Careerforce has collaborated with the Ministry of Health to create five learning modules with useful advice on how to
support family and whānau during the pandemic, and halt the spread of COVID-19.
Careerforce is the industry training organisation (ITO) for the broader health and wellbeing sectors and develops course
materials that the health and disability workforce use to gain their formal qualifications.
“As we recognised the severity of COVID-19, and the impact that it would have not only on the health workforce, but on
the general New Zealand public as well, we considered what we could do as an organisation to contribute. The development
of specific and immediate learning resources, and making these freely available seemed the best option,” says
Careerforce CEO, Jane Wenman.
Careerforce made an approach to the Ministry of Health to offer support in the form of such learning resources, that
would support the rapid learning and upskilling of COVID-19 related skills and competencies. The Ministry responded
enthusiastically.
Content was based on existing course materials and updated following collaboration with the Ministry of Health to
contain the latest information relating to COVID-19.
The following five modules are now freely available for all to access on the Ministry of Health’s LearnOnline portal:Cleaning your hands
Hands are one of the most common ways to spread germs. This module explains how to practise good hand hygiene and break
the cycle of infection.Stop the spread of COVID-19
There are several different ways COVID-19 can spread. This module explains what can be done to stop it.Caring for a person with COVID-19 at home
This module explains what to do if a family/whānau member is suspected of having COVID-19.Helping others with their personal care needs
This module provides information for instances where individuals may need to provide personal care to a family/whānau
member or person in their bubble who they wouldn’t normally need to help.Working as a caregiver in your home
This module provides ideas for instances where individuals may be asked to step in for regular caregivers to
family/whānau members and to assist them with things that are outside their comfort zone.
An additional resource, especially for families, is also available on the Careerforce website.Helping family cope in unusual times
This module is designed to support family/whānau and help them cope with emotions, moods and unexpected situations.
The modules have been developed with a very broad audience in mind, and offer practical advice that can be used at any
point, not just during the COVID-19 environment.