Orchard Rock Training

08/10/2025

We’re all set up at the Birmingham Care Show today and tomorrow! 🎉 Come and find us at Stand N24 to chat all things face-to-face training in Health & Social Care 👋

Whether you’re looking for First Aid, Medication, Behaviour Management, or bespoke training packages, our expert trainers are here to help you raise the standard in care 💙

Pop by for a chat, grab some freebies, and see what makes Orchard Rock Training stand out! 🍏✨

18/09/2025

Today’s session was less “lecture theatre” and more “MasterChef: Dysphagia Edition.” Armed with thickeners, recipe cards and a lot of spoons, I joined the kitchen team to deliver an Orchard Rock practical on safer swallowing.

We started by talking about why dysphagia awareness is so important. It is not just about avoiding the occasional cough or splutter. If food or drink goes down the wrong way it can cause aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration and serious choking risks. The key message: texture modification saves lives.

Out came the IDDSI framework, which standardises food and drink textures worldwide. Forget vague descriptions like “soft” or “mushy.” We work with Levels. From Level 4 Puréed through to Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized and beyond, each one has clear testing methods. And that is where the fun began.

The kitchen soon turned into a testing lab. There were slide tests, fork drips, spoon tilts and a lot of concentration. At one point I joked, “Who knew mashed carrot could be a science experiment?” The group laughed, but they got the point. It is about consistency, safety and dignity.

The chefs plated up beautiful examples. Level 5 Minced & Moist veg that actually looked appealing, and layered salads that could have passed for a restaurant starter. One team member proudly held up a plate with neat rows of tomato, egg and avocado, grinning like they were on the telly. Another dish came out looking like a cottage pie you’d happily order in a pub – only it was IDDSI Level 6 compliant.

By the end of the session, the table was full of labelled plates at different IDDSI levels. It looked like a food festival with a twist. And that was the point. Dysphagia meals do not have to look unappetising. With the right knowledge, carers and cooks can prepare food that is safe, nutritious and still a joy to eat.

As we packed up, one of the staff said, “I’ll never look at mashed potato the same way again.” I smiled, mission accomplished. Another team now trained to turn daily mealtimes into safe and dignified experiences. And all it took was some thickeners, teamwork and a lot of taste testing.

Book your training today.

📱01706 375578
✉️bookings@orchardrock.com
🌐www.orchardrock.com

11/09/2025

💚Partnership news!💙
We’re honoured to be working alongside Bradford Care Association as their newest training partner.

✨Here’s to delivering engaging, high-quality courses that truly make a difference! ✨

🌟 We’re excited to welcome Orchard Rock Training as our newest BCA partner!

With over 19 years of award-winning experience, Orchard Rock offers high-quality face-to-face and virtual training courses tailored to the care sector. 🧠💬

🎓 From compliance and clinical courses to mental health and management, their expert trainers deliver engaging sessions that make a real difference.

💥 Exclusive for BCA Members: enjoy 10% off all courses – just mention your BCA membership when booking!

https://www.orchardrock.com/

10/09/2025

💛Today is World Su***de Prevention Day💛

It’s a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health, and that none of us should ever feel we have to struggle alone.

At Orchard Rock, we’re committed to creating safer, more supportive environments – both in care settings and within our local community. Through the right training, staff can feel confident to spot the signs, start the conversation, and know how to offer help when it’s needed most.

We offer face-to-face courses including Mental Health Awareness, Stress & Resilience, and Positive Behaviour Support, designed to give teams practical tools that make a real difference in everyday care.

Together, we can raise awareness, support one another, and play our part in su***de prevention.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

05/09/2025

💚Today is the International Day of Charity💙

At Orchard Rock, we believe care is at its best when it’s given with compassion, kindness, and a willingness to go the extra mile. We’re proud to support our local communities and continue raising standards in care – because even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.

01/09/2025

Hello September 🍂

A fresh month, a fresh focus on raising standards in care. Let’s make this month about growth, learning, and supporting those who need us most. Face-to-face training that makes a real difference – that’s the Orchard Rock way.

31/08/2025

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day

A reminder that every life matters. In care, knowing how to spot the signs, respond in an emergency and support vulnerable people can make all the difference.

At Orchard Rock Training, we deliver face-to-face courses that give care teams the skills and confidence to act when it matters most, including:
✅ Emergency First Aid at Work
✅ First Aid for Mental Health
✅ Medication Awareness
✅ Substance Misuse
✅ Basic Life Support & CPR

Training saves lives – let’s raise standards in care together. 💜

28/08/2025

🔥 Fire safety saves lives – and preparation is key🔥

At Orchard Rock, we deliver face-to-face Fire Marshal and Fire Safety training designed for care homes and health & social care teams.
Because when every second counts, your staff need the knowledge and confidence to act.

👉 Book your training today at bookings@orchardrock.com

22/08/2025

I honestly love being a freelance trainer with Orchard Rock. The biggest thing for me is the freedom. I’ve got complete control over my diary, which means I can work as much or as little as I want. If I need a day off, I just take it. No having to beg for holiday time or shuffle around shifts, which is such a relief.

I also get to travel all over the UK, which I never expected to enjoy as much as I do. One week I might be in a little care home in the countryside, the next I’m in the middle of a busy city running a course for a big team. It keeps things interesting and I’ve seen places I’d probably never have gone to otherwise.

The people make it too. Every group is different, and I love meeting new learners. You get so many stories, so much variety, and it never feels repetitive. It’s great walking away from a session knowing I’ve made a difference, and half the time I learn something new myself.

And let’s be honest, the pay is really good. It feels like my time and skills are properly valued here, which hasn’t always been the case in other jobs. On top of that, Orchard Rock are brilliant to work with. The support is always there if I need it, but at the same time I’ve got the independence I wanted.

For me it’s the best of both worlds. I get flexibility, variety, great pay, and the chance to meet amazing people. I feel genuinely proud to be part of Orchard Rock.

09/08/2025

🌟 Hear it from the people who matter most — our learners!

At Orchard Rock, we believe great training doesn’t come from textbooks alone. That’s why all of our sessions are led by trainers with real hands-on experience in the care sector. They bring genuine stories, relatable examples, and practical solutions that make learning relevant — not just theoretical.

Whether it’s medication, moving and handling, or managing behaviours, our courses are packed with real-world insight that helps staff feel more confident and better equipped for everyday challenges.

📅 Book your in-house training with Orchard Rock today — because great care starts with great training.

www.orchardrock.com
Bookings@orchardrock.com

08/08/2025

Ever feel like you're juggling fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and medication admin all at once? 🎪💊🔥 At Orchard Rock, we take the complexity out of care training. From fire marshal to syringe driver, our expert trainers deliver engaging, practical sessions that give your team the confidence to care safely.

📅 Book your in-house training today — because you’ve got enough to juggle!

www.orchardrock.com
bookings@orchardrock.com

01/08/2025

Hello August! 🌞
A new month brings new opportunities to grow, learn, and support those who need us most. As the countdown to a new school and care season begins, now’s the perfect time to refresh your team’s skills.

From behaviour management to autism awareness, let’s make this month about progress, confidence, and compassionate care. 💙

📅 Ready to book your next training? We’re here to help: www.orchardrock.com