Training Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training bemix Celebrates Training Over 6,500 Health and Social Care Staff Across Kent & Medway A milestone worth celebrating! Kent & Medway, UK - BrightPath.org, the dedicated training initiative led by bemix in partnership with Aucademy CIC and Kent Autistic Trust, is celebrating a major milestone in delivering life-changing learning for the Health and Social Care workforce across Kent and Medway. As the officially commissioned provider by the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, bemix is the preferred provider of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™ in the region. Since the partnership began delivering the training in 2025, over 6,500 NHS, Social Care and Local Authority staff have completed the training sessions, designed to improve confidence, skills and understanding when providing care and support for Autistic people and people with a learning disability. This milestone reflects bemix’s commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate and person-centred care culture across Kent and Medway. Training That Makes a Real Difference The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism™ is the Government’s standardised and recommended curriculum that helps Health and Social Care professionals understand the lived experiences of Autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Required under the Health and Care Act 2022, this training equips staff with practical knowledge to make reasonable adjustments informed by real, lived experiences, helping them to deliver safe and respectful care that meets both legal and quality standards. Delegates begin with a free NHS England e-learning module and then complete either a Tier 1 online interactive webinar or a Tier 2 full-day interactive, in-person training, co-delivered by trainers who are Autistic or have lived experience of a learning disability. This co-delivery model brings real voices and practical insight into every session, making the learning truly impactful. Why This Training Matters The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training was developed following the tragic death of Oliver McGowan, whose experiences highlighted the urgent need for a better understanding of learning disability and autism within health and social care services. The training helps to prevent avoidable deaths by ensuring that staff: Understand the needs of Autistic people and people with learning disabilities Recognise the importance of reasonable adjustments Communicate more effectively and compassionately Deliver care that is safe, person-centred and legally compliant A key strength of the model is that training is co-delivered by people with lived experience. This approach ensures the learning is authentic, impactful and grounded in real experiences. Partnership Powered by Lived Experience and Expertise bemix’s BrightPath training combines the strengths of its partners: bemix, leading the partnership and championing coproduced training rooted in lived experience. Aucademy CIC, bringing specialist educational design and delivery. Kent Autistic Trust, contributing advocacy and insight to ensure training is respectful, relevant and responsive. Partner With Us: Contact Us Discover how your organisation can access this essential training. Together, they deliver training that doesn’t just meet mandatory requirements - it transforms how people think about and practice inclusive care, supporting people to live longer and healthier lives Looking Ahead bemix and the BrightPath partners remain dedicated to expanding access to the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training across all sectors of Health and Social Care in Kent and Medway. With ongoing sessions, accessible formats and funding support available for eligible organisations, the programme is well placed to continue strengthening understanding, confidence and professional capability throughout 2026 and beyond. Natasha Cocooran, the Head of the bemix Oliver McGowan Training, comments... “We are proud of the positive impact this training is having. By training thousands of staff, we are helping to change how Health and Social Care professionals understand, support and care for people who are Autistic and people with learning disabilities - improving experiences and health outcomes across our communities.” Book Your Training: Training Courses Available Secure your place on Tier 1 or Tier 2 sessions today. Learn More About Oliver’s Story: Why is it so important? Understand the inspiration behind the training. Contact us Email us at [email protected] Phone us on 01227 230 536 Manage Cookie Preferences