CHAPTER

FRIEND Programme

NAME OF ACTIVITY

Simulation Session

OBJECTIVE(S)

·      This activity aims to build the capacity of participants in using the FRIEND programme contents and activities.

METHODS

This activity of role play is best suited for a face-to-face environment. The method is a simulation exercise in which participants will prepare a session and test it in a simulated environment within their peers.

TIME ALLOCATED

5 hours

RESOURCES NEEDED

The main resource for this activity is the Manual of the FRIEND programme. Participants should read it before attending this session.

·      Annex 6 – Template for session plan

·      Pens

INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Group Division: Divide the participants into 7 groups.

2.     Session Assignment: Assign each group one session of the FRIEND Programme to study and prepare. They will implement a short version of the session to the audience (who will role-play as older adults). The groups have 1 hour to plan the session in a way that best suits the context. The simulation is to last for 30 minutes.

3.     Access to Resources: Provide access to the FRIEND Manual in paper or on digital devices available. Distribute the session plan template and blank sheets for the groups to work on. They will simulate an exercise for the assigned session without the use of computers or PowerPoint presentations.

4.     Group Presentations: Each group will present their session one at a time, with a 30-minute time limit.

5.     Group Discussion: After each “simulation session,” lead a group discussion to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. Feedback can focus on the facilitator’s role, attitude, and how the exercise was implemented, especially considering different cultural aspects.

6.     Feedback and Notes: Take notes on a board of the main topics raised by the groups, with a general “+” and “-” to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

REFERENCES

Manual of FRIEND Programme

CHAPTER

FRIEND Programme

NAME OF ACTIVITY

Tips and Tricks for FRIEND Facilitators

OBJECTIVE(S)

·      This activity aims to enhance the participants’ confidence in using FRIEND and to create a sense of collectiveness by sharing and exchanging tips and recommendations for the implementation of the sessions.

METHODS

This activity can be implemented online or offline, but it is very much connected to the previous one, so it should be organised subsequently.

The method used will be world cafe and cross-fertilization[1].

TIME ALLOCATED

1 hour

RESOURCES NEEDED

·      The main resource for this activity is the Manual of the FRIEND Programme. Participants should read it before attending this session.

·      7 flipchart papers with written text: i) Name of the session (write 1,2,3,4, and so on, on each paper); Practical tips to implement the session; Any challenges you envisage.

·      Markers

INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Prepare Material: Prepare the flipchart papers in advance, writing down the necessary items: session number, practical tips for implementation, and potential challenges ahead. Place each flipchart paper over a table and distribute markers on each table.

2.     Distribute Participants: Distribute participants per table, keeping the same groups as the previous activity.

3.     Group Work – Tips and Challenges: Each group will write down their tips for implementing the session they simulated, based on their preparation or the testing experience. The group should also highlight specific challenges for the session. Allow 15 minutes for this.

4.     Cross-Fertilization – Move to Next Table: Ask participants to move to the next table on the right. The new group will work on the flipchart paper already filled by the previous group and add any new ideas based on their experience as “participants receiving the session.” Give 15 minutes for this. If you feel this is too much time, you can add another round of this cross-fertilization stage.

5.     Return to Original Session: Ask groups to return to their original session (the one they planned and tested) and nominate a speaker to present the conclusions they have drawn from their flipchart.

6.     Sharing Conclusions: All group speakers will share the conclusions, enhancing all participants’ confidence in the tips they can take for implementation. This should take around 30 minutes, including discussions.

7.     Take Pictures: Remember to take pictures of the final results to share with participants afterward.

REFERENCES

Manual of the FRIEND programme