Each week on the course you will look at a different aspect of self management from healthy eating, exercise and relaxation to pacing, goal setting and problem solving. The course also teaches useful skills to help you communicate better with family, friends, colleagues and your health care professionals.
Each week everyone will have the chance to contribute their ideas during the ‘freethink’ session; there will be information on the topic and a practical exercise, as well as time to have a cuppa and chat with the group. You will be invited to practice what you've learnt at home to help you find out what small behavioural changes will benefit you the most.
Whether you participate in a community programme or the online course, one of the most enjoyable aspects is getting out and meeting other people who are going through some of the same things as you.
Everyone participating in the programme will have first-hand experience of what it is like to live with a long-term condition. This means you can rely on a supportive and understanding peer group. There’s usually around 12-16 people on a course.
Of course, it can be a bit daunting at first to join a group, especially if your condition has kept you isolated for a while. But the tutors know how it feels to be new, and possibly a bit nervous, and they will do all they can to help you feel at ease and feel a part of the group.
In fact, all of our trained tutors have a long-term condition themselves. So they understand the challenges you may face and are able to talk to you in plain English. Most people find that by week 2 they can’t wait to get back to the group, share their experiences and learn some more!
Course times vary depending on the programme but most are around 6 weeks long.
