On December 10th and 11th, Wenman Healthcare of Barford, Warwick hosted two free training workshops for organisations across the region that provide advice to the public on independent living.

Twenty-four learners attended the two, one-day, information-packed Level Two accredited courses, delivered by Trusted Assessing and Care Training (TACT), a leading national provider.

All TACT trainers are Occupational Therapists (OTs) with extensive expertise in equipment and home adaptations, and they continue to support learners with the written assignment required to complete the qualification.

Attendees importantly represented a broad spectrum of local services, including NHS social prescribers, district housing teams, regional disability and carer charities, and homecare providers who also benefited from the opportunity to network with peers. We estimate the programme will help 100+ residents every day who receive advice from these organisations all year round —demonstrating the potential significant regional impact this training would have if rolled out more widely.

Wenman Healthcare, based in Warwick, has been established for over 40 years and is a family-run business with an independent living centre. Set in an idyllic rural location, their showroom and training suite offer a substantial regional resource, providing members of the public with year-round access to a wide range of products they can explore and test. Their Trusted Assessors offer free home assessments to ensure local residents receive tailored, practical advice and can live as safely and independently as possible.

One learner from a local housing team commented, “The course was well delivered and clear, with a good balance of breaks and learning. The information was extremely useful,” another charity adviser stated “It was a great course and relevant”.

Participants reported a clear increase in their confidence when supporting older and disabled people. The course covered common health conditions, how local health and social care systems operate, communication skills, and key risk factors. Learners also explored a wide range of independent living equipment and typical solutions used across the region.

Confidence in the topic of independent living equipment rose from 52% being fairly or very confident pre-course to 100% afterwards. Learners reported that the most common methods that they provide advice to the public in their roles were telephone, face to face, email, web, letters and social media (listed in ranked order).

Both Wenman Healthcare and TACT were delighted with the outcomes.

“We are passionate about improving access to much-needed equipment, and upskilling people working locally is one of the best ways to ensure residents get timely, accurate advice. Navigating the regional landscape of aids, equipment, and adaptations can be challenging, and understanding what’s available and how to access it can speed things up immeasurably,” said Clare Barber, Director and OT at TACT.

Ian Wenman, Managing Director at Wenman Healthcare, added:
“People often aren’t aware of their entitlement to a needs-based assessment for equipment and home adaptations. This can ensure essential equipment is delivered to their home. They often struggle to know what equipment is relevant and helpful to a particular health condition. Families frequently want to explore additional items, and they can try a wide range—without obligation—by visiting our showroom. Our Trusted Assessors identify what’s needed and provide impartial advice, as well as providing a free home visit when required.”

Regular training courses take place in Wenman’s on-site Training Suite, where learners can get hands-on experience with a variety of equipment, practising the practical skills needed to tailor solutions effectively. These include Equipment Refreshers for OTs and national Trusted Assessor qualifications, all delivered by TACT.

Dates for 2026 are available on our website and below are a selection of upcoming dates for 2026:

 Trusted Assessor: Assessing for Minor Adaptations (level three)  

  • April 27th & 28th, Warwick
  • December 7th & 8th, Warwick

 Trusted Assessor: Assessing for Minor Adaptations Refresher   

  • October 19th, Warwick

 Trusted Assessor: Assessing and Adapting the Home (level four) 

  • February 10th & 11th, Warwick
  • June 23rd & 24th, Warwick

 Trusted Advisor: Triaging and Advising on Independent Living (level two) 

  • November 16th, Warwick

 Equipment Refresher for OTs 

  • September 14th, Warwick

To find out more about working in partnership with TACT, please phone or email us or complete our webform.