The main theme is "Active April".

The Matrix Standard is an externally accredited quality standard which is reviewed every 3 years and which Access Training has held since 2006.

SMART stands for:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time Bound.

The attached resource explains how to set yourself SMART goals and targets.

SMART objectives are useful in all aspects of life, including your career and personal life.

Warning

• Contains scenes which might be upsetting for some viewers.

• Deals with Self-Harm and Eating Disorders

Please visit this website and review the definitions carefully.

This video is part of the BBC series Green Planet which is available on BBC iPlayer.

1. b) Taking care of the Earth so future generations can enjoy it too

2. b) Reducing waste and recycling

3. b) Cutting down too many trees (deforestation)

4. c) Bring reusable bags when shopping

5. a) Use less, find new uses for things, and turn rubbish into new products

6. b) Using public transport or cycling instead of driving

7. a) Using energy-efficient light bulbs

8. c) They help clean the air and provide homes for animals

9. b) The amount of greenhouse gases you create through your activities

10.d) All of the above

Sir David Attenborough talks about the links between mental health and nature, and how you can make the most of the natural world.

You can find out more at mind.org.uk/nature

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Emphasises a balance between environmental health, economic viability, and social *equity.

*Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome

The following resources are featured this month:

• A presentation which looks at what the month is about, why we have and it and some significant individuals. 

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and mental health.

• Additional reading including the Windrush generation and Eric Irons.

• Are you aware of Black History month and why it takes place?
• Is there anything that your place of work does to embed and promote this?
• In what ways can it be beneficial for you, and your work setting to learn about this?
• What is one thing you can research relating to the topic?

Careers, Employability and Aspirations

The topics for this year are:

Our Community

Black History Month

Our Planet

Disability Awareness

Health and Wellbeing

Social Media

Relationships

Diversity

Mental Health

Rule of Law

Careers, Employability and Aspirations

Finance

1. b) Environmental, social, and economic considerations
2. b) Using renewable energy sources like solar and wind
3. a) Providing equal access to resources and promoting social cohesion
4. a) Building more parking lots
5. c) Individuals contribute through their daily choices and actions
6. c) Implementing a comprehensive recycling program and encouraging the use of reusable products
7. a) Supporting local businesses and buying locally-produced goods
8. b) Create a sense of belonging and ensure equal opportunities for all
9. c) Make eco-friendly choices, participate in local initiatives, and support sustainable practices
10. b) It ensures a better quality of life for current and future generations

But what is a community?

A community is a group of interacting people who live in or share a common geographic area, possessing shared values, traditions, or interests that create a sense of identity and togetherness.

These people will frequently encounter one another, contributing to a shared social fabric and common social and cultural elements that distinguish them from others.
 

Key Characteristics

• Shared Location:

  Members live in the same defined geographical area, such as a neighborhood, town, or village. 

• Social Cohesion:

  There's a sense of togetherness and social connection among members, often fostered by regular, face-to-face interactions. 

• Common Values and Identity:

  Members may share common history, traditions, language, values, or a collective sense of identity that binds them together. 

• Shared Interests:

  A local community can also be organised around common interests, concerns, or goals, like those of a group or business. 

• Interacting Individuals:

  It's a group of people who are in contact with one another, whether through informal gatherings, formal meetings, or online platforms.

Below are some questions that you might be asked to discuss as part of the review process:

• How would you define Disability?

• Can you tell me different types of disabilities?

• What ways does your workplace support those with a disability?

• Do some research into the Equality Act 2010 and the 9 protected characteristics.

• How can you raise awareness of disabilities in your area of work?

Be prepared to discuss any of the topics above with your Trainer Assessor at your progress review in December.

TRUE. Of course this is true. People with disabilities are involved in a full range of professions.

12. People with disabilities prefer to hang out with others who have disabilities?

FALSE. Friendship is usually based on common interests and activities, not on whether or not a person has a disability.

13. Public places such as cinemas and restaurants are easy for people who use wheelchairs to enjoy?

FALSE. Although the law calls for public places to be accessible to people who use wheelchairs, the fact is that there are still many places that are difficult for people who use wheelchairs to navigate. When you make plans with someone with a disability, possible architectural barriers should be considered.

14. People with disabilities can’t dance?

FALSE. Most people have their own styles of dancing, and people with disabilities are no different.

15. It’s okay to ask people with disabilities about their disabilities?

TRUE. What’s important is how you ask. Don’t ask, “What’s wrong with you?” Instead, learning more about a person’s disability should be a part of getting to know each other.

Even then, some people may be willing to answer questions, while others may choose not to. Be sensitive to and respect their wishes.

16. People with disabilities can participate in competitive sports?

TRUE. Competitive sports are as important to people with disabilities as they are to those without. Having a physical, sensory or cognitive disability does not necessarily preclude involvement in individual or team sports. People with disabilities ski, play tennis and racquetball, race in 10Ks and marathons and participate in dozens of other sports. Keep in mind, though, that just like everyone else, some people with disabilities love sports, while others just aren’t interested.

17. People with physical disabilities can’t live on their own when they grow up?

FALSE. With adapted housing, personal assistants, accessible transportation and available employment, most people with physical disabilities can and do choose to live independently.

18. People can become disabled at any time in their lives?

TRUE. People can be born with a disability or the disability may come after birth, the result of illness, age or an accident. Statistics show that during their lifetime, 50% of people will experience a disability.

19. Disabilities are illnesses to be treated by medical professionals in the hope of a cure?

FALSE. Disabilities are not the same as illnesses. People with disabilities are not sick, and most are seeking acceptance and inclusion rather than a ‘cure’.

20. Many people with disabilities feel their real disability involves problems with the environment rather than problems with their bodies?

TRUE. Architectural barriers limit participation, productivity, and independence. For instance, if a person who uses a wheelchair is offered a job that they cannot accept because it is located on the second floor of a building without an elevator, the real problem is that there is no elevator.

Here are some of the questions to consider relating to this topic:

• What forms of Social Media do you use?

• What do you think about the Social Media that you use?

• In what ways do you keep safe when using Social Media platforms?

• Discuss the positive and negative impacts of Social Media.

• How do you think Social Media can impact on our mental health?

• Does the organisation you work for have a Social Media policy and / or procedures?

Can you think of any examples from your own personal experience where a relationship has had a positive or negative impact on your well-being?

How did the people around you whether in your social group, family or workplace help you with this, and support your mental health and well-being?

Some examples might be:

• having enough breaks / time off / holidays

• opportunities to build relationships through team activities

• job shares available

• support from managers

• a chance to voice their concerns.

• Relations inside the family

• Friendships

• Acquaintances

• Romantic connections

• Relationships at work

• Situational connections

  
  

The closeness of these many types of relationships can differ substantially, and within each of these fundamental categories, there are various types of relationships which will vary for everyone.  

Relationships are not only with people but can be with things such as:

• Alcohol

• Drugs

• Food

  
  

Having negative relationships / addictions with the above can have an impact on your mental health, relationships with people and what support would be required.

This video adopts a CBT approach and helps you to understand how your thoughts and feelings and behaviour can act together to keep you feeling bad.

When you click on the link you will have to click again when prompted to view the video on YouTube.

You might want to select one which you would like to talk about.

• What is the definition of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Discrimination?

• Are you aware of legislation relating to Equality and Diversity such as the Equality Act 2010?

• What are the four Fundamental British Values and how do they link into Equality and Diversity?

• List the ways that you are treated fairly at college/work.

• How do you promote diversity within your workplace?

• Does your organisation have a policy which relates to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

• Why is it important to be aware of different cultural celebrations and religions?

• Disabilities. Is your workplace accessible for all and is there any training they could do around additional needs?

• LGBT. Are you aware of this and ways to provide inclusive environments for all i.e., fair employment opportunities, discuss pride.

• Being treated negatively or discriminated against because of your race, gender, sexuality etc can have a huge impact on mental health, discuss your thoughts on this and signs to look out for.

• Are you aware of the bullying policy in your workplace and who to talk to if you have any concerns at work?

1. Environmental Sustainability: This involves practices that protect and enhance the natural environment. It includes reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy and water, managing waste effectively through recycling and composting, preserving biodiversity, and promoting the use of renewable resources.
2. Social Sustainability: Social sustainability focuses on fostering a sense of community, equality, and well-being among all members. It includes providing access to quality healthcare, education, and housing, promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring social safety nets for vulnerable populations, and enhancing social cohesion through community engagement and participation.
3. Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability entails building a resilient and thriving local economy. This involves supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns, creating job opportunities, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions.
4. Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Sustainable community development considers urban planning that encourages walkability, bike-friendly infrastructure, efficient public transportation, green spaces, and mixed-use zoning. This minimizes congestion, pollution, and resource wastage.
5. Resilience and Adaptation: A sustainable community is prepared to address and adapt to challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and economic fluctuations. This involves developing disaster preparedness plans, implementing climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
6. Education and Awareness: Educating community members about sustainable practices and their benefits is crucial. This can include workshops, campaigns, and programs that raise awareness about environmental conservation, responsible consumption, and social equity.
7. Local Governance and Decision-Making: Effective local governance plays a vital role in sustainability. Engaging with local government, advocating for sustainable policies, and participating in decision-making processes ensures that sustainability remains a priority.
8. Collaboration and Partnerships: Achieving sustainability requires collaboration between individuals, community organizations, businesses, and government entities. Building partnerships and networks can amplify efforts and create a more holistic approach to sustainability.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assessing progress towards sustainability goals allows the community to track its achievements, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies as needed.

Click here to access the Access Training Padlet for Support with your Mental Health

Below are links to some of them.

• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 

• World Alzheimer’s Month

• Organic September

• September 10^th World Suicide Prevention Day

• September 19^th Youth Mental Health Day  

• September 21^st International Day of Peace

• 20th - 26th September Forest Week

Some data suggests that this might even be twice as likely.

FALSE. While is it true that many people who use wheelchairs can’t walk, many can. People with disabilities who can walk on their own or with the aid of braces or a walker may tire easily and choose to use a wheelchair because it gives them more independence.

2. You have a friend who has a speech impairment and sometimes you’re not sure what he said. To make things easier, you should pretend that you understand?

FALSE. Never pretend you understand what someone is saying if you don’t. Instead, ask your friend to repeat himself. If you’re still having trouble, make your best guess about what the person is saying and ask if you heard correctly. Occasionally, your friend may need to write something down for clarity.

3. When you meet someone who is blind or visually impaired, you should introduce yourself to that person?

TRUE. Introductions are always appropriate when meeting new people. When you have a friend or acquaintance with vision loss, it is appropriate to simply state your name whenever you meet them. “Hi Michael, it’s John Anderson.”

4. When communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is necessary to speak through an interpreter?

FALSE. Because some people who are deaf or hard of hearing use sign language, others read lips and still others use a combination of both, you need to find out how you can best communicate with them. If they have an interpreter, it’s perfectly fine to use this person, but look at and speak directly to the person with the disability, not to the interpreter. The interpreter with stand beside you and interpret as necessary.

5. It’s safe to assume that people with disabilities usually need help?

FALSE. Most people with disabilities prefer to be independent. When offering help to someone with a disability, always ask first, wait for their response and then ask them about the best way to provide the help they need. Don’t feel bad if your help is turned down.

6. It’s okay to gossip about people who are deaf hard of hearing because they can’t hear you anyway?

FALSE. People who are deaf or hard of hearing are just as likely to know they are being talked about as other people would be. Even if they do not hear exactly what’s being said, they will notice. Why be rude?

7. People who use wheelchairs can’t go any place fun?

FALSE. People who use wheelchairs may face some architectural barriers when going out into the community. But this doesn’t mean they can’t go anywhere fun. Instead, it’s a reason to check out the places you plan to go ahead of time to see if there are potential problems. Decisions can then be made to work around barriers or to choose another location. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will make planned activities more enjoyable for everyone.

8. People with cerebral palsy usually have a cognitive disability, too?

FALSE. Cerebral palsy is a disability affecting movement. Although cerebral palsy affects the motor control centre of the brain, it does not affect one’s natural intelligence.

9. People with disabilities want very much to be treated just like everyone else?

TRUE. People with disabilities have said that this, more than anything, is what they want—to be included and treated just like everyone else.

10. When you meet someone with a guide or companion dog, you should make friends with the dog first so that the dog is comfortable with you being nearby?

FALSE. You should always meet the person before their dog! Guide and companion dogs are working and should not be disturbed. As you’re getting to know the person, you can ask about the dog, and ask to be introduced.

There are additional resources covering online safety.

Consider how communication, cooperation, consideration, and compatibility are all important to a relationship.

You might want to think about or write down some ideas for each of the four C's as you might want to discuss this with your Trainer Assessor during your progress review.

It might help for you to think about a specific relationship you have with someone.

Here are some of the questions to consider relating to this topic:

1. In what ways do you take care of your mental health? This could include having an enjoyable hobby, talking about your feelings, going to counselling, knowing what factors and triggers impact your mental health or attending the GP

   
   

2. How does your work environment support your mental health?

   Do they give a fair amount of annual leave, are managers accessible to discuss personal matters and health / well-being, do they encourage a good work / home-life balance

   
   

3. What ways do you balance the demands of your learning with other commitments, such as day to dday work or caring responsibilities?

   
   

4. Are you aware of services and organisations to support you with your mental health?

   
   

5. What goals are you working towards that support your mental health?

   
   

6. Name some individuals who have had a positive impact on your mental health?

• Sustainability is the capacity to endure and thrive indefinitely by meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• It's about finding a balance between economic, social, and environmental considerations.

• Sustainability is not a luxury; it's a necessity for the survival and well-being of humanity and the planet.
• It ensures that our actions today do not compromise the quality of life for future generations.

• Protecting and preserving the natural world.
• It involves responsible resource use, conservation, and minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems.
• Examples: reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and promoting clean energy.

• Creating just and equitable communities.
• It involves ensuring equal access to resources, promoting social cohesion, and supporting human rights.
• Examples: providing quality education, affordable healthcare, and fostering diversity and inclusion.

• Maintaining a stable and thriving economy.
• It involves sustainable production and consumption patterns, as well as equitable distribution of wealth.
• Examples: promoting responsible business practices, supporting local economies, and reducing income inequality.

• Improved quality of life for current and future generations
• Enhanced resilience to environmental and social challenges
• Long-term economic stability and reduced resource scarcity.

• Every individual plays a role in contributing to sustainability through daily choices and actions.
• Communities can drive change through collective efforts, such as sustainable initiatives and advocacy.

No peeking until you have answered all of the questions!

• Are you aware of Black History month and why it takes place?
• Is there anything that your place of work does to embed and promote this?
• In what ways can it be beneficial for you, and your work setting to learn about this?
• What is one thing you can research relating to the topic?

Some of the statements might be quite challenging to read, but are included as genuine statements which you might experience in life.

You can write your answers on a separate piece of paper and compare them with the answers provided at the bottom of this section.

There are 20 questions in this section. You might want to choose 5 questions to answer, or if you want a challenge you can answer all 20.

See how many you get right. Good luck!

This would be an unhealthy relationship scenario.

Nature has a significant impact on our psychological well-being, and spending time in natural environments can have numerous benefits for mental health.

Please read the resources below to learn more about this.

It includes several short videos of individual experiences. 

Below are some resources for communities both locally to Nottingham and nationally.

This video produced by the NSPCC shows an unhealthy relationship and where that can lead to.

See how you could get involved and benefit yourself and others.

Hopefully there is something you will find useful about how to keep yourself and others safe whilst online.

But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

The resources below might help to inform you about the good and bad things about social media.

Remember that your Trainer Assessor is there to support you, not only with your educational needs but also your well-being. If something is concerning you about one of the relationships in your life then Access Training might be able to support you through your Trainer Assessor or Safeguarding team.

Five have been selected for you below, including:

• Online Reputation

• How to Manage Your Digital Footprint

• Getting Ahead Through Social Media

• Is Your Social Media Profile Employer Ready?

• Helping Your Children Using Social Media for Work

Sometimes, life can be tough. And when life’s tough, things can get overwhelming and make it hard to manage your feelings. But you don’t have to go it alone.

Reaching out for help isn’t easy. It’s common to feel unsure about how to ask, or wonder if you need to reach out at all.

But asking for help is always okay. Whether you’re going through something big right now, have an ongoing mental health problem that needs support, or you’re just having a bad day, the important thing is not to try and cope on your own.

Asking for help is the first step to feeling better.

*quote taken from youngminds.org.uk

Below are links to the NHS.uk website for the following conditions:

• Autism

• Dementia

• Obsessive Complulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Tourette's Syndrome

• Schizophrenia

Have a look at each of the conditions.

Did you know about the signs and symptoms of each condition?

What do you know now that you didn't know before?

Obviously this list of conditions is not exhaustive, but you can access the "Mental Health" pages on the NHS.uk website using the link at the bottom of this section to research other conditions.

For example, the Access Training website contains details of current apprenticeship vacancies.

Other sites are local organisations linked to careers and employment.

Finally there are links to Nottingham University and UCAS.

This section has links and websites which explore this in more detail.

The social model of disability is a way of viewing the world, developed by disabled people.

The model says that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference. Barriers can be physical, like buildings not having accessible toilets. Or they can be caused by people's attitudes to difference, like assuming disabled people can't do certain things.

The social model helps us recognise barriers that make life harder for disabled people. Removing these barriers creates equality and offers disabled people more independence, choice and control.

Not everyone uses the social model and that’s ok. How someone chooses to talk about their impairment is an individual choice. 

The attached video is approx. 3 minutes long and explains this in more detail.

All text is taken from the Scope website.

a) Using everything up quickly
b) Taking care of the Earth so future generations can enjoy it too
c) Only focusing on making money
d) Ignoring environmental issues

2. Which of the following is a key part of being sustainable?

a) Buying the newest gadgets every year
b) Reducing waste and recycling
c) Using as many plastic bags as possible
d) Eating fast food every day

3. What is one major cause of climate change?

a) Riding bicycles
b) Cutting down too many trees (deforestation)
c) Planting more flowers
d) Using solar panels

4. What can you do to help reduce waste?

a) Use single-use plastics
b) Always throw things away without thinking
c) Bring reusable bags when shopping
d) Buy more stuff you don’t need

5. What does "reduce, reuse, recycle" mean?

a) Use less, find new uses for things, and turn rubbish into new products
b) Buy more new items every time
c) Only recycle paper
d) Ignore waste completely

6. Which of these is a way to help the environment?

a) Keeping the lights on when you leave the room
b) Using public transport or cycling instead of driving
c) Throwing food waste in the regular bin
d) Using lots of water when brushing your teeth

7. What is a "green" activity?

a) Using energy-efficient light bulbs
b) Burning plastic
c) Leaving the tap running
d) Driving everywhere without thinking

8. How can planting trees help the Earth?

a) They take up space
b) They release carbon dioxide
c) They help clean the air and provide homes for animals
d) They attract more pollution

9. What is a "carbon footprint"?

a) A footprint left in the sand
b) The amount of greenhouse gases you create through your activities
c) A type of shoe
d) A printout of your social media

10.Why is it important to take care of our planet?

a) It’s the only home we have
b) It helps us have clean air and water
c) It ensures that future generations can enjoy nature
d) All of the above

It is hoped that once you have watched the videos, that you will have increased your understanding of different types of disability and how people with disabilities should be treated.

There are some short videos and other information about how sustainability and nature can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Answers are provided at the bottom of this section.

Answers are provided in the next section.

We have included some ideas to get you started:

• Quitting smoking / drinking alcohol (e.g. Dry January)

• Changing your diet (e.g. Veganuary)

• Managing stress

• Improving your physical health

• Learning to save money

• Mental health support

• Personal goals, for example, learning to drive

• Improving your skills / qualifications

The Oxford English Dictionary defines Diversity as:

“The practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.”

The acas website (above) has a section explaining what Diversity means, along with Equality and Inclusion.

The aim is to increase your awareness of the terms Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, what they mean and why they are important.

This includes the Equality Act 2010.

This sounds like a simple thing to do, but done properly could mean a lot to someone you know.

Your time with Access is just one step on your career journey, and we encourage you to keep progressing, growing, and reaching higher goals throughout your working life.

So, have you thought about what you want to do next?

Your Trainer Assessor will discuss your next steps as part of the learner review process. Progress reviews happen throughout your learning programme but the focus on your next steps will increase as you come towards the end of your learning programme.

So to make sure you are ready for these discussions, here are some questions to consider.

• Do you know what you want to do next, once your have completed your current learning programme?

• Do you have a dream job / career?

• How could Access Training help you with your next steps?

• Is your apprenticeship / learning programme helping you to achieve your careers aim?

• Are you learning the correct knowledge, skills and behaviours to help you achieve your careers aims?

The answers are included in the sections below.

The following information is taken from the stress.org.uk website.

#BeTheChange is a powerful call to personal agency, action, and transformation rooted in the principles of Self-Efficacy, Neuroplasticity, and Relational Connection.

We live in a time where it’s easy to wait for someone else to step up, to fix things, to make the first move, to create change. We wait for systems to improve, for people to be kinder, for stress to simply disappear. And too often, we give up before we begin, telling ourselves: “How could one person like me possibly make a difference?”

Click on the website above to see how you can help and what action you could take.

This Year’s Theme: #BeTheChange

For over 30 years, Stress Awareness Month has had a different theme each year which reflects societal challenges.

For Stress Awareness Month 2026, we’re proud to introduce the theme:

#BeTheChange

"You be the Judge" links you to a number of criminal cases.

There is a video to watch for each of the different crimes that have been committed. These include:

• Fraud

• Possession of Drugs

• Possession of a Bladed Article

• Robbery

• Assault on an Emergency Worker

• Possession of a Firearm

You can review each case and then using all the facts available decide on the punishment that you would give for offence.

It will then reveal the actual sentence that the person received.

See if you agree or disagree with the sentencing.

Do you think it is fair? You be the judge!

But what is a Vision Board?

The website above explains what they are and how they might be useful in creating your own personal vision statement.

Below are some resources which might help you to focus on your careers aims.

We hope they are useful.

In the following sections are some resources aimed at different age groups.

We realise that talking about finance can be a very difficult and personal topic and the effect that having money worries can have on an individual.

They are marked with an image of Earth as above and are highlighted in green.

• How do Fundamental British Values support our community? Think about mutual respect and tolerance.

• What does community mean to you?

• How is your community perceived by non-members? Does this impact on you? Think about stereotyping and prejudice as well as any positives.

• Why is diversity important in a community?

• Are you aware of what sustainability is? Research social, economic, and environmental sustainability. 

Remember these could be because of geography, common values or shared interests.

2. You have a friend who has a speech impairment and sometimes you’re not sure what he said. To make things easier, you should pretend that you understand?

3. When you meet someone who is blind or visually impaired, you should introduce yourself to that person?

4. When communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is necessary to speak through an interpreter?

5. It’s safe to assume that people with disabilities usually need help?

6. It’s okay to gossip about people who are deaf, hard of hearing because they can’t hear you anyway?

7. People who use wheelchairs can’t go anyplace fun?

8. People with cerebral palsy usually have a cognitive disability, too?

9. People with disabilities want to be treated just like everyone else?

10. When you meet someone with a guide or companion dog, you should make friends with the dog first so that the dog is comfortable with you being nearby?

12. People with disabilities prefer to hang out with others who have disabilities?

13. Most public places such as cinemas and restaurants are easy for people who use wheelchairs to enjoy?

14. People with disabilities can’t dance?

15. It’s okay to ask people with disabilities about their disabilities?

16. People with disabilities can participate in competitive sports?

17. People with disabilities can’t live on their own when they grow up?

18. Disabilities are illnesses to be treated by medical professionals in the hope of a cure?

19. People can become disabled at any point in their lives?

20. Many people with disabilities feel their real disability involves problems with the environment rather than problems with their bodies?

The subjects covered include:

• Child Sexual Exploitation

• Domestic Abuse for both Women and Men

Over the past 2 years in particular it has gone from something which a few people had heard of, to becoming something which everyone has heard of.

Common Generative AI tools include ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini and Claude to name a few.

According to Wikipedia ,as of 2025, ChatGPT had emerged as the 4th most visited website globally, surpassed only by Google, YouTube and Facebook.

But is the rise of AI a good thing or a bad thing?

Here are some other questions you might want to consider:

• Does it make my life easier or harder?

• Does it provide as many opportunities as it does risks?

• Should we be running towards it or running away from it?

Below are some articles to raise your awareness of AI and what it might mean to you.

Please note: All of the articles below are produced by other organisations and do not represent any views of Access Training. They are provided to give you information about the subject of AI from different view points. Whether you think that AI is a good or bad thing is for you to decide.

How many of these did you know about?

You can read more about the remaining three Fundamental British Values by clicking above and accessing the Access Training Padlet on this topic.

We are all expected to follow them and understand that actions have consequences.

Rule of law implies that every citizen is subject to the law, including the law makers themselves.

This is different from a dictatorship where the rulers are held above the law.

At Access Training, we expect you to:

• understand the importance of laws and Access Training's' rules

• understand that actions have consequences

• take responsibility for your own behaviour

The top tip below is taken from the Open University careers website and shows how you can use GenAI in order to improve your careers and employability skills:

Think outside the box

When people think of AI and careers, they may think about using ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or similar tools to create a CV or write an application.

However, their use goes far beyond this.

Try using it to:

• Help you decide what career to pursue.

• Find out more about a career you are interested in.

• Pinpoint local organisations to contact with a speculative approach

• Review your applications whilst adopting the persona of a career coach

• Prepare for an upcoming interview

The link above will take you to the Open University website.

Sally Small

You can contact Sally on

0115 958 7257 or 07725 306006

or

sally.small@atem.co.uk