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Understanding Substance Misuse

Understanding Substance Misuse

Level 2

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

This is a 30 hour part-time training course for people who want to develop their knowledge of substance misuse. This course will help you understand why people abuse drugs and alcohol which is the first step towards helping them move forward. The course may be particularly useful to Voluntary workers, welfare staff, health authority staff, managers, personnel and training staff, probation and social services staff, teachers and tutors.

"[Gloucestershire College] provides excellent resources and a wide range of extra opportunities for learners to enhance their learning in a purposeful, attractive and welcoming learning environment.” (Ofsted, 2013)

This qualification has been developed to conform to Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS).

The course covers:

  • The effects of different drugs
  • The harm caused by substance misuse
  • The main signs and symptoms of using specific drugs, including alcohol
  • The link between HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and substance misuse
  • The effects of drugs and alcohol on pregnancy
  • The signs and symptoms of an overdose of drugs or alcohol
  • The assumptions and stereotypes associated with substance misuse

Learners are required to produce a portfolio of work for assessment, which is verified externally by the awarding body. In addition to the 30 hours classroom time, learners should allow 30 hours additional study time over the life of the course.

Candidate registration fees are payable at enrolment

 

Finally, there are a number of options available at GC to help you pay for your course fees:

  • Setting up a Direct Debit: You’ll be asked for a 20% deposit when you enrol and this can be paid in cash, or by debit or credit card. There is a 2% charge on credit card payments. Course fees must be paid in full by the end of your course so the monthly instalments would be adjusted accordingly e.g. for a one year course you would make 8 payments
  • Advanced Learner Loan: Contact Student Services to find out more and whether this course is eligible
  • Support for those that are unemployed and in receipt of benefits: Contact Student Services to find out if this course is eligible for funding and whether you are eligible

  • No Entry Criteria

    No previous training or experience required.

  • Students might consider progression on to Level 2 or level 3 NVQs in Health & Social Care (H&SC), level 2 Counselling Skills, level 3 Substance Misuse.

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What You Will Pay

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In recent years, research has proven that counselling is an effective way to help people with mental health problems. Various programmes to improve access and recruit more counsellors mean that it is a good time to consider a career in counselling.

Our counselling courses are incredibly popular with students and highly regarded by employers. The qualification can lead to a professional career as a counsellor but also equips students with listening skills that can be helpful in a wide variety of professional and voluntary roles.

Experience is essential for job applications so, while you’re studying, you can gain practical work experience in a local counselling agency or within our own counselling service. Many of our students have moved on to work for local counselling services or have also successfully started their own counselling practices.

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Student Stories

Catherine Hews

I was at the point in my career as a Foster Care Supporter that I felt additional skills in counselling would be beneficial, not just for me but for the families I support. I have always been curious about people’s behaviour and their motivations and this course gave me an understanding of these topics. The support is excellent here from lecturers, they are always there to help out. I hope to have my own counselling practice one day and definitely think that this course is a stepping stone towards achieving that!”

Catherine Hews

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Gemma Curtis

I couldn’t commit to university as I have children so Gloucestershire College was really local and convenient. I could gain the qualifications to take my career down a slightly different path, while looking after my family. I much preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the College as opposed to a university. You have to be committed, counselling can be challenging but it is very rewarding when you complete it. Within just a few months of graduating, I set up my own business and I am now self-employed.”

Gemma Curtis

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Helen Jenkins

“I completed my foundation degree at Gloucestershire College in 2013, and in the same year, met Daryl. He’d been thinking about a change in career and after hearing about my experience, decided to study the same Therapeutic Counselling course, which he completed with a merit this year. “Since completing my Foundation Degree I’ve worked for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, Let’s Talk, the Terrance Higgins Trust, and I’m now a Sexual Health Counsellor for the NHS.”

Helen Jenkins

Foundation Degree – Therapeutic Counselling – Cheltenham Campus

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Next Steps

Find out more

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