own facilitated, giving them an opportunity to feel and experience each of the processes.
To understand the different roles within each process and to have had the opportunity to experience each of the roles. Thinking in different ways about recording information and problem solving.