What Makes Good Company Training Different?
- The Good Company People
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
At The Good Company People, we know that good support starts with people who feel confident, calm and well prepared.
That is why we invest in training that is human and practical. Our sessions are delivered in person by our dementia lead, Sue Hinds, and shaped by the experiences of our members and volunteers. The training is always evolving and always grounded in real life.
What Do We Cover?
Our training brings together core knowledge and everyday wisdom. Whether you are volunteering at a Club, supporting someone one to one, or hosting a Circle, we help you:
Understand what dementia is and how it can affect people differently
Build empathy and confidence through real examples, not just facts
Know what to do if someone’s behaviour changes
Hold clear boundaries while still being kind
Create spaces that feel welcoming rather than clinical
Look after yourself, because caring for others should never mean burning out
“It made me feel ready, not just trained. There’s a real difference.” – Volunteer Host
GEM States: A Fresh Perspective
At a recent training day, 27 team members, volunteers and members took part in a session exploring the GEM States model developed by dementia specialist Teepa Snow. It is a simple and respectful way of understanding the different ways dementia can show up. Instead of stages of decline, it focuses on changing strengths and abilities, like the qualities of different gemstones.
The session gave us a fresh way to think about how we support members. It reminded us that:
Everyone living with dementia still has value, capacity and personality
Our role is not to manage them, but to meet them where they are
Being flexible, curious and calm is often more helpful than being right
We will be turning some of this learning into short videos and practical resources to help more volunteers and families feel confident.
“The GEMs helped me see the person first again. Not just the behaviour.”
Training is on-going
Learning at Good Company does not stop after one session. We run regular short workshops, reflective learning sessions and peer get togethers. We also bring volunteers, members and staff together to shape what we do and what our training includes.
“I’ve done lots of training before, but this felt different. It felt like us.”
Why It Matters
Volunteers are at the heart of Good Company. From driving members to Clubs, to greeting people at the door or holding space for important conversations, they are the ones who make Good Company feel like home.
That is why our training is not about ticking boxes. It is about building confidence and connection so that people feel able to show up for each other with empathy, skill and care.
Whether you are new to volunteering or have been involved for years, there is always something to learn. And we would love to have you with us.
Want to know more or get involved? Email us at hello@thegoodcompanypeople.org or come along to one of our Clubs and see what we’re about.
Sue Hinds has been part of The Good Company People’s specialist advisory team since the very beginning. She is an HCPC registered Speech and Language Therapist with specialist expertise in adult mental health and dementia. Sue also leads her own organisation, Enriched Communication, which you can find out more about here.
