Hi there, thanks for replying.
The help layer for each slide is unique and contains prescriptive instructions for that specific slide, so unfortunately I cannot use the slide master approach. My initial efforts included a variable based approach with 1 variable for the entire deck and a button on the help layer to set the variable. If the variable is True, the Help Layer is visible when a slide starts (using timeline start logic) if the variable is false, then the layer is hidden unless the learner clicks the close icon for the help layer.
It sounds like this is the approach I am going to need to use.
Thanks again, J