This 3 hour workshop is run by 3 facilitators.  It uses a mix of small group work, lectures and rehearsals to teach participants how to have an evidence-based, structured conversation with someone who has concerns or is distressed.

After a short introduction, the workshops uses small groups to establish what the participants already know about how to pick up and respond to concerns.

This is followed by a half hour lecture on research findings and policy relating to effective communication skills.  The SAGE & THYME model is introduced as a model to help participants translate the research and the policy into their interactions with distressed or worried people.

The small groups then reconvene to reflect on the SAGE & THYME model.

After a short break, the SAGE & THYME model is demonstrated in two rehearsals involving an acted conversation between a patient and a healthcare professional (demonstrated by two facilitators), using scenarios suggested by the participants.

A film lasting about 5 minutes is then shown to demonstrate another acted conversation between a member of staff and someone who is concerned/distressed using the SAGE & THYME model.

The workshop ends by a final group work exercise reflecting on what the participants have learnt.