Advanced Courses

Advanced training is for anyone who has completed the Foundation Training and would like to use a more specialised resource.

Our advanced online modules can be completed in 2-3 hours and you will be asked to send us a reflection. A full card resource is included in the fee.

Each course will:

• Explain how the resource was developed
• Show filmed examples of people using the different topics
• Explain how to prepare for your Talking Mat session
• Discuss implementation and challenges

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Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

This Resource is designed to be used by people who want to use Talking Mats in a context where there is already existing AAC support in place.

This Resource has been developed in partnership with Ace Centre and the Scottish Centre of Technology for the Communication Impaired (SCTCI).

This is a versatile resource that can be used to support long-term users of AAC, both in reviewing their current AAC systems, and to assist in introducing an AAC support system for the first time. The resource includes 3 Topics:

• Your communication
• Joining in conversations
• How your AAC works

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Keeping Safe

This course is for those who want to use Talking Mats in a safeguarding context.

This resource has been developed in partnership with NHS Fife with input from Survivor Scotland, Kingdom Abuse Survivors project and the Scottish Government Keys to life. There are 3 topics within the set:

• Your Well-being
• Relationships
• Thoughts & Feelings

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Our Advanced Online Courses and Webinars provide a live training opportunity. Lasting 3 hours these are run by specialists in the field. A full card Resource is included in the fee.

Each course will

• consider why the Resource is needed
• demonstrate how to use the Resource in practice
• provide the opportunity to reflect and consider the impact of using this Resource
• encourage questions and feedback

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Capacity: enabling supported decision making

This live online training and resource is appropriate for those who have completed Talking Mats Foundation Training and who wish to use Talking Mats to enable supported decision making within the context of capacity, irrespective of the specific legislation with which you work.

The training will be delivered by Lois Cameron, Talking Mats Consultant and Julie King, Talking Mats Associate.

• It will be delivered via Zoom
• It aims to improve skills and application for practice
• It lasts for 3hours (comfort breaks included!)

There are 4 topics in this resource

• Things I do
• My Accommodation
• My Safety
• My Care and Support Plan

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Thinking Ahead

Created through a partnership with Strathcarron Hospice, Denny, the resource was updated in 2025. It is designed to support people to think about and plan for the future when coping with changed in health.

The live online Advanced Training will be delivered by; Sally Boa, Head of Palliative Care, Education, Research, and Practice Strathcarron Hospice, Lois Cameron, Talking Mats Consultant, and Margo Mackay, Managing Director of Talking Mats

• It is delivered via Teams
• It aims to improve skills and application for practice
• It lasts for 3hrs (comfort breaks included!)

There are 3 topics in this resource;

• Affairs
• Care / Treatment
• Personal factors

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